volunteering: network, stay current and stay sane
DESCRIPTION
A presentation on the benefits of volunteerTRANSCRIPT
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