April is National Volunteer Month, which honors volunteers and encourages others to get involved in the greater good.

“PPAI would be a shadow of what it is today without its volunteers and the effort, time and expertise they commit to the betterment of the promotional products industry and the Association,” says Kathlene Brethowr, PPAI volunteer programs coordinator, “and measuring the impact PPAI’s volunteers have on the industry would be almost impossible.”

From the work and advisory groups to the committees and the PPAI board, the Association’s volunteers advocate for the promotional products industry through recognition, technology, professional development, research, government relations and much more. These accomplishments come through close collaboration between volunteers and PPAI staff members.

“Volunteers are the backbone of PPAI,” adds Brethowr. “Whether it be providing feedback on hot topics for webinars, the latest technology in the industry, or recognizing industry leaders qualified for the PPAI board, they provide a different insight into the industry that we at PPAI might not have. In return, we can provide knowledge and resources that allow promotional product companies and the industry to thrive.”

PPAI has more than 500 industry volunteers engaged with the Association. Currently, 164 industry volunteers serve on committees, advisory groups, work groups or the PPAI board. This involvement asks a commitment of up to four years. The rest of the Association volunteers participate throughout the year on smaller-scale projects to better the industry.

To become more involved with PPAI, industry members can visit www.ppai.org/volunteer and fill out a volunteer profile. The Association uses these profiles to assign committee or advisory group members each year. There are many ways an industry professional can volunteer their time and talents. For questions, contact Brethower at kathleneb@ppai.org or 972-258-3069.