Our country is seeing a volunteer need now the likes of which we have seen few times in our history. The response to the devastation in the Gulf Coast states is a testament to the desire we all possess to help out. We’ve seen this action before, with natural and man-made disasters, but the need for help exists even when we are not in a time of crisis.
People who do volunteer work and help other people on a regular basis have a healthier outlook on life. They are more inclined to be go-getters and consistently report being happier. Young, old, professional, student, teacher – it doesn’t matter. Volunteering is good for everyone.
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I subscribe to the theory that 20 percent of your time should be devoted to volunteering. Sounds like a lot, until you find a cause that you can get passionate about. Then, there will never be enough time.
With United Way campaigns kicking off around the country, now is the perfect time to think about what you can do besides donating cash. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never known an organization that didn’t need money to keep the lights on. But there is a volunteer opportunity – and I use that phrase intentionally – to match the skills and commitment level of anyone who wants to give some time.
If you still think you are too busy to share some time, consider these points:
*Volunteering is an opportunity to help. It’s a chance to share your talents with people who need help.
In my state, there is a need for people who can help immigrants learn to read. Can you imagine how hard it would be to navigate a new country without a working knowledge of the language – taking a driving test, filling out job applications, enrolling kids in school?
In the bargain, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to their success, and you probably made a friend in the process. That’s a win-win situation.
*Volunteering is an opportunity to learn.
Every organization has a job or two that no one really wants to do. Take on that chore. You will learn something new, to be sure. But even more important, you will discover that you can do all kinds of things you never thought you could. You’ll begin to think bigger and see the possibilities in a whole new way. That will benefit both you and the organization.
*Volunteering is an opportunity to crawl out of your shell.
If you are afraid to join a club or are too timid to make a ripple at work, find a volunteer opportunity where you can contribute in a less threatening way.
A gregarious personality is not a prerequisite, and can be detrimental in some situations. Organizations are begging for help; find out what you can do.
*Volunteering is an opportunity to have some fun. Don’t expect to be entertained, but at the same time no one said volunteering had to be drudgery.
After sitting in a windowless office all day, the prospect of helping weed the community garden can be mighty appealing. A change of pace is good; a change of pace that also does some good is a great combination.
*Volunteering is an opportunity to sharpen your skills.
One of my favorite examples here is accepting the fund-raising role. If you are selling the needs of a little-known nonprofit to individuals, companies and organizations, you are honing sales skills that will be helpful, no matter what you do for a living.
*Volunteering is an opportunity to clear your head.
No matter where you decide to help out, you will find that there is a much larger world out there than your little corner. Volunteering provides a new perspective, and frequently takes you into a world you never really knew before. The change will do you good.
*Volunteering is an opportunity to make a difference.
I’ve hammered away at this theme forever: One person can make all the difference. Be that person.
*Volunteering is a privilege. And you thought doing good deeds would make you look like a hero? Guess again.
Nonprofits don’t need showboaters; they need worker bees. Approach volunteer work as a chance to be useful, and be grateful that someone thinks you are up to the task.
Mackay’s Moral: Life is like a game of tennis: The player who serves well seldom loses.
Harvey Mackay is author of The New York Times best seller “Pushing the Envelope.” He can be reached through his Web site: www.mackay.com; or Mackay Envelope Corp., 2100 Elm St., Minneapolis, MN 55414.
