Skills for Success

November / December

Volunteering

Volunteering Keys for Success

 
Ciaran Bellwoar
Director of Client Services, I-Site, Inc.
 
As an organization, the HBA not only thrives on its volunteers, but it wouldn’t be able to exist without them. On a personal level, I have found volunteering an excellent way to build relationships, take on new challenges, and grow within the organization.
 
Here are some considerations that will make your volunteer experience most fulfilling
 
Know Yourself
Recognizing your true self will help you determine what type of volunteer you will be. For example, when you and your friends are looking to get together for dinner, do you:
 
A. Create a spreadsheet with everyone’s schedules–highlighting compatible times and restaurant options sorted by distance, prices, and types of cuisine. Set a deadline for choosing day and restaurant and two days be-forehand send a reminder email.
 
B. Ask somebody to tell you when and where and offer to bring the wine.
 
People who answer “A” are great for helping plan events or lead a specific committee. They are usually able to commit to more than “as needed.”
 
People who answer “B” are a great help during the event or like to be given a specific task with clear goals and a deadline.
 
Know Your Talents
Are you artistic? A great writer? A wiz with computers? Volunteering should be fun, be sure you’re doing something you enjoy. If you see it as a chore, you’re less likely to raise your hand again.
 
Know Your Strengths
Do you find that talking to strangers comes naturally to you or do you need to be prompted to approach a stranger and start a conversation? Do you pride yourself on being detailed? Let committee members know so they can use these skills (or avoid asking you to do something you dread). If you want to develop a strength, ask to be put on a team that will help you develop a certain skill. Also, be sure to ask for a mentor so you don’t get overwhelmed.
 
Know Your Limitations
Let’s face it: as volunteers, we are innately “yes” people. But it’s important to make sure you don’t get burned out. Set time limitations for your efforts. It helps if you ask how much time would be required before saying yes.
 
Know Your Chapter or Affiliate
Not only should you know who the Board of Directors are, but get to know other volunteers and committee chairs.
 
Know the Ground Rules
  • Be courteous to other volunteers you are working with. If you can’t make a teleconference, let somebody know and send any notes you have to update the team on your responsibilities and action items.
  • Try to give as much notice as you can if you are unable to meet your responsibilities.
  • If you are leading a team, have a Plan B and always have more volunteers on your team than you need.
Finally, be sure to follow the HBA guidelines for networking. If you’re volunteering only to further your business or career and don’t have the best interests of the organization in mind, pretty much nothing good can come of it. In fact, you will more than likely turn people off. Even worse, you may deter other from volunteering.