Positive Returns - Not For Profit Work Can Be Personally and Professionally Rewarding
Posted: Friday, August 07, 2009
by Matthew Arrigale
If you ask a group of individuals why they started volunteering their time, they'll often tell you that a desire to give back to their community was their motivating factor. Ask them why they continue to do it, and you'll hear stories of making a difference not only within the organization and their community, but within themselves.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) just over a quarter of the U.S. population is an active volunteer. Almost counter-intuitively, married, working professionals between the ages of 35 and 44 represent the highest proportion of volunteers. What this group lacks in time, due to personal and professional obligations, they bring real-world business experience and skills, which can have a profound impact within a not for profit.
As a global HR executive with a heavy travel schedule and young family, extra time seems to exist only in theory. From my experience on a NFP board of directors, I have already gained more than I will be able to give back in a lifetime.
Network & Sense of Community - After a three year international assignment in Europe , I was somewhat detached from the local area. This board position allowed me to become more connected to the area. Through my volunteer board activity, I have made contacts with a diverse network of people. In a short time, I have learned so much about my community and the events and services offered to its residents.
Skill & Professional Development I have been able to hone my leadership, selling, financial and negotiation skills. In addition, I am afforded the opportunity to drive strategy execution and corporate governance. Yes it is true that I already must use these skills in my full-time job, but now I am forced to use these skills in a completely different industry, organizational culture and context. Thanks to the different culture and context not for profits operate in compared to the private sector, there are accelerated growth and learning opportunities.
Personal Fulfillment & Satisfaction There is really no way to describe the proud feeling you get while witnessing the good work a NFP agency can deliver, especially when you know that you've played a role in that delivery. There is no greater feeling then knowing you've made a difference. The happiness and accompanied motivation from these experiences inevitably spills over to your personal life as well as your "day job."
While HR professional's time is one of our most valuable commodities, serving on the board of a NFP can yield outstanding results for everyone involved. Many NFP's offer their members flexible schedules to meet the time constraints of their volunteers. Sites like volunteermatch.org can help you find NFP opportunities, that align with your interests and skills in your area. The time you give is your own, but it will benefit your entire community.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Rewarding, yes. I dabble in a little volunteer work myself and it makes me, FEEL GOOD and BELONG. I have been a Counselor, Public Speaker, Minister, and still am. I also find joy facilitating in motivational settings. Again, when I volunteer, it seems more rewarding...My wife says, "because I am loving what I am doing without pay." Thanks again
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