Motivations Are A Key To Happiness As A Volunteer!
By:
Devorah Vineburg
“Volunteering was a way for me to spend more time with my son.”
(scoutmaster)
“As a teenager, I was asked to help by volunteering with autistic
children and my church. I'm glad that I did. It helped me decide
what I wanted to do with my life, I want to become a therapist.”
(graduate student)
“I thought that I just might make some valuable contacts if I helped
out at the Arts Association.” (artist)
We all have motivations for everything we do. “Motivation” is not a
bad word. It does not mean having an ulterior motive. It just means
coming to realize the deep down reasons you have for wanting to get
involved in something.
Why do YOU volunteer?
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Do you like feeling useful and helping others?
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Do you want to learn a new skill?
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Do you want to try out a new career experience?
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Do you want to make new friends and meet new people?
These are all good motivations. Realizing why you are involved in
volunteer activities can help you find those types of projects that
will meet your expectations and goals.
Like Feeling Useful and Helping Others?
Try a volunteer activity that involves advancing a cause such as
healthy living, community organization or working with children,
people with disabilities or new immigrants.
Want to Learn A New Skill?
What about working with writing a newsletter, building a house with
Habitat for Humanity, or acting in a community play?
Want to Explore A New Career?
Try volunteering at a child care center, observe animal behavior at
the zoo, assist at the Humane Society, volunteer at a hospital.
Want to Make New Friends and Meet New People?
Become a friendly visitor at a nursing home. Volunteer at a picnic.
Talk part in a Walk/Run.
Get some more help in finding the right volunteer opportunity for
you!
·
Call 1-800-VOLUNTEER. You will be
connected with a Volunteer Center in your local area.
·
Email Devorah at
dv@craftycommunityconnection.com.
·
Free Why Get Involved As A Volunteer
Checklist available. Just request a copy from Devorah at
dv@craftycommunityconnection.com
Devorah Vineburg is the lead staff professional at the Volunteer
Center of Brown County, Green Bay, WI, in the areas of training,
consultation and technical assistance to nonprofit agencies.
Her website Crafty Community Connections located
at
http://www.craftycommunityconnection.com
is an excellent resource of ideas for craft and volunteer service
projects that can be donated to local people, agencies and charities
as a community service. It is a great resources for crafters, kids,
teachers, scouts, youth groups, Sunday Schools, parents and friends.
The website is updated each month. Subscribe to
our free newsletter. On our Shop for Charity page, buy a featured
item, and an identical item or its retail value will be donated to
your favorite registered charity.
http://www.craftycommunityconnection.com
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