It's All About Change

Change is upon us. In the past year, we've seen staggering changes in the world economy. We've experience an historical change in our country's political environment with the election of President Obama. Through the Kennedy Serve America Act, we've seen an unprecedented commitment by our leaders to engage Americans into volunteer service. As a country, we are now changing our thought process to how we can make volunteering a way of life. That sounds familiar, doesn't it?

At Volunteer San Diego, we have noticed the changing environment as more volunteers are embracing the call to action. As the spirit of volunteerism grows within the country, there is an even greater need for the year-round programs and program support provided by Volunteer San Diego to the many non-profit organizations throughout San Diego County. As we wrap up our month-long celebration of volunteerism, please consider being a part of that change by contributing to Volunteer San Diego.

The team at Volunteer San Diego does so much to provide volunteers and non-profit organizations with the tools, leadership, training, and support that make the volunteer experience a great one. All it takes is your spare change to change yourself and change the world. Whether you are able to donate $5 or $500, the direct impact of your donation can be seen through the capacity of volunteer opportunities and expansion of programs that we can offer to you and your favorite organizations.

As a fellow volunteer and support of this organization, I want to thank all of you for your ongoing support of Volunteer San Diego. Let's continue to change our world!


Guest Contributor: Brent Shintani, Volunteer San Diego Board Vice Chair, Volunteer San Diego Podcast Producer and Host, and Community Volunteer.

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Volunteer and it may lead to a position

I'm often asked from emerging leaders what they can do to find work in the nonprofit sector. Every day available nonprofit positions seem more and more competitive, leaving lots of questions from individuals navigating their way through it all. Here are some tips...

VOLUNTEER!

The best way I've found positions at organizations I loved was to volunteer first. It's a great strategy because if provides the volunteer with an opportunity to "try on" the organization, and the organization to do the same with the volunteer, without all the messy paperwork.

Find an organization that you are passionate about and be proactive in approaching that nonprofit about an opportunity to volunteer. Ask them about their needs and see if you can match your skills, passion, and interests with those needs. For example, are you familiar with social media and does the nonprofit need to set up a Facebook Cause or Page? Maybe this is something that you can help manage for them, and it will help you learn more about the organization.

While it is great to offer your times, also be sure that the organization has the capacity to lead volunteers. Volunteer management is a critical skill that nonprofits rely on, but that doesn't mean that they all managed volunteers well. At one point, I volunteered for an organization coordinating other volunteers, serving as a Supervision Group leader on a hotline. My job as a volunteer in that role was to lead and provide support to other volunteers. Be creative since you never know what will come along.

In a least half the organizations I've worked for, I started out volunteering for them or for a collaborating organization. By being in these nonprofit communities, I heard about job opportunities before they went across the wires publicly. I build relationships and allowed others to see what I was capable of doing. If I would do that much work for free, imagine what I could accomplish with a paycheck and an organizational structure and team behind me!


Emily Davis is a Volunteer San Diego guest blogger and a freelance, nonprofit consultant specializing in communications, board development, and fundraising. Check out her blog, Nonprofit Consulting Cafe.

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Why Volunteer?

As more people find themselves unemployed, the need for volunteers around the country is growing rapidly. There are many different ways in which we can help our fellow human beings just by donating some of our time to help others. While some of us may be struggling ourselves, it is good to stay busy volunteering and making sure that others are able to live without worrying about life’s necessities.

Help Others
One of the greatest things about volunteering is the fact that you are actively working to help other people in need. Whether you volunteer at a homeless shelter or donate your time to a local charity, you are getting involved and helping others at the most critical level. We are all human beings after all and helping others to live even slightly better is rewarding in and of itself.

Give Back to Your Community
In most cases, people who work within their communities and volunteer their time have a vested interest in bettering the lives of others. When we give back at the grassroots level, we also reap the benefits of a united community. Home is where the heart is, and taking care of others close to home helps to revitalize the shared sense of community when you work and help others near home.

Use Time Wisely
Some people talk while others act. Volunteers may be filling a need, but helping out is also a proactive and productive way to spend one’s time. Rather than sitting on the sidelines complaining about what needs to be done, you can take the initiative and be involved in the rejuvenation of your community and its people.

Strength in Numbers
Volunteering is difficult when there are only a few people who care enough to devote time to a cause. However, once people begin to volunteer, they often recruit friends and family members to help the cause. With more people involved, more can ultimately be accomplished to help people and the community as well.

A Feel-Good Experience
Giving back and helping others is something that can help you personally as well. Helping others without expecting anything in return can be one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences you ever participate in. Look for opportunities to help your fellow human being and your life will change as you help others to change their lives.

Click here to find a volunteer opportunity.

Courtney Phillips is a Volunteer San Diego guest blogger. She also writes blogs for her website Rated Colleges.

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