Volunteer with your favorite association and everyone wins!

Are you committed to your community? Then volunteer with your favorite association and everyone wins!

Nonprofit organizations fill a void. They provide essential services and opportunities not offered by for-profit or governmental entities. For example, certifications and professional designations protect the public by ensuring individuals are qualified to perform certain tasks. At the same time, nonprofit organizations are typically run with a small staff and on tight budgets, so they rely on volunteers to help with many activities within the organization.

But it isn’t all about the daily work; the talent and diversity provided by these individuals play an important role in what makes associations special. And the benefits of volunteerism are not limited to the organization served. In fact, the volunteer and the volunteer’s employer can both reap the benefits of active participation in a professional association. Here are nine solid reasons why volunteering is a win for everyone.

• Ability to represent and promote your company in a positive way!
  The job market is tight. We are rebounding from setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and both employers AND employees are finding new ways of doing business. By volunteering with your favorite nonprofit, or in an employer’s case, allowing/encouraging your team members to volunteer, you show the world that you care about “community.” And according to Indeed’s “15 characteristics of a great company to work for,” most employees take pride in working for a company that makes a difference in the community.
• Free continuing education!
  Many of us perform the same daily tasks in our paying jobs.  Through our nonprofit work, volunteers are often exposed to a variety of professional duties, providing cross-transferable skills benefitting the volunteer and the volunteer’s employer.
• Unique leadership growth and development!
  Some leaders are born, but most of us develop leadership skills over time. And the best leaders develop skills through a variety of experiences, which are readily available in the daily activities of many nonprofit organizations. And as an added benefit, many associations provide professional leadership training as part of board and committee participation–at the association’s expense.
• Expanded professional network!
  You can never have enough friends, right? The same can be said for professional colleagues. When looking for new team members, or perhaps a different perspective, your professional network is your most valuable asset. And there is no better way to expand your professional base than working side by side with people who share your passions–in a professional association.
• Exposure to a diverse community!
  Diversity is an important part of the Agile community, and associations provide a natural space for people of all cultures, ages, backgrounds, and experiences to gather. Take advantage of meeting new people from all walks of life!
• Reenergize your career!
  It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, but volunteering can provide a much-needed break in your routine. Yes, vacations are great, and who doesn’t love lying on the beach? But experiencing new learning opportunities, while meeting new friends, is an even better way to recharge (and probably with fewer calories).
• New and unique resources to do your job!
  Most nonprofits have a variety of professional resources for the community. And volunteers are “insiders” in the nonprofit and are often the first who are aware of new and exciting offerings.
• How you volunteer is YOUR choice!
  Only have an hour to give back? That’s great! We need reviewers for content! Do you have more time? Maybe you can assist with one of our initiatives! It’s totally up to you!
• It IS the right thing to do!
  There is an old saying, to whom much is given, much is expected. For those fortunate enough to have thriving lives, there is no better way to celebrate that fortune than by giving back to the community. And remember, your volunteer work benefits a COMMUNITY–not an individual person or for-profit business.

So if you’re on the fence about getting involved in your association, or maybe your employer is hesitant to support you, consider these eight important benefits. In the end, it will be good for both you AND your boss.

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are personal and belong solely to the author. They do not represent opinion or policy of Agile Alliance.