Volunteering 101
Volunteering 101 was an initiative by the IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka Section, designed to empower aspiring volunteers with practical skills, knowledge, and experiences essential for professional and personal growth. Conducted in two phases, the programme focused on developing capabilities in event management, financial discipline, people management, communication, public speaking, branding, and design.
Event Overview
Volunteering 101 was organized by the IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka Section with the aim of strengthening the capabilities of current and aspiring volunteers. The initiative went beyond theoretical learning by encouraging participants to apply newly acquired skills through interactive activities, group exercises, presentations, and practical challenges.
The first phase focused on programme excellence and event management, introducing participants to effective planning, teamwork, event objectives, timelines, and speaker selection. Participants also had the opportunity to work collaboratively within their Young Professionals project teams and develop plans for their respective events.
The second phase expanded the learning experience into areas including funding and budgeting, secretarial and people management, public speaking, communication, branding, and design. Through a combination of expert-led sessions and hands-on activities, participants were encouraged to take ownership, communicate effectively, and contribute confidently to the success of IEEE initiatives.
Key Highlights
Programme Excellence & Event Management
The first phase commenced with an insightful session on programme excellence and event management, conducted by Mr. Shakil Afreen, Vice Chair of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka.
Participants worked collaboratively within their Young Professionals project teams to develop plans for their respective events within a 30-minute challenge. Their plans covered key areas such as event objectives, expected outcomes, timelines, and speaker selection.
The session concluded with an inspiring message on collaboration and ownership, encouraging participants to take responsibility and contribute their strengths towards achieving successful outcomes.
Funding, Budgeting & Financial Discipline
The second phase began with a session on responsible financial management. Mr. Kavinga Ekanayaka, Chair-Elect of IEEE Sri Lanka Section, highlighted the importance of responsible management of IEEE funds. Through real-world examples, he demonstrated how sound financial practices can create greater opportunities, while poor financial management can affect rebates and organizational credibility.
The session also highlighted the strong financial reputation of the IEEE Sri Lanka Section and encouraged future volunteers to maintain and strengthen this standard. The financial segment was continued by Mr. Sasanka Weerakoon, Treasurer of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka.
Secretarial & People Management
The programme also explored the importance of effective secretarial and people management through sessions conducted by Ms. Tharaka Munasinghe from IEEE R10 Young Professionals and Ms. Vismini Amarasinghe, Secretary of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka.
Ms. Munasinghe discussed why meetings can often become challenging, including the impact of cognitive overload. She introduced participants to the essential components of an effective meeting and explained how to properly document meeting minutes and prepare successful project proposals.
Participants then took part in an interactive 30-second project pitch, where each Young Professionals national project group presented its allocated project. Ms. Amarasinghe focused on the responsibilities of a secretary, including reporting activities, progress, managing communication, and common pitfall pitfalls to avoid.
Public Speaking & Communication
Mr. Manodya Nabadawewa, Assistant Treasurer of IEEE Sri Lanka Section, conducted an engaging session on public speaking and communication. The session addressed common challenges such as stage fright, language barriers, and facing an audience.
Participants were challenged to deliver an impromptu 30-second speech about IEEE and used AI to prepare a speech introducing the IEEE Sri Lanka Section awards before taking part in reading and speaking exercises. An online 16-personality-types activity was also incorporated to explore communication styles.
Designing & Branding Excellence
The programme concluded its learning journey with a session on designing and branding excellence, conducted by Mr. Sachintha Wickramasinghe, Editor of IEEE Sri Lanka Section, and Mr. Senith Edirisinghe, Editor of IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka.
Participants explored essential elements of flyer design, anatomy, grids, typography, spacing, colour contrast, branding logos, QR codes, and platforms like Pinterest for creative inspiration.
Speakers & Guests
The programme featured experienced IEEE volunteers and leaders who shared practical knowledge and insights across different areas of volunteering and professional development:
• Mr. Shakil Afreen – Vice Chair, IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka
• Mr. Kavinga Ekanayaka – Chair-Elect, IEEE Sri Lanka Section
• Mr. Sasanka Weerakoon – Treasurer, IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka
• Ms. Tharaka Munasinghe – IEEE R10 Young Professionals
• Ms. Vismini Amarasinghe – Secretary, IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka
• Mr. Manodya Nabadawewa – Assistant Treasurer, IEEE Sri Lanka Section
• Mr. Sachintha Wickramasinghe – Editor, IEEE Sri Lanka Section
• Mr. Senith Edirisinghe – Editor, IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka
Their combined expertise provided participants with practical perspectives on leadership, teamwork, financial responsibility, communication, and creative presentation.
Event in Numbers
Event Gallery
10 Photos
Closing & Looking Ahead
Volunteering 101 provided participants with a comprehensive learning experience covering essential skills ranging from event management and financial discipline to people management, public speaking, communication, branding, and design.
By combining expert knowledge with practical activities, the programme encouraged participants to learn by doing, collaborate with their peers, and develop greater confidence in taking ownership of their responsibilities.
More than a series of training sessions, Volunteering 101 served as a platform to empower the next generation of IEEE volunteers to lead, collaborate, communicate, and contribute with purpose.