Volunteer Connect 2025
September 13, 2025 · 3:00 AM - 8:30 AM @ Online event
Description
Introduction Volunteer Connect 2025, the official volunteer training session of the IEEE Women in Engineering Affinity Group of Sri Lanka, was successfully held on 13th September 2025 via Zoom. The program was organized exclusively for volunteers of IEEE WIE Sri Lanka and IEEE WIE Student Branch Affinity Groups. The session was designed to equip volunteers with essential skills, knowledge, and motivation to excel in their volunteering journey and make meaningful contributions to the IEEE community. Objectives The main objectives of the session were to: Introduce volunteers to the true spirit and value of volunteering Develop essential leadership, teamwork, and professional skills Provide practical guidance on managing IEEE projects and initiatives Create opportunities to learn from experienced IEEE volunteers Strengthen collaboration and networking among WIE volunteers Event Overview The training program commenced at 8:30 AM and featured a series of insightful sessions conducted by veteran volunteers from the IEEE Sri Lanka Section. Each session focused on a key skill area considered vital for effective volunteering and professional development. The following sessions were conducted during the program: Leadership Development – delivered by Manodya Nabadawewa, IEEE Sri Lanka Section Student Activities Committee Chair Program Management and Logistics – delivered by Shakil Arifeen, Committee Member at IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka Finance and Partnerships – delivered by Sasanka Weerakoon, Assistant Treasurer at IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka Designing and Social Media Management – delivered by S achintha Wickramasinghe, Editor at IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka Effective Communication – delivered by Vismini Amarasinha, Committee Member at IEEE Young Professionals Sri Lanka Get the Best Out of Volunteering – delivered by Dhammika Marasinghe, Immediate Past Chair and Awards & Recognition Chair at IEEE Sri Lanka Section In addition to these sessions, an interactive Quiz on IEEE WIE was also held to engage participants and enhance their understanding of the organization. The program created a dynamic virtual learning environment where volunteers were able to interact with experienced speakers, ask questions, and gain practical insights into different aspects of IEEE volunteering. Outcomes The Volunteer Connect session successfully achieved the following outcomes: Enhanced awareness of the roles and responsibilities of IEEE WIE volunteers Development of leadership, communication, and organizational skills Better understanding of project management, finance, and partnerships Improved knowledge of branding, design, and social media practices Strengthened networking and collaboration among volunteers Increased motivation and enthusiasm to contribute actively to IEEE initiatives Conclusion Volunteer Connect 2025 proved to be a highly impactful and engaging training experience for IEEE WIE volunteers. Through valuable knowledge sharing and guidance from experienced IEEE leaders, the session successfully prepared volunteers to step in confidently and stand out as changemakers. The program reinforced the importance of teamwork, leadership, and commitment, setting a strong foundation for a productive and inspiring year ahead.
Agenda
Event Time Description Session Name Welcome 9.00 - 9.15 Dr Prabhani Liyanage Session 1 9.15 - 9.45 Manodya Nabadawewa Leadership Development Session 2 9.50 -10.20 Shakil Arifeen Program Management and Logistics Fun Activity 10.20 - 10.40 Team Activity Refreshments 10.40 - 11.00 Session 3 11.00 - 11.30 Sasanka Weerakoon Finance and Partnerships Session 4 11.30 - 12.15 Sachintha Wickramasinghe Designing and Social media management Lunch Break 12.15 - 1.15 Fun Activity 1.15 - 1.35 Quiz on IEEE WIE Session 5 1.35 - 2.05 Vismini Amarasinha Effective Communication Session 6 2.05 - 2.35 Dhammika Marasinghe Get the best out of Volunteering End of the Session