By: Sarah Trescott
Interactive Marketing Manager
When I talk with friends and family, I think they just assume that because I work for a non-profit organization my life is just one giant volunteer experience. Hate to break illusion but sometimes work, even at a non-profit doing something you love, eventually starts to feel like work. Keeping passion alive in any job takes a little bit of effort at times. No matter what the profession, there will always be days that we question why we are doing this specific job. If you ask any little kid they will tell you that even a super-hero can get overwhelmed every once in a while with saving the world, but they always find a way to get back on track! It only take a moment to remember something about your job that you love and that seems to ignite new energy. Lately I have really been pondering if there is something more I can do to keep passionate about my work. I was talking to a co-worker about this recently and we came up with a plan to get out of the office occasionally and get involved in the work we support on a day-to-day basis. We are going to roll up our sleeves and volunteer.
In the past I have volunteered doing many things including: mentoring kids, working at a food pantry, raking leaves, painting houses, and after school programs. A few years ago I got a little overwhelmed because I was finishing grad school and working a demanding job. I took a step back from my volunteer commitments since I felt like I did not have time. Thankfully my life is a little less stressful now and volunteering is something I have time to do. But where should I volunteer? Especially at this time of year there are a million different projects that could use my help. I feel horrible saying no, yet the reality is that I cannot help every cause that needs someone. This week I had a moment of realization that perhaps I am not the only person out there that is encountering a lot of opportunities to serve, but does not know how to figure out what cause you should get involved with, and how to go about volunteering?
Do you join the PTA, a cause or charity? How much of a time commitment is this going to be? There can be a lot of questions at first. Thus here is my highly scientific and incredibly original matrix for determining what I should do to volunteer: find something that I care about. I know that was earth shattering! Seriously, if an opportunity is meaningful to me and I find a sense of fulfillment, then that is where I should be devoting my time and energy. After you find out what you love to do, it is easier to find an organization or cause where you can volunteer.
One of my favorite roles outside of the office is being Auntie RaRa (you can only laugh at the names they give you) to some of the most lovable kids. It is super tough that they all live far away. A little thing I miss is being able to read them stories. I remember my own childhood love of books and now as an adult I know how important early learning is to a child’s success. Reading is a huge part of that developmental process. So I have decided to help with a reading program at a local school. It is not going to be a major time commitment, and I have the skills needed—I can read! Next week I have committed to start volunteering. I will let you know how it goes!
How about you…
Do you volunteer?
How did you decide where to devote your time and energy?
What was your best experience while volunteering?
For more ideas check out http://uw.org/volunteer
