Deanna LandersFounder and Chairman of the Board| Project Managers Without BordersDenver, Co, United States
George and Navdeep,
You make great points: That project management experience is key and that it is the concepts that one needs experience with in order to make a difference. Seeing project management as a life skill, and teaching the concepts to children, of any age, should be a goal in our society.
Paul PelletierProject management key note speaker, author, corporate lawyer, and executive| Paul Pelletier Consulting Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
I have been fortunate to have worked in large justice sector projects on behalf of the United Nations, US AID and the Canadian International Development Agency.
These projects were designed to provide strategic and sustainable support and assistance to justice system initiatives in African countries. They were, without doubt, the most interesting, fulfilling and impactful projects I have ever done. I learned as much from my African colleagues as they might have learned from me.
I can't stress enough how much our skills are required in the developing world. As a profession, we have the capacity to make profound positive impact! Saving Changes...
Paul PelletierProject management key note speaker, author, corporate lawyer, and executive| Paul Pelletier Consulting Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Closer to home, I've been honored to be a volunteer on PMI's Ethics Member Advisory Group. The global team of volunteers has done some great work expanding awareness regarding our professional conduct and ethical obligations as PMPs. We've also created some very useful tools to assist when a PMP is confronted with a possible ethical dilemma.
My work with PMI has been incredibly enjoyable and I've managed to meet people from all of the world. Later in July, I will have the privilege of hosting a webinar for PMI on Bullying in Project Management.
There are so many ways we can contribute to the better good and help both our profession and ourselves grow. Saving Changes...
Michael AdamsSolutions Architect| LANLLos Alamos, Nm, United States
Hi Deanna,
What a great question. I never think about this, but your question made me pause and consider.
At first, I didn't think I do much along those lines, but then I realized that a lot of my spare/volunteer time, goes to our local PMI chapter, where I serve as President Elect.
I volunteered to serve on the board after failing my PMP exam a few years ago, and passed successfully last July.
As a PMI chapter board member, I have produced three highly successful PMP Prep classes, with a fair number of students passing the PMP exam.
As president elect, I have focused on expanding PMI's presence in New Mexico. We're half way through a pilot PMP Prep class in another city, and I'm managing the production of a Nov. 4 International Project Management Day in Santa Fe, which will have fantastic speakers and workshops.
I've reached out to our local community college, and am working with them to promote PMI methodology, and our chapter has initiated a "community assets" program, where we pair an experienced PM with a non-profit organization to provide PM mentor ship.
I gave a presentation at the 2015 Region 7 Leadership Summit on using PM education as an effective chapter marketing tool.
So in the end, I think that my volunteer work for PMI definitely counts as using my PM knowledge for the greater good. In the last 2-1/2 years, I've effectively been involved with educating almost 100 PMs with PMI methodology. I've supported PMI mentor ship for non-profit organizations, I've worked to expand PMI chapter availability to three new cities in Northern New Mexico. Saving Changes...
Deanna LandersFounder and Chairman of the Board| Project Managers Without BordersDenver, Co, United States
Paul and Michael,
Absolutely, PMI volunteering is contributing to the greater good! When we help others improve their project management skills, give them opportunities to learn more about the profession, and when we reach out to those in need, supporting humanitarian endeavors, we are making a difference!
In fact, many PMI Chapters are engaged in specific humanitarian efforts, that partner with nonprofit organizations to leverage project managment to lead to positive change in the community.
For example:
- The PMI Valencia Spain Chapter has honored organizations for their project management in the social sector.
- Since 2008, the PMI Mumbai Chapter has been helping to build the capacity of grass roots NGOs through project management training.
- Since the summer of 2013, the Ocean State PMI chapter in Rhode Island, USA, has successfully run a volunteer program aimed at providing project management mentoring to non-profit, humanitarian organizations within the community.
I'm proud to be involved in an organization that supports such an important profession, and shares that knowledge with those who need it. Saving Changes...
I'm curious whether PMs are using their project management skills and experience for humanitarian purposes, outside their regular job scope. And on top of that, in that role, are you doing, teaching, or both? Thanks!
Hi Deanna, I'm fortunate in that I am able to use many of the project management related skills I've accumulated over the years (strategic planning, risk management, leadership skills, negotiation skills, speaking skills, goal setting, task breakdown, volunteer recruiting and management skills,...) in the non-profit organization I helped to found in 2008. The organization is Wells Bring Hope (www.wellsbringhope.org). We drill wells in Niger, West Africa, one of the poorest countries in the world. I am a member of the Advisory BOD and Director of Volunteer Management. It took a lot of persuasion, but over the years I've implemented some good business and project management methodology into our organization. And I am absolutely certain this has made us the successful organization we have become (436 wells drilled in 435 villages, helping about 450,000 villagers).
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1 reply by Deanna Landers
Dec 31, 2016 9:10 AM
Deanna Landers
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Hi Ida. You're doing some wonderful work, applying the project management skills you've gained in your career to humanitarian efforts - what a tremendous impact you've had! Thank you for your efforts and success in making the world a better place through project management!
I have also used my planning skills and volunteer management skills for Cancer Support Community, Benjamin Center. Success is in the Details! Saving Changes...
Deanna LandersFounder and Chairman of the Board| Project Managers Without BordersDenver, Co, United States
Dec 30, 2016 6:43 PM
Replying to Ida Harding
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Hi Deanna, I'm fortunate in that I am able to use many of the project management related skills I've accumulated over the years (strategic planning, risk management, leadership skills, negotiation skills, speaking skills, goal setting, task breakdown, volunteer recruiting and management skills,...) in the non-profit organization I helped to found in 2008. The organization is Wells Bring Hope (www.wellsbringhope.org). We drill wells in Niger, West Africa, one of the poorest countries in the world. I am a member of the Advisory BOD and Director of Volunteer Management. It took a lot of persuasion, but over the years I've implemented some good business and project management methodology into our organization. And I am absolutely certain this has made us the successful organization we have become (436 wells drilled in 435 villages, helping about 450,000 villagers).
Hi Ida. You're doing some wonderful work, applying the project management skills you've gained in your career to humanitarian efforts - what a tremendous impact you've had! Thank you for your efforts and success in making the world a better place through project management! Saving Changes...
