A Chapter Out To Make A Difference In Its Community

GUEST BLOGGER

Jeff Kubiszyn, CFE
Chapter Development Manager

Involvement in an ACFE chapter can be much more than just an inexpensive lunch. Not only does participation in a chapter offer you the chance to earn CPE credits, network and develop leadership skills it also opens the door to opportunities for members to have a positive effect in their community. Members in the Pacific Northwest (U.S.) chapter are prime examples.

The Pacific Northwest chapter is very active in its community. Chapter members routinely volunteer their time to groups and schools. Last year the chapter added to the growing list of organizations it supports, and this has carried over into 2012.

The chapter began a joint program with the King County, Wash. Prosecutor’s Office Elder Abuse Project to assist seniors in need. Several chapter members volunteered to provide advice and counsel on elder abuse cases and provide volunteer fraud examination services.

The chapter also collaborates with the City of Bellevue, Wash. Police Department to provide volunteer fraud examination services. Chapter members meet with detectives to review cases and documentation, speak with victims, advise detectives during the investigation, summarize accounting details and provide help to officers in recognizing other violations. The volunteers contribute 10 hours a month and go through a rigorous application process.

For some, the experience gained is invaluable. As one volunteer put it, "it gave me the experience I needed, but couldn't find in traditional accounting jobs, to prepare for full-time employment fighting fraud." This year the chapter hopes to have additional members volunteer to continue this pro-bono fraud examination work for the department.

Supporting local law enforcement agencies and fraud victims alike is one of the many ways ACFE chapters give back to the community. Contact your local chapter if you want to help serve your community.