The Gift of Giving — Find Your Niche
Volunteerism has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I find it selfishly rewarding to give back. And I’m not the only one, according to Volunteer Hub and The Bureau of Labor Statistics:
One out of four American’s volunteer
Volunteerism has a value of over $184 Billion (with a B!) dollars
Volunteerism improves health by strengthening the body, improving mood, and lessening stress in participants
Career Builder found that 60% of hiring managers see the act of volunteerism as a valuable asset
Volunteering can, and should be, a win-win situation! Not only are you helping a community or individual, you feel a sense of pride and happiness. Volunteering connects you to others, teaches you new things, and makes you a better person. In graduate school, I acted as a volunteer spokesperson for the United States Fund for UNICEF, educating elementary school students about the health and education of children in developing countries. I loved it. It combined my passion and skills.
Christie providing a workshop on soft skills and entering the workforce at Hudson River Housing.
I found my volunteer niche (as I like to refer to it) early on in life. I found that when I donated my time, I wanted to feel engaged and I wanted to offer my skills. Shortly after my experience with UNICEF, I joined the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps has an extensive process to ensure they meet the needs of the communities they send volunteers, making sure they are prepared to serve their communities. There is a lot to be said for that — it is a principle I’ve held on to.
As you search for your next volunteer experience, I urge you to consider two things: find your passion and seek an experience that allows you to utilize your professional skills. It will benefit both the organization you are volunteering for and your soul! (Cheesy, but true). Currently, as a member of the Community Impact Council for my local United Way, I review grants and help the board appropriate the available funds to community nonprofits. Over the past two months, I facilitated education sessions for a middle school girl’s conference and young adults at a housing nonprofit. What incredible opportunities! I continue to use my professional skills and experiences to be a better volunteer. The rewards are endless.
What do I recommend if you haven’t found your niche? Ask yourself the following questions:
What will keep me involved?
What issues do I care about most?
What do I have to offer?
How much time do I have to provide?
Once you discover your passion, find an opportunity to offer your skills. A quick Google search including your cause and town or region you live in will give you the direction you need. Do you love animals? There is no shortage of animal shelters! Do you care about the environment or housing rights or racial justice or education? And, as I’m sure you know, volunteer experiences are available through your churches and children’s schools. The possibilities are endless! Reach out, see if your target organization needs support, let them know the hours you have to give, and your interests. And if you don’t have the time to commit, these organizations can always use a monetary donation. Maybe that’s all you can do for now, but I push you to consider giving more of your time and sharing your talents with those in your community. I promise you won’t regret it!