volunteering: network, stay current and stay sane

VolunteeringNetwork, Stay Current and

Stay Sane

VolunteeringNetwork, Stay Current and

Stay Sane

The NeedThe Need

• Decrease in funding from grants and donations• Increase in number of people unemployed and

in need of services• Increase in business costs

“Christmas spirit seems to wear off fairly quickly, taking with it the tug at heart strings to give to those less fortunate. But nonprofits still have daily needs, holiday season or not.”

Times News Twin Falls, December 30, 2010

Overcoming the MisconceptionsOvercoming the Misconceptions

• I don’t have time because I am too busy looking for work

• There is no one who needs what I can give • It may affect my unemployment insurance

Too busy looking for workToo busy looking for work

• Volunteering should complement not replace your overall job search strategy

• If you are spending 100% of your time on your own, you are missing the boat

• Being isolated in your search will hurt you in the end

Who needs what I can giveWho needs what I can give

• Organizations need people with skills in:– Administrative/office– Project management– Customer service– Marketing/communications– Graphic design– Fund raising– Event planning– Business development

– Technology: IT, web– Accounting– Shipping/receiving– Driving– Teaching/training– Human resources– Much, much more

Unemployment InsuranceUnemployment Insurance

• To receive unemployment insurance your priority should be to seek and obtain full-time, paid work

• You must be available to accept work if offered

• Were you available for work? (weekly continued claim question)

Build your networkBuild your network

• Other volunteers• Staff• Board members• Community leaders• Retirees• Customers

Build experience/keep currentBuild experience/keep current

• Close employment gaps• Enhance a résumé with experience • Apply or develop skills to stay current

Barbara Balsan volunteered at Boise Rescue Mission Ministries performing

database management. Previous to this position she was a domestic homemaker

for 20 years. Boise Rescue Mission taught her how to use the latest tools as things had changed a little since she left

the workplace. She proved to be a diligent and detail-oriented worker. She now serves as their paid Administrative

Assistant.

Facilitates good referencesFacilitates good references

• Colleagues, board members or staff can serve as strong references and provide feedback to potential employers on your performance

Spark interest and learningSpark interest and learning

• Explore different occupations and industries• Explore other opportunities within the

organization• Give you insight into the culture and practices

of the organization

Boost self esteemBoost self esteem

• Overcome the feeling of isolation• Know that you are making a difference in

someone’s life• Gives you perspective

Give back to the communityGive back to the community

“It’s hard to describe how much better it feels to get to the end of the day and, even, if you haven’t made any money, feel like you did some good for the world.”

Rick OvertonLaid off in January 2010 from a copywriting position

Volunteered with United Way of Treasure Valley

Wall Street Journal, March 17, 2009

Can lead to paid workCan lead to paid work

After excelling in working with the kids and serving as a great example of character in her volunteer position at Fort Boise Teen Center, Christina Stevens was offered a part-time, paid position with the Idaho

Parks and Recreation.

“I started as a volunteer for Wishing Star Foundation when my child was a baby in 2001 and was offered the Boise Regional Director position in 2006. I love my job!!!”

Tracy Shaw

After being laid off Joe Stanek started volunteering at the Meridian Foodbank to get out of the house. He proved his strong work ethic as a sorter and driver and was

offered full-time work as a warehouse worker in November 2010.

Seeking OpportunitiesSeeking Opportunities

• Ideally experience should be consistent and ongoing for a period of time

• Formal and can be tracked by an organization• Fits your interests and knowledge• Matches your target audience and makes you

more marketable to potential employers

SERVE IdahoSERVE Idaho

• http://serveidaho.gov

SERVE IdahoSERVE Idaho

United Way of Treasure ValleyUnited Way of Treasure Valley

• http://www.unitedwaytv.org

United Way of Treasure ValleyUnited Way of Treasure Valley

United Way of Treasure ValleyUnited Way of Treasure Valley

Volunteer MatchVolunteer Match

• http://www.volunteermatch.org

The DesireThe Desire

• Be sincere with your intentions• Do it for the right reasons

• Results may be indirect and gradual

“The most important thing to remember is to give your time because you want to not because you have to.”

Sandi Borup, Volunteer CoordinatorSouthwest Idaho Directors of Volunteer Services

Be a responsible volunteerBe a responsible volunteer

• Always be on time• Find the right fit• Observe confidentiality procedures• Be realistic about availability and ability• Commit to the cause and the outcome

An added benefitAn added benefit

• You can deduct out-of-pocket expenses associated with your volunteering– Mileage, gas and oil– Parking fees– Travel expenses: bus transportation, taxi fares,

lodging costs, meals– Cost and upkeep of uniforms

• For more information go to Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf

ConclusionConclusion

• There is no reason why you shouldn’t be volunteering

• Benefits of volunteering– Build your network– Build experience/keep current– Facilitates good references– Spark interest and learning– Boost self esteem– Give back to the community

• Be a responsible, committed volunteer