Cover Stories: The Advantages of Volunteerism
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Some of the most dedicated and productive security professionals I know also volunteer their time to industry associations and other community causes. In a recent article, Winston Stewart offered his advice on how to get involved.
- Neil Sutton, Editor

The security industry is built on trust, professionalism and a shared commitment to keeping people and businesses safe.

But beyond our core responsibilities, there’s another powerful way we can contribute: volunteerism. Across Canada, security professionals at all levels — frontline guards, supervisors and executives — give their time to industry associations, mentorship programs and community safety initiatives. Contributing an article to Canadian Security is also a form of volunteerism, by sharing insights and expertise to help elevate the profession as a whole.

As someone who has volunteered with the Association of Professional Security Agencies (APSA) for more than five years — first as a member, then vice-president, and now director at large — I’ve seen firsthand how volunteerism strengthens not just individual careers, but the entire industry. Other organizations like ASIS International and the Canadian Security Lifesaver Association offer security professionals opportunities to learn, network and give back. Despite these benefits, our industry doesn’t always do enough to encourage individuals to invest their time in volunteer work. That needs to change.

Why volunteer?

Security professionals operate in a dynamic and evolving field. New technologies, emerging threats and regulatory changes mean that continuous learning and strong professional networks are crucial for success.

Volunteer roles often provide exposure to industry trends, best practices and emerging challenges. Serving on a committee, organizing events or participating in mentorship programs offers hands-on learning opportunities that go beyond traditional training. It’s one thing to attend a security seminar; it’s another to help organize one from the ground up and engage directly with experts in the field.

Relationships matter in security. Whether you’re a frontline guard looking to move into a management role or a senior executive seeking partnerships, the connections made through volunteer work can be invaluable. Industry groups bring together professionals from different sectors — corporate security, law enforcement, cybersecurity — creating opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.

The security profession thrives when experienced professionals share their knowledge. By mentoring new security guards, supporting industry initiatives, or advocating for better standards, volunteers contribute to the long-term success of our field. Security is often an underappreciated profession, but when we come together to elevate standards and public awareness, we reinforce the value of our work.

Encouraging a culture of volunteerism

Despite the clear benefits, many security professionals hesitate to volunteer due to time constraints or a lack of awareness about available opportunities. Organizations — both employers and industry groups — can take a variety of proactive steps to encourage participation. Security companies should highlight volunteer opportunities in staff communications and encourage team members to get involved.

Recognizing employees who volunteer can also help set an example for others. Employers can make it easier for staff to volunteer by offering flexible scheduling, paid volunteer hours or sponsorships for industry events. Investing in employee development through volunteer work benefits both the individual and the company. And sharing testimonials from security professionals who have gained skills, career growth or personal fulfillment through volunteer work can inspire others to participate.

Volunteerism isn’t just a personal or professional benefit — it’s a responsibility. As security leaders, we must set the tone by actively engaging in industry organizations and encouraging our teams to do the same. My own involvement with APSA has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to contribute to industry advocacy, support professional development initiatives and build lasting connections with other security professionals. But I’m just one of many in this field who recognize the value of giving back.

When more security professionals volunteer, our industry becomes stronger, more connected and better prepared for the future.

It’s time we start viewing volunteerism not as an extra commitment, but as an essential part of professional growth and industry advancement.

Winston Stewart is the president and CEO of Wincon Security (www.wincon-security.com).