“What we get makes a living, what we give makes a life.” Misattributed to Winston Churchill, this quote nonetheless reminds us what we may be missing when we feel an inexplicable sense of malaise. Giving back comes with bountiful benefits to both the volunteer and the community. Here's your guide to getting involved, with insight from Karen Smith, CEO of the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.
The Value of Volunteering
People of all ages find volunteer opportunities through the Volunteer Center, whose website connects 20,000 visitors per year to hundreds of local nonprofits. For retirees, especially, the social and mental activity is extremely effective for maintaining good health, but these benefits extend to every age group.
A sense of community and belonging sometimes seems hard to come by in a world somehow isolated by its electronic connectivity. Whether you're new to the area or just feel like an island, volunteering helps build connections and achieve a sense of purpose. “Volunteers are less stressed,” Smith says. “It helps with depression.”
Not only does volunteering improve health and happiness, it can also be a good way for young people to learn job skills, and for folks of any age to make connections that can lead to job opportunities, stay sharp and fill employment gaps, or to dabble in new fields.
Your Why
Start by asking yourself what matters to you. “Volunteer for something you're passionate about,” Smith says. “A lot of people choose to help with something because it has impacted their lives,” like working with Turning Point, for victims of domestic abuse, or an organization fighting cancer.
Another thought to consider is what kind of work you'd enjoy. Do you want to lend the skills from your day job or hobbies to coach swimming or teach computer skills? Or get away from your chair-shaped, desk-bound existence and rebuild some fences? Whether you want to learn something new or settle into some meditative envelope-stuffing, there's something for everyone.
Smith points out that one type of volunteering we don't tend to think of is taking a spot on a committee or board. “Every event needs a committee,” she says, which can include things like marketing and accounting opportunities.
Realistic Logistics
Think about what kind of commitment you'd like to make. Organizations have opportunities for short projects as well as work on a regular basis. “There are people who want to come out and do something for their community on a holiday,” says Smith, “and others who want to have a relationship with a nonprofit by volunteering throughout the year.”
The Volunteer Center's website has a calendar to easily see what's cracking on your day off, and you can even find ways to help from home, since social media is such a big part of any effort. Set yourself up with work that won't overwhelm your schedule so you make only commitments you can keep.
Get Involved
When you know what you're looking for, check out the Volunteer Center's search options. By sorting opportunities geographically, based on issue or your availability, you can find ways to help out near and far. The listing will connect you with an organization's volunteer coordinator and they'll follow up. “You can test drive an organization,” Smith says, “if you want to go visit first or talk to somebody about what that opportunity would look like.”
Part of the Volunteer Center's work is helping organizations streamline their volunteer recruitment and training, so everyone can have the best experience. Your part of the bargain? “Show up when you commit,” Smith says. “Be prepared. Be curious about the organization, and be flexible.”
One way to ensure a fun experience is to bring friends and family with you. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, but also a wonderful activity to share with the folks you know you love hanging out with. You're sharing all the great benefits of giving back while doing something a little more meaningful than binging Friends together on the couch in your pajamas.
Volunteers are so vital to the Lehigh Valley. As Smith reminds us, “ArtsQuest wouldn't be able to run Christkindlmarkt or Musikfest without volunteers.” And with only five members on staff and 75,000 boxes requested this past year, the Volunteer Center's Holiday Hope Chest program would be logistically impossible.
Matching with the cause that means the most to you, fits your schedule and brings you a sense of fulfillment is the best way to start a satisfying and sustainable helping habit.
The Expert:
Karen Smith
CEO
Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley | volunteerlv.org
