Five tips for a great volunteer experience.
By Jill Gonzalez
As the younger generation knows all too well, sometimes the first – or second – career you find yourself in isn’t the right fit. It took me a few tries to find my perfect fit in the nonprofit world. My family taught me the values of love and service, and I took those with me into the world of education. I even traveled to Texas with a nonprofit to become a volunteer teacher. After years of teaching and a great experience serving on the board of directors for Reading is Fundamental of Austin, I found my place. Connecting children and families to books is my passion. I’m the Executive Director of Women’s Storybook Project of Texas, a nonprofit where staff and volunteers work to connect children to their incarcerated mothers through the joy of literature. I’m sharing five truths to help you find a place to share your gifts and give back.
Follow Your Heart
When looking for an opportunity to give back, follow your passion. There are over 6,000 nonprofit organizations in Austin alone. Personal recommendations can lead you to trustworthy and reputable organizations. Find an organization that matches your interests, and you will find many opportunities for joyful service and support. The volunteer manager will always answer your questions truthfully as they want a good match as much as you do.
Expand your Knowledge
Make an effort to get to know an organization via their website, staff and volunteers. There are many types of nonprofits. When deciding to give a year of service after college, I learned about the possibilities through volunteer fairs, extended conversations and a visit to the school where I would teach. You will also discover if the needs of the organization match your skills. Many folks initially believe that Women’s Storybook Project might be an organization for writers, but that’s not the case at all–and we’re thrilled when people align with what we do by volunteering with us.
Gain Valuable Skills
The training and direct experience you gain while volunteering can help you learn new skills as well as build upon ones you already have. For example, if you advocate and raise awareness or funds for a cause that interests you, you’ll gain valuable communication, public speaking, marketing and other skills. You can then put these hard and soft skills on your resume to show employers how you build relationships outside of work.
Find the Right Fit
No matter your age, profession, or income, you can make a difference. If you have time, even an hour a week, volunteering is a powerful choice. From serving on a board or committee, to dedicating a Saturday to direct service work, your talents will be appreciated. If your schedule is booked, a remote “shift” may work better for you. Data entry, communications and evaluation projects are often done remotely. Lastly, if you want to give back but have many commitments, give a gift that will help your cause succeed.
Enjoy the Fruits of your Work
Volunteering helps you feel connected to those you are helping. The experience of volunteering may lead to you getting involved with other aspects of your community; such as local politics or advocating for programs you believe are important. It is a terrific way to meet new friends as well as strengthen connections with friends, family, or coworkers. As a volunteer, you’ll interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which allows you to learn other perspectives. Volunteering can also boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. It might even change your life, as it did mine.