Raise Your Hand

Do you volunteer? Have you been thinking about it? It can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.


The Hat Ladies of Charleston helping out with Habitat for Humanity (photo courtesy hatladies.org)
There are so many reasons, professional and personal, to incorporate volunteering into your already busy schedule. Consider volunteering sporadically, monthly, or weekly. 

Personal Rewards

  • Make new friends. Volunteering is a quick way to meet people when you move to a new town. You will already have something in common and a reason to get together.
  • You are helping a good cause. Others will benefit from your time and effort.
  • A little shy? There are a number of opportunities for you to be of service to your community without leaving your house. (pet fostering, telephone trees, making decorations, designing collateral, running social media)
  • On a budget? Volunteers are frequently given free admission to events in exchange for some of their time.
  • Feeling down? The company of other people and aiding the less fortunate has been shown to rapidly improve our self-esteem and attitude.
  • It feels good!

Professional Rewards

  • Learn new skills. From learning new apps to stretching your writing abilities. Organizations fill needs with bodies and they are willing to train their minds in the process.
  • Meet other people in your industry by volunteering for a trade association or club.
  • Fill an employment gap on your resume.
  • Others will get to know you and your skills.
  • Develop people skills. By attending more events and joining committees, you will become more comfortable meeting and speaking with strangers.
  • Don't know a soul going to an event? Volunteer to help out and you will have an easy opening to introduce yourself and start conversations.
  • It feels good!

You are wanted. There isn't an organization out there that turns down a volunteer. Non-profits always need dependable volunteers and are grateful for whatever time you can give them.

Get out there and have fun!

Maggie

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