Archive for December 3rd, 2006

Most of us feel a responsibility to use our time and talents for the benefit of our community. And most not-for-profit organization — including your STC chapter — need volunteer help to accomplish their goals. So…how can we make sure our volunteer efforts are successful?

Pick a cause or issue that is important to you.

Look for a volunteer opportunity which deals with issues about which you feel strongly. Most people find it easier to meet their volunteer commitments when they care about the goals of the organization they volunteer for.

If you are a member of a professional association or donate moneyto a social services agency, arts organization, or another not-for-profit group, that’s a good place to start. Browse through their newsletter, talk to other members, or call one of the organization’s officers or staff to find out what volunteer opportunities are available.

Clarify your own needs.

Do you want to get started right away using skills you already have, or are you willing to devote the extra time needed for training in new skills? Do you enjoy being the expert, or are you interested in being a supportive amateur?

Many positions require a volunteer who has developed skill with certain equipment, such as computers, or who has experience in a particular area such as communications, negotiation, or community relations. You might decide to make use of your professional skills or do something which you already enjoy as a hobby.

If you are passionate about community activism, consider recruiting other volunteers for your favorite cause. If you feel strongly that Organization X needs better financial management and you have the necessary skills, volunteer for their board of directors as treasurer or become a member of the finance committee.

Using an existing skill will allow you to contribute right away, without training to prepare for the assignment. This is a time and cost saving for the organization.

On the other hand, if you neeed a break from the tasks you perform at your day job, try to find a volunteer opportunity in an area which will provide novelty or change. You can often find volunteer opportunities where the organization is willing to train a newcomer in an unfamiliar skill.

Many nonprofits seek out people who are willing to learn, especially if the needs they serve are specialized or unique. Be aware, though, that such work will require more effort and a potentially greater time commitment for training before the actual volunteer assignment begins. Make sure you are willing to commit to this before volunteering for these responsibilities.

Can you commit the necessary time?

Make sure the volunteer position you want fits into your life. You don’t want to shortchange your employer, exhaust yourself, irritate your family, or disappoint the organization you’re trying to help. Better to start out slowly than to promise to work a schedule you can’t — or don’t want to — commit to.

If your work or family schedule doesn’t allow for working on-site as a volunteer, consider Virtual Volunteering. If you have computer skills and Internet access, some organizations will welcome your offer to do off-site volunteer tasks such as updating membership/donor records, producing brochures and press releases, designing logos and posters, or being a contact person for questions about the organization. (You’ve seen those links on non-profit web sites that say info@agencyx.org? Somebody has to monitor those emails and forward them to the appropriate staff member!)

Be prepared to answer questions.

Applying for a volunteer position may require the same sort of preparation you make for applying for a new day job. If you offer to donate your time, you may be asked to fill out an application, come in for an interview, and provide references. While most not-for-profit organizations are eager to find volunteer help, they have to be careful when accepting the services people offer. They have a responsibility to ensure that their volunteers are able to perform assigned tasks, and can work well with the rest of their paid and volunteer team. If the volunteer position you’re applying for involves financial responsibilities or if the work involves children or other at-risk populations, there are also legal constraints and sometimes regulatory guidelines for the organization to consider.

When you volunteer, you give part of yourself–your time, energy, skills and feelings. You give to your family and friends, to your neighbours, to your community. Sometimes, you are giving to people you don’t know, to people thousands of miles away. From my own experience, you get as much out of it as you put into it — often, you get a whole lot more.

So, roll up your sleeves and get involved!

Over the next few months you will see several articles from the STC-Rochester Nominations Committee with suggestions for ways to share your time and talents with Rochester-area colleagues. Pay attention. We need you!