Volunteering
By Kylee Harrison
It seems that when organizations gather to share ideas, one common theme emerges, “We could do so much more if we had more volunteers.” This statement seems to ring true no matter if you are visiting with your local library, school, little league board or 4-H. As a result of lack of volunteers, organizations are forced to do more with less resources and the few volunteers or employees are left to scramble.
Why is it so hard to groups to find help? The resounding answer is time, or rather lack thereof. We all get it. Adults are being pulled in a hundred different directions. The thought of adding one more to your plate is outright scary. Most organizations offer many flexible options to volunteering now that don’t make it feel like a life sentence!
If you are an organization looking for volunteers, here are a few tips to help get and keep good helpers.
- Offer a description so volunteers understand the task
- Onboard the volunteer, much like starting a new job
- Consider “micro-volunteering” this would be a bite-sized volunteer role. In 4-H, this could be a SPIN Club (It’s just 6 meetings!)
- Have open communication
- Make it enjoyable
On the flip side, here are some great benefits to being a caring volunteer.
- Helps to build a resume
- Great way to meet other individuals with similar interests
- Strengthens your community
- Encourages civic responsibility
- Makes your healthier (emotions like optimism and joy strengthen the immune system😊)
