Members of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) on March 4 celebrated 30 years of volunteerism and meeting the challenge of serving communities during the pandemic at the organization’s first-ever virtual annual convention.

The 45-minute gathering was available for viewing by more than 6,000 member-employees via digital technology.

Zeke Smith, Alabama Power executive vice president for External Affairs, kicked off the convention by congratulating members on their dedicated service to communities across the state. The event was held exactly 30 years after APSO organizers held their first meeting in 1991. That inaugural year, about 300 employees and family members participated in the fledgling organization.

“It’s an honor to join all of you today to celebrate the incredible work of the Alabama Power Service Organization,” Smith said. “Even during a challenging 2020, you were ready and willing to lend a helping hand to serve others.”

Smith noted that during the history of the organization, APSO members have contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours to scores of nonprofits and community initiatives throughout Alabama.

“Our state would not be as strong and vibrant without your commitment of time and resources,” said Tequila Smith, Alabama Power Foundation president and vice president of Charitable Giving for Alabama Power.

Alabama Power Service Organization’s 2020 highlights from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Kodi Belford, APSO state president for 2020 and a supervisor at Plant Farley, praised members’ ingenuity and creativity in continuing to serve communities safely during the pandemic through a broad range of activities conducted virtually. APSO raised $75,000 in a first-ever virtual fundraiser, with proceeds going to support multiple nonprofits during the holidays. The organization activated a disaster relief fund to help employees, retirees and their families affected by Hurricane Sally.

He thanked the 2020 chapter presidents, state board members and volunteers across the state for their dedication to helping others during tough times.

“I am so impressed by what we were able to accomplish, given the circumstances. We have so much to be proud of and so much to build upon,” Belford said.

“I am proud to serve alongside you in continuing this legacy of service.”

APSO 2021 State President Jacki Lowry told convention viewers she hopes this year will be one “of reconnecting” after a year when members were forced to remain physically distant. “I encourage you to view APSO as an outlet to reconnect. To reconnect with co-workers, reconnect with your community, and reconnect with your own passions and priorities as we work together to serve the people of Alabama.”

Lowry said priorities for the coming year include helping boost reading skills for children, especially in underserved communities. Other areas of focus are projects that protect and enhance the environment, advance diversity and inclusion, and support economic and community development.

“By identifying new and innovative ways to serve, we will ensure that APSO will continue to meet the needs of Alabama for 30 more years and beyond,” said Lowry, senior community development specialist in Eastern Division.

A highlight of the convention was a virtual discussion with Natalye Paquin, president and CEO of Points of Light, a global nonprofit that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes their communities and the world. Points of Light  works in 41 states and 37 countries, helping corporations, nonprofits and other organizations with their volunteer and civic engagement efforts.

Paquin spoke with Alabama Power Foundation Community Initiatives Manager Margaret White about best practices and ideas for APSO members and leaders to keep in mind as they seek to make the most impact in communities.

Paquin described what she called the “civic circle” – a way volunteers can bring their “whole self” to supporting a project or cause. It refers to activating all assets that people have at their disposal: from volunteering, to donating, to sharing their voice with others, to exercising their purchase power and vote in support of a cause or issue.

Paquin said building strong partnerships with like-minded organizations can multiply the good that APSO brings. Also important is ensuring APSO has the right policies and systems in place, and ways to effectively assess and measure its impact.

Another important element to ensuring effectiveness, Paquin said, is to listen – to local leaders, to fellow employees and to stakeholders who are engaged in the community and know the needs. “That listening process allows you to learn and … to develop a strategy that is more robust and more meaningful to the community. And then, make a plan and take action,” Paquin said.

The Alabama Power Service Organization recently held a virtual annual convention, marking the organization’s 30th year. (contributed)

She said volunteerism and civic engagement in the future demands “an integrated approach. It’s also about telling stories: lifting people up, celebrating the good so that others are inspired to continue to do more good. It’s a multiplying effect.”

The event included a video about APSO’s history. Among those interviewed were Glenda Harris, one of the founders of the organization and wife of the late Elmer Harris, who was Alabama Power president and CEO from 1989 to 2002. Elmer Harris passed away in 2019 at the age of 80.

Glenda Harris said APSO’s creation was inspired by a volunteer group operating at sister company Georgia Power. Her husband was enthusiastic about forming APSO and supporting employee volunteerism in the community. “It met a need that many, many people had, and grew throughout the years.”

She wishes her husband could “see how good it’s become. I’m extremely proud of it.”

The convention concluded with a celebratory video, featuring clips from company leaders and APSO members statewide, congratulating the organization and everyone who has been a part of it for 30 successful years of helping others.

“Every year, we’re volunteering over 40,000 hours. And the thing that makes it great is, that’s what our employees want to do,” said Terry Smiley, Alabama Power Eastern Division vice president.

Leslie Sanders, Alabama Power Southern Division vice president, said APSO members through the years “have demonstrated love and compassion and such a truly genuine, caring concern for the people that they live and work with.”

Mike Willingham, plant manager at Plant Greene County, praised APSO members on behalf of his team for “30 years of creating positive change and strengthening the communities we call home.”

Ken Novak, Alabama Power Southeast Division vice president, said “It’s amazing what our employees have done over the years, helping our communities elevate Alabama.”

Mark Crews, the company’s Western Division vice president, said “Some of the best projects I’ve ever worked on have been in APSO.

“Time is one of the most valuable assets you have,” he told APSO members viewing the convention on computers and smartphones. “The fact that you shared it, making our communities better, … you make Alabama Power more than just a company.”