When you give your valuable time and useful skills to an individual or organization you want to be as effective as possible and maximize your return and theirs.
What returns?
Well they get help with what ever they need and you get that warm fuzzy feeling inside at the very least. I try to push for a reference letter though… just a tip.
How to be effective:
- Choose something you are passionate about. If you don’t have a reason for helping you won’t do it for long. Volunteering is the fire, motivation is the fuel.
- Give what you can, not what they want. If you don’t have the skills an organization needs don’t spend time and resources trying to fit the mold. Find someone who needs what you’re giving! If it’s money be wary, everyone needs that stuff.
- Set goals. Many causes are an ongoing effort. Conflict is part of human nature, disease is part of biology. Some things don’t have a beginning or end which can lead to a lack of direction and focus. If you want to make an impact in the fight against Cancer, set a specific goal to help keep you on track. Once complete, set another if you choose to continue. Goal: I want to make a financial* contribution of ($) by (Date). I will do this by (Method).
The Art Of Adaptation: Effectiveness is the only way to make sure you get out what you put in.
Notes:
*The contribution doesn’t have to be financial.
