Step Up For Your Community

July 5, 2022

I want to be very frank: The community needs you. I know you’ve heard this a lot. As members of the professional community, you’re targeted regularly by nonprofit organizations, seeking donations of time, talent, and treasure.

There’s good reason for these never-ending pleas for help: Volunteerism in America is declining. According to a recent study, two in three volunteers reduced or stopped contributing their time during the pandemic, and many of the remaining volunteers sought virtual opportunities instead.* Today only 25% of Americans volunteer their time to make a difference in the community, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And it really matters: Volunteerism annually saves the nonprofit community nearly $200 billion nationwide,** reducing payroll costs and enabling nonprofits to funnel money toward the mission.

You can (and should) help.

When you volunteer in the community, you’re doing more than just stocking shelves and sorting donations. You’re taking a step away from daily responsibilities and experiencing someone else’s reality for a few hours. Your perspective changes when you see the needs of our community up close – when you immerse yourself in service for others.

For most, the problem is finding time. There aren’t enough hours in the day for everything you need to tackle, personally and professionally. You’re not alone: Most of us in the workforce feel that we have no time available for volunteering. Over the years though, I’ve watched many of you expertly juggle time constraints and “move things around” to accommodate business challenges. I’m asking you to apply the same tactics to find a few hours to give back to the community.

Who, When and How?

Whether it’s a one-time day of service or a longer-term engagement, nonprofit organizations in your community are hungry for your skills and experience.

Paid volunteer time. Does your company offer PTO for volunteer service? For many, it’s a “day with pay” to volunteer with a nonprofit of your choice. Don’t let your paid volunteer time go unused! Look at your calendar for the rest of the year, find an available day and block it off for volunteering. Tell your coworkers about your plans and encourage them to use their paid volunteer time to make an impact in the community.
Group volunteer activity. Are you and your colleagues working remotely or an alternating hybrid schedule? Teams that are feeling less connected because of flexible work arrangements can benefit from a group volunteer activity in the community. Choose an afternoon for everyone to meet at a nonprofit organization to work together and reconnect. Take pictures of your team in action and post them on your company intranet or social media to promote volunteering throughout your network.
Board or committee membership. As we grow professionally, we gain skills and experience that can positively impact nonprofit organizations. If you’re passionate about a specific cause or organization, consider joining a nonprofit board or committee. Most board members commit to attend monthly or bi-monthly meetings and provide a financial contribution, (which might be covered or matched by your company. Doesn’t hurt to ask!) Through board or committee membership, you’ll discover opportunities to develop leadership skills and expand your business and community network, while providing critical governance and support for a nonprofit organization.

A Cause That’s Right for You

Identifying a cause that resonates with you and finding volunteer opportunities might seem daunting, but there are resources available to help. If your company has a person who organizes community involvement programs, ask them for suggestions. You can also visit your local United Way chapter’s website to find volunteer opportunities at partner agencies.

Or you can ask me. Use this form to tell me about your interests and availability, and I’ll give you suggestions and contact information for volunteer activities. It’s my way of giving back to the community that serves us all.

Whatever you do, don’t delay. The calendar will only get busier in the back half of the year. Don’t let the rest of 2022 pass without making time to volunteer.