10 Tips for Filling Volunteer Vacancies in BDPA

Guest Blogger: Dalric Webb (BDPA Cincinnati president-elect)

Recently, I took it upon myself to try and “connect the dots” and close the gap between vacancies in our local chapter board of directors and potential volunteers who expressed an interest in working within the chapter framework toward the goals of the organization. The individuals who expressed interest were all identified at our regular monthly program meetings but they could also come from any online community such as Groupsite, Facebook, LinkedIn Network, Pinterest or Twitter.
The guiding principle is simple -- Ask the question (“Would you consider taking a role in the chapter”) and then follow-up with those who answer, ‘Yes’!

Here are some pointers that can help us identify talented volunteer leaders for BDPA at local, regional or national level.  BDPA leaders seeking to fill volunteer vacancies:

1. Should have a personal and demonstrated desire to serve the organization.
2. Must have a vision for the future – and be able to articulate it. This vision needs to align with the BDPA purpose.
3. Should be able to point potential volunteers to a stable location (preferably online) that details the expectations of each role and which roles are vacant.
4. Must be familiar with each vacancy.
5. Must be able to listen to the expressed interest of the potential volunteer in order to suggest one or two open vacancies for their consideration (demonstrating that they have listened and heard the potential volunteer).
6. Must follow-up – this is CRITICAL.
7. Should expect several rounds of interaction; email exchanges, phone calls or face-to-face meetings to occur before the potential volunteer actually commits to filling a vacancy.
8. Should stay engaged with the potential volunteer – build a relationship and rapport.
9. Should follow-up after confirmation of acceptance with a public announcement and publication of the volunteer being appointed or accepting the new leadership role.
10. Should integrate the new volunteer into all planning and communication sessions (depending on the persons level of interest, this can start prior to actually appointment/acceptance).

This effort has to be personal! People don’t join BDPA for the benefits … they join for the relationship. It starts with the person making ‘the ask’. That leader needs to convey what they feel, believe, and want to build in BDPA with the potential volunteer.

Dalric Webb, president (2014-2015)
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter

Tech Expresso Cafe: National BDPA President-Elect Dr. Craig Brown (Dec 12, 2013)

National BDPA president-elect Dr. Craig Brown shares his vision for BDPA as he takes over the presidency for 2014-2015. The main thrust of his vision is to transform the organization to make it more relevant for our members, sponsors and community. Many refer to this strategic direction as 'BDPA 2.0'. Craig shares some of the specific ideas and concepts that will take place over the coming weeks and month with the Tech Expresso Cafe podcast audience.

We hope you enjoy this podcast!

Discover Technology Internet Radio with Tech Expresso Cafe on BlogTalkRadio

HP Corporate Foundation

HP Corporate Foundation provides grants to U.S. universities, low-income and ethnically diverse K-12 school districts, national non-profit organizations that align with HP's goals to increase achievement in math and science, and under-served communities working to address their most pressing issues through reinvention and collaboration. HP only accepts grant proposals by invitation.

HP supports kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education programs that enhance math, science, reading, and computer skills; professional development activities that emphasize teachers using technology as a tool in the classroom; or programs that provide educational enrichment and assistance to students before, during or after school (for example - homework centers, mentoring, or science programs). HP also supports programs and partnerships that are national or regional in scope.

Email mailto:philanthropy_ed@hp.com for more information.

Election Results: BDPA St. Louis (2014-2015)

BDPA St. Louis chapter has a powerful legacy that has grown since its founding in January 1989. The chapter recently concluded elections that put in place those brothers and sisters who will take BDPA St. Louis chapter to the next level in 2014-2015. The following officers were elected in accordance with chapter bylaws:

President - Dwana Franklin-Davis (MasterCard) 

Executive Vice President - Jerry Walker (Nestle Purina) 

Vice President, Finance - Marvis Hollis (Macy's) 

  Vice President, Membership Management- Lionel Phillips (IBM) 

Vice President, Strategy & Planning - Malcom Mathis, (Monsanto) 

Other appointed leaders in the chapter include:

• HSCC Coordinator - Tiffany Jones (Monsanto)
• Communications Coordinator - Tiffany Pierre (Unknown)

Please join all of BDPA in welcoming these new leaders as they strive to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from the classroom to the boardroom in the state of Missouri. They have some large shoes to fill ... however, the chapter also has some powerful corporate support and it currently stands as the 11th-largest BDPA chapter in the nation.

STEM Attrition: College Students' Paths Into and Out of STEM Fields

Recent report issued by the National Center for Education Statistics tells us that students majoring in STEM fields are roughly as likely as their non-STEM peers to drop out of their majors. This is important information for BDPA stakeholders to consider as we continue to implement our nationwide Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program.

Read More!

Blacks In Technology Podcast #47: 'How To Raise a Coder'

Blacks In Technology (BIT) is an organization whose focus is to increase visibility, increase participation and change the perceptions of African Americans in the technology field. They host regular podcasts to showcase technologists and engineers.

The 47th podcast in the series is geared towards parents of young people who are engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. The title of BIT Tech Talk #47 is "How To Raise a Coder".



BDPA Education and Technology Foundation is proud to share this podcast with those in our cyber-sphere of influence!

Dell Scholarship Program -- Deadline: January 15, 2014

While many students dream of obtaining a college degree, life sometimes gets in the way, particularly for those dealing with personal responsibilities at home or in their communities. The Dell Scholars college scholarship program, an initiative of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, recognizes students who have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their educations.

Visit Planning and Preparing for College (Scholarships, Internships, Etc) for additional information on scholarships and internships.