With such a frenzied emphasis on buying and consuming during the holidays, it’s no wonder that many number people are driven to volunteer for meaningful causes. Helping others in need this time of year keeps you focused on the real purpose of the holidays and gives you a chance to meet others who share your passion.
But volunteering can also provide other benefits to you, including a boost to your career. Here’s how to get (and give) the most out of your holiday volunteering.
Start Early
For many, the desire to volunteer has always been there, but the holidays serve as powerful motivation to finally do it. But in reality, the need for volunteers is just as strong the rest of the year as it is during the holidays. As a matter of fact, so many people have the same idea that it’s sometimes harder to find volunteering opportunities during the holidays than during the rest of the year.
If possible, don’t feel as if you need to limit your time and efforts to November and December only. As a matter of fact, you should be looking for opportunities right now if you really want to make an impact by Christmas.
And don’t feel as if you need to move on once the season passes. Even a few hours every week can have a real influence on the lives of others.
Gain Experience
Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills and take on leadership roles. If you have skills, but lack the necessary experience, volunteering can give you the valuable experience you need. The types of tasks and roles that you can assume as a volunteer are virtually endless – from designing websites and creating publicity materials to organizing events and maintaining bookkeeping.
Volunteering also gives you exposure to new fields and enables you to try on new hats. If you want to switch careers, it’s a great way to test the waters to see if a new job is right you.
Expand Your Network
The great thing about volunteers is that they come from all professions and every walk of life. Rarely do you have a chance to meet such a cross section of people who are all dedicated to making a difference. Not only is this exposure to new people good for you personally, it’s also a good thing professionally. It gives you a chance to expand your network beyond the confines of your own sphere of knowledge and experience.
Gain a Foothold
Volunteering also helps you gain a foothold in places where you’d like to work. Or it can show you that non-profit work suits you. Either way, if you’ve done a great job in demonstrating your skills and passion for the job and you’ve developed relationships with the organization’s leaders and staff, why not inquire about a permanent position?
Find the Right Cause
So how do you start? The best place is with yourself. What causes are you truly passionate about? Are you interested in helping children and families in need? The homeless population or the elderly? Start your search early by going directly to organizations you may be familiar with. Or you can visit one of these websites for more information on how to get started:
