On the Frontlines: Give Back Through Volunteering

Our volunteer community is the backbone of The IIA — they play an instrumental role in our ability to support practitioners around the world and guide the internal audit profession forward. We are an incredibly diverse organization spanning 245,000 members around the world, and an association of such magnitude and responsibility is powered by the hard work and commitment of its members.

Volunteering is an extremely impactful way for practitioners and IIA members to contribute to the internal audit profession broadly. Each year more than 200 members serve in volunteer roles, and many more donate their time and expertise by writing articles and blogs, developing questions for the CIA Exam, and speaking at IIA and chapter conferences. All these opportunities allow members to network and build strong working relationships with other key leaders and experts within the profession on a local, regional, and global level.

One of the most important roles that volunteers play is by providing expert advice and counsel for The IIA’s board and leadership team by serving on advisory councils and committees. Through this work, volunteers help The IIA’s leadership and board develop effective strategies and initiatives that are aligned with the needs and goals of the profession broadly. They also play an invaluable role in helping to elevate and implement internal audit standards within their own chapters and ensure members have the resources and guidance they need to provide value to stakeholders within their organizations.  

In addition to serving on boards and committees, volunteers can support The IIA’s advocacy efforts to raise the profile of the association and the profession broadly to external communities. For example, volunteers are encouraged to support local networking events and lead communication and social media efforts for their local chapters.

More broadly, the many benefits of volunteering include professional development, making new acquaintances, and having a greater sense of purpose. Studies have also repeatedly demonstrated that volunteering is correlated to better mental and physical health.

The IIA is currently seeking enthusiastic members to fill volunteer leadership roles, including committee, council, and board positions at the Institute. The nomination period for the 2025-2026 volunteer positions is open now through Nov. 4. IIA members may nominate their fellow members or self-nominate on The IIA's website.