Volunteering is an important aspect of association and non-profit life. Without volunteers, associations would be in a lot of trouble. While staff contribute greatly to the success of any association, the volunteers come from the membership, and the membership is the reason that an association exists.
I completely understand the time constraints we all live with as we are part of many aspects of life, both personal and professional. This is why it is so very important that if you volunteer, you follow through.
If you volunteer to do something, people are depending on you! It's not something that is optional -- you have made a commitment to do something or make something happen, and other activities become dependent on your doing what you say you will do.
Is it hard to keep up with volunteer work when there are so many things pulling at us? Of course it is. It would be a lie to say otherwise. This is why you should not take on a volunteer project that you don't have time to complete.
There are many ways to participate as a volunteer, and you can always find something that fits your schedule. Be careful in your commitments and you will have a much better experience because you won't feel the pressure of not finishing something, which can then make you feel like you are failing.
Pick something you know you can do in the time you have and you will always be a success. And, whatever you commit to do, give it your best and your all. Just because you are not being paid doesn't mean it's not worth doing well.
When volunteering:
*Pick your task carefully - don't commit to be a board member if you can't make all the meetings! Join a committee or write for a publication instead.
*Fit the task to your interests and skills - you'll do a great job and enjoy it too!
*If you can't do something or your schedule changes, speak up - things happen in life and you have to adapt. No one will fault you for admitting you need help.
What other things can volunteers do to create an experience that benefits them and their association?
Comments