Recently, part of my schedule has been spent in full-gear volunteer mode.
I was called to work on a project that has just as many nooks and crannies as a full-time job. With my days crammed with professional, personal and volunteer responsibilities, I wondered how other people felt about volunteering. I mean, is it worth it?
So many things need fixing today – education, social services, healthcare, financial management, the environment – that one can easily get overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, much less where to find the time to help. And I’ve noticed the better you are at running your own life, the more in demand you are to help others. People look at well-organized, efficient folks as the holy grail of volunteerism.
On some days, it’s all I can do to find my shoes, but most people don’t know that! Ha!
So back to the question… is volunteering worth it? And if you are asked to volunteer, what is the etiquette of volunteering?
1) I think if your heart speaks to a cause, be it animal safety, beach clean-up, park restoration, arts for the elderly or teaching children to read, you should find some time in your life to fulfill your heart. They are all important causes. I care deeply about the cause I’m volunteering for – encouraging reading among youth – which means I think every ounce of effort I’m giving is so worth it!
2) However, I also think the etiquette of volunteering is this: Don’t sacrifice another element of your happiness just to volunteer. If something else in your life is going to suffer – your relationships, your children, your job, your health, your peace of mind – if you try to squeeze one more thing on to your plate, then volunteering can wait. Causes will always be there. Human beings and our planet will always need help, even if you can’t give your help until your children are in college or you are retired.
3) Volunteering is not a job where you can be fired or laid off. In a majority of cases, the organization will not say you are not a good fit. But if you feel it’s not working then, by all means, submit a written and personal note of thanks before moving on to other opportunities. Don’t force it!
Until next time,
Dale
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