The Privilege of Volunteer Service

 

Imagine you – being able to make our communities safer.
Imagine you – being able to help a family access healthcare.
Imagine you – improving a home, or a life.

Volunteering is giving time where it is needed – reading to children, providing literacy tutoring, delivering meals -- but it is also giving expertise – the ability to design a poster, the wisdom to solve problems in creative ways, the pizzazz of planning a special event, the leadership to run a fundraising campaign.

Volunteering requires good stewardship practices, by the organization and the volunteer, to achieve cohesive goals and actually expand the capacity of staff to provide real returns to the community. 

Imagine you – making that kind of lasting difference!

At United Way of Southern Cameron County, we value those volunteers who choose to share the best of themselves to further our mission.  Likewise, our partners and funding recipients appreciate the accomplishments of dedicated and talented individuals and groups willing to invest time and talent to surmount big challenges with loving attention. 

If you are considering volunteer service as a way to “give back,” to try something new, to learn a skill, or to be a part of effective change, we encourage you to investigate your options.  Perhaps the following tips will help you make the decision that is right for you.

 

Volunteering – the Right Person for the Right Job

Everybody is busy.  How you spend your “free” time and resources is really important.  We encourage you to choose opportunities that help you feel good while doing good! 

Therefore …

Choose carefully.  United Way works with volunteers and local agencies to ensure best stewardship of time and talent.  Whether you are a youth looking for Scout credit, a busy working adult, a senior wanting to lend expertise, you can feel confident about the quality of the opportunity you choose with United Way.

Research those causes that are most important to you.  What makes your heart sing?  You will find greater fulfillment if you align your service with your faith/interests/passion.

Know what skills you offer.  Can you wield a hammer?  Write a newsletter?  Develop a business plan?  Install a dishwasher?  Paint a mural?  Counsel a child?  Perhaps there is something you want to learn to do.  That’s okay too.  In many instances, training is provided to enhance your confidence and ensure your on-the-job capability. 

Consider how much time you have.  Different jobs have different requirements, including the amount of time needed.  Decide first how many hours you want to commit, without over-extending yourself.  You can always increase your participation if your schedule allows.  Know, too, that some jobs require more training than others. 

 

Benefits to YOU!

Everybody sees how volunteer service helps others. But it also offers amazing benefits to volunteers, such as:

• Networking opportunities and contact
• Developing new skills
• Teaching
• Building your resume
• Gaining valuable work experience
• Building self-esteem and self-confidence
• Improving your health
• Meeting new people
• Feeling needed and valued
• Giving back
• Demonstrating ambition, enthusiasm, and care
• Making a difference