How To Be A Good Volunteer
When I first started my marketing firm, I was advised about the importance of not only networking, but of giving back to the community by volunteering. With my specific skillset, volunteering for me normally looked like giving my time or expertise; as opposed to giving supplies or financially. I learned quickly that almost every non-profit needs help with marketing, as they typically do not have big marketing budgets. I had so many requests for non-profits needing in-kind marketing help, that I eventually had to give myself a rule. My rule was I had to pick only one non-profit at a time to work with, otherwise I was liable to have more in-kind work than paid work. Between the non-profits who actually hired me and the non-profits I voluntarily gave my time to, I feel like I’ve seen it all. I am going to share some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about volunteering, in hopes that it helps you be a better volunteer in your community!
First, I learned what does not belong in the heart of a volunteer: ego. No one volunteer is more important than another volunteer. Everyone has something to give and it’s likely the organization you’re working for needs all of you to be successful. Just because I give my time and not my money, does not mean I deserve to be treated any differently by other volunteers. Just because one volunteer is able to secure more donors or sell more tickets, does not mean they are any more or less important than another volunteer.
Not only can egos mess with the dynamic of your team, but I have also seen over indulged egos get in the way of specific projects. It’s easy to spot a volunteer acting on ego alone, because this person will be fiercely tied to their ideas; even if they are not the best ideas for the organization. A good volunteer knows that furthering the organization is the ultimate goal. A good volunteer never loses sight of that goal, even if it means that their ideas are not always adopted. You ultimately have to decide what is more important: the project or your ego.
I have learned that for a non-profit getting volunteers is hard and keeping them is even harder. That is why I urge you not to be the type of volunteer who quits at the first sign of difficulty. I get that your time is precious and that you may not want to spend it at odds with another volunteer, but there is a lesson here. Not just in volunteerism but in many things in life, the easy move is walking away. It’s harder to find a path forward. If you can forge that path forward though, success is usually found just on the other side. I have found it easier to work with people even despite disagreements when the bind tying us together is a deep rooted agreement in the beliefs of the organization that we are volunteering for. So before jumping in to a volunteer position, I urge you to strongly consider the organization’s principles and make sure they align with your own. Your experience as a volunteer will be better for it.
Another scenario I’ve seen is a volunteer who is fully committed to the principles of an organization but doesn’t feel like those principles are being upheld properly. I understand that this can be extremely disheartening, but I still don’t feel like walking away is the right thing to do. It can be hard when you feel like you’re the only beacon of light in a dark place, but darkness does not last forever. The tides will change at some point and your voice will be needed when that happens. If you can, I urge you stick around and make a difference. It might not be something you can change over night, but make little efforts where you can and watch how far you’ll go!
Now, I am not saying that it never makes sense to move on from an organization. I had to do that earlier this year and it is okay. It creates opportunities for others to share their talents. A word of caution though to any newcomer. It will be very easy for you to look at what has been done before your time and want to make quick changes. But this is the worst thing you can do when coming into an established team. Take a beat. Watch to learn the team dynamic in place, ask questions and truly listen to the answers you get. You want to find a way to be respectful to all parties involved, even if they aren’t around anymore. Remember, you are representing the organization and you don’t want to burn bridges on their behalf.
Another thing that has no place in a volunteer organization: the blame game. When you are actively looking for someone else to blame for the perceived shortcomings of an organization, it is so easy to find a scapegoat. The thing about many non-profits is that often they require people to wear many hats. Not only that, but every volunteer also has their own life outside of serving. We all have day jobs, families, friends, hobbies, and sick days. We are all trying to manage life and find a way to work for a cause that means something to us. It is so important to keep that in mind when we are communicating with our fellow volunteers. Instead of assigning blame, I ask that you extend a little grace instead.
The last trait I believe a good volunteer needs is to be financially cautious. Just like getting and keeping volunteers is a pain point for non-profits, so is getting and keeping funding. Not only that, but the budgets you’re working with are typically donations. Meaning that you are often dealing with other people’s hard earned money. If you have been chosen as a part of the organization then that means you have been entrusted as someone who would steward these donations well. I believe it is extremely important to remember that fact in any conversations or planning you may be a part of in your volunteer role.
If you’re still reading, I’d love to know your thoughts! I’d love to know if you agree, disagree, or even have something you’d add to this conversation. I’d also love to know what non-profits you’re currently supporting! Comment or message me over on Instagram @themamamarketer!
XO - Olivia
