HOW TO START VOLUNTEERING
5 Tips On How To Get Started With Volunteering.
By Tanya Pinto
Consultant
Shakti Consultant
Consultant
Shakti Consultant
We feel ourselves that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."
– Mother Teresa
Volunteering is a “healthy life practice” in research has proved that people who volunteer regularly tend to live longer, have a more positive life experience and feel more joy. In fact, in yoga and Buddhism, one of the paths to service is “volunteering” or “Seva” which means selfless service. And for many people the practice of volunteering is life-changing. In fact, my own life changed completely after I volunteered at Mother Teresa's orphanage, so I know first hand how volunteering can be so transformative.
Here are some tips on how to make volunteering part of your life.
Here are some tips on how to make volunteering part of your life.
5 Tips On How To Get Started With Volunteering.
1. How and where to start.
You don’t have to go overseas to get a meaningful volunteer experience. You can volunteer at your local schools, churches and organizations doing amazing work in your own community to get a sense of where your passions are. Or you might have a love for an organization that you have supported for a long time or read about and admired and wish to do more. Talk to like-minded people who share the same values and outlook and ask them where they volunteer.
2. There is more than one choice.
You don’t have to choose just one organization to volunteer at, you can choose a few and see what you learn from each experience. Just make sure you plan ahead for how much time you are willing and realistically able to commit or decide to focus on 3 causes a year and then divide your time in chunks or seasonally.
3. Manage your time and energy.
This is very important. Because I had a full time job and I tend to want more immersive experiences, I choose to spend a concentrated period of time working full-time at one organization. But you could choose to do one evening a week, weekends or a monthly commitment. Do what works for you, but the important thing is to do something. Also, once you start looking you will see that most organizations have a calendar of upcoming events and service activities that you can plan for.
4. Working full time? Don’t let that stop you.
Many companies now have service days or volunteer hours that you can use towards working for a nonprofit. Contact your HR department to see what you are able to do, and you may be surprised at how supportive many companies are when it comes to giving back through service or matching donation schemes. Don’t assume you have to take drastic measures like quitting your job in order to help a nonprofit! Many companies have programs that support your commitment to causes and many companies might have nonprofits they have a relationship with and give to, so do your research to see what options you have.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Before you commit to volunteering at an organization, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Just because you are unpaid does not mean you cannot ask about the organization, where funds are going, how they choose whom they serve, their safety and personal conduct standards and expectations. It is better to schedule an informational interview before you jump in and commit or even ask to do a “trial” session so you can get an idea of the organization, people and culture before you commit long term and then feel guilty or uncomfortable if it is really not a good fit.
If you can't feed a hundred children, then feed just one."
– Mother Teresa
I have helped corporations choose causes to align with and develop volunteer engagement strategies, and I have helped nonprofits create more engaging and successful volunteer programs. Email me for a consultation on how to integrate the practice of volunteering into your organization.
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Volunteering led me on a path to start my own nonprofit in 2005. In fact it changed my whole path in life.
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Do you need to build a volunteer program at your nonprofit? Or do you need help getting started with volunteering?
Contact: www.shakticonsulting.com |
