Volunteer Your Time and Skills and Be The Change You Want To See In The World

“Volunteer your time and your skills.”

I think the majority of folks want to change the world. To make a difference.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” is a powerful quote often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. It emphasizes the idea that individuals can positively impact the world by embodying the change they want to see.

I am a believer in the idea that we we can use our lives to impact others, including our families and our communities. People who know me and have followed me know that is my heartbeat. That is the direction of what we call Positive News For You. This is part 2 in a small series on changing the world.

Publisher’s Note

Together we can change the world

Last week, I posted seven ways to make a difference. The first I wrote on had to do with practicing kindness and empathy. Today, I would like to talk about the second on my list. The idea of volunteering your time and your skills.

I think lots of people would volunteer if they had more of an idea of how to get connected. (Perhaps some of the nonprofits in our area will add some things to this.)

At 68 years old, I love to volunteer. And I have worked hard to instill these values in both my children and grandchildren. One of my grandson’s favorite days of the week, is when he gets together with other young people and prepares a hot meal for 100 homeless people.

Volunteering your time and skills is a meaningful way to make a difference in your community and beyond. Here are some steps to get started with volunteering:

Identify your passion: Think about the causes or issues that are important to you. Whether it’s education, environmental conservation, animal welfare, poverty alleviation, or any other area, choose something that resonates with your values and interests. (When you do this you will be more likely to volunteer and change the world.)

Research local organizations: Look for non-profit organizations, charities, or community groups that are working in the areas you’re passionate about. You can search online, ask friends and family, or check with local community centers for opportunities. (Most communities and states have full listings of organizations.)

Contact the organization: Reach out to the organizations you’re interested in volunteering with. Inquire about their volunteer programs, the type of help they need, and the time commitments involved.

Together we can change the world

Assess your skills and availability: Consider the skills and expertise you can offer. It could be anything from teaching, writing, graphic design, web development, event planning, to simply lending a helping hand. Also, assess how much time you can realistically dedicate to volunteering.

Start small: If you’re new to volunteering, begin with short-term or one-time opportunities. This allows you to get a feel for the organization and the type of work they do. (Work your way up to more time.)

Attend volunteer orientations: Many organizations conduct volunteer orientations to provide you with information about their mission, values, and the work they do. Attending these sessions can help you understand the organization better.

Be committed and reliable: Treat your volunteer commitments with the same level of dedication and reliability as you would a paid job. Organizations rely on volunteers to support their efforts, so being consistent and showing up on time is essential.

Network and connect: Engage with other volunteers and staff members. Volunteering is an excellent way to meet like-minded people and expand your network.

Be open to learning: Volunteering often exposes you to new experiences and challenges. Embrace these opportunities as chances for personal growth and learning.

Share your experiences: Once you’ve been involved in volunteering, share your experiences with others. Inspire friends, family, and colleagues to get involved too.

Remember, volunteering is not just about giving your time; it’s also about making a positive impact and contributing to the well-being of others. Your unique skills and dedication can bring about meaningful change and help create a more compassionate and caring world.

If you are a nonprofit and have good stories to share about your organization, please let us know.

All nonprofits are invited to use our business showcase for their organizations and share your events from there.