Why Volunteer?

April is National Volunteer Month, so the Herd team decided to spend the next several weeks celebrating the contributions of volunteers in our community and organizations that rely on volunteers for their success. Volunteering is something I am passionate about. I learned very early in my life about the impact of volunteering, just taking time out of your day to make someone else's day a little brighter.

But to be a good volunteer, you have to know your “why.” Why are you donating your time, talent and treasures? The obvious answer is, “I believe in the mission and vision of the organization.” Well, of course you do; otherwise, you wouldn’t be volunteering. We all have our reasons, but for me, there are three which throughout my life serve as my “why.” They are as follows:

Growing my Professional and Interpersonal Skills

Volunteering has helped me develop my professional skills and address personal insecurities.  Volunteering with organizations I believe in means I’m fully committed to their success. This commitment provides a sense of willingness to go the extra mile and work outside of my comfort zone. Pushing myself has resulted in tremendous growth, which I’ve been able to incorporate both as a business owner and when I’m just “being Denise.”

Building my Network

There is a line in the film “Six Degrees of Separation” when Stockard Channing’s character Ouisa says, “I read somewhere that everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people. Six degrees of separation between us and everyone else on this planet. I am bound, you are bound, to everyone on this planet by a trail of six people.” I have always felt this way, and hearing her utter those words gave me the validation I sought. Volunteering helps us build our networks and serves as a means for us to connect and create connections for others within our circle. 

Living my Values

When I first heard the term “servant leader,” I didn’t quite understand what it meant. I know what a servant is and the definition of a leader, but when I heard the two words put together in a sentence, I was at a loss. It was recommended I read “The Servant as Leader” by John Greenleaf. Five minutes into the book I found the answer I had been searching for — servant leaders, it’s just who they are. They don’t put their agenda first. They’re more focused on serving their team or the organization first. They want to create an environment where people feel that their voices are heard. #HaveYouHerd

So, this April, I encourage us all to get out of the house and the office and make time to volunteer. Block off some time to help a friend, an organization, your child’s school, your church or wherever. Also, think about what motivates you to volunteer. Go beyond the surface and truly tap into why you are volunteering. This is how the organizations you serve will benefit, and you too will be rewarded beyond measure.