BankerGirl

Posted by Heidi on May 19th, 2008 in Volunteer

I have been an active volunteer since childhood.  My parents have always been extremely involved in our church and our community, so it was just a natural that my sisters and I would follow their examples. 

Everyone knows that it just feels good to give of your time, talent, and treasures - but volunteering is not just for do-gooders and altruists.  It can help further your career, make you a better leader, and get you cool things for free. 

Here is my list of the top ten other benefits of volunteerism.

1. Volunteering is a great way to meet new, like-minded people. One of the first things I did when I moved to this town two years ago was Google “young professional organizations.” I did my research and found a group of YPs who share my commitment to the community and passion for professional development. I’m now on their board of directors.

2. Volunteering helps deepen your personal network. While social networking via electronic media is a great way to communicate with your connections, it’s really no substitute for face time. As a board member of four non-profits, I get to rub elbows with several movers-and-shakers within my community - a great way to win friends and influence people who matter.

3. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to develop your leadership skills.  I became the president of a local volunteer center’s board at age 27 - a volunteer board of professionals that were all significantly older than me.  It was the first time I had to exercise leadership with individuals over which I had no authority - and it’s a skill that has served me very well in every job I’ve had since. 

4. Volunteering deepens your resume. I am convinced that my career trajectory is directly correlated to my volunteer activities. VP and chair experience resonates, even if it’s for the tiniest non-profit.

5. Volunteering exposes you to organizations outside of your industry. I’ve been in the financial services industry my whole career, but through my volunteer experience I have also been exposed to the financial operations and organizational structure of groups like my local chamber of commerce, the American Lung Association, the national offices of my church, and several other organizations.

6. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to travel for free. I’ve sat on a couple of national boards and committees, and along the way, I’ve got to see a lot of the country. I’ve spent time in cities I never would have visited without a volunteer connection (like Providence, Palo Alto, and Columbus).

7. Volunteering builds a sense of community. The time I donate to my church is meaningful to me because I feel part of a bigger whole. Singing in the choir, participating on committees, and delivering shelter meals or working on a Habitat for Humanity home makes my life feel more purposeful and helps me feel connected to other members of my congregation.

8. Volunteering is frugal - it doesn’t have to cost you anything but your time. I started donating my time when I was in college because I didn’t make much money, but I wanted to make a difference. You can be a big brother, clean nature trails, or serve on a leadership committee without spending a dime. Naturally, I donate money as well as time these days, but even if you don’t have a penny to your name, you can offer your talents to an organization in need. It’s also a great alternative to killing time by spending money at a mall or restaurant.

9. Volunteers often get free stuff.  I get to move in some pretty exalted circles because of my volunteer actives.  In the past year alone I’ve enjoyed cocktails at the state governor’s mansion, box seats at baseball games and a pro golf tournament, free concert tickets, and numerous banquet meals and networking receptions.

10. Volunteering makes you appreciate what you have.  Nothing cures a case of the “I wants” than being around those who aren’t as fortunate.  For me, volunteering puts things into perspective - I always feel a great amount of gratitude and appreciation for what I have after spending an afternoon helping those who haven’t been quite as blessed.  

Stumble it!