Have you ever wanted to do something so badly, but you just couldn’t figure out the best way to do it? That was volunteering for me. Not because I didn’t want to do it, but because I wasn’t sure how to contribute in a meaningful way.
Volunteering, by definition, is the contribution of time, effort, and talent to a need, cause, or mission without financial gain. Volunteering is all about you being able to contribute some of your own time to help people in our communities. So, picking an organization you are interested in and passionate about is important.
As a child, going to Vacation Bible School (VBS) was one of my favorite things to do! The songs, the games, the snacks, all of it - I LOVED it! So recently when the opportunity presented itself, I took the opportunity and did it as part of my Pay it Forward day through Marketing Essentials.
Getting Started
On a Thursday evening in March, I walked into my church parish meeting room, sat down at the table, and just like that, began the start of planning our annual VBS.
I remember going to the first meeting thinking, “Please, God, don’t let them ask me to do games or crafts - you know I’m not good at that!”
Some people are naturally talented in arts and crafts, so helping out with these projects is so enjoyable to them. They are creative and patient as they see the children put the artwork together. For me, not so much - all I can think is, “The glue, the paint, the mess - ugh!”
I’m more of the organization type. Need a list, a sheet, or calling people? That’s right up my alley!
As each monthly meeting came and went things, fell into place. We had a great, well-rounded group of volunteers. We worked well together as a collaborative team with healthy conflict and actionable results to keep things moving.
I was able to help organize things in a slide deck so everyone could see everything come together. I helped with the volunteer spreadsheet, contacted those who had reached out, and sought additional volunteers.
I was also the team leader for the snack station. I got input from the group for food ideas and then I executed get them.
All in all, we had over 100 kids attend VBS, more than 50 volunteers among the adults, teens and kids, and over 12 cookie bakers! Amazing (and yummy)!
My Biggest Piece of Advice
My biggest takeaway from this experience was to just go for it. Stop holding back. Whether you like to be the leader, the follower, the creative, the implementer, or the cheerleader, everyone can find an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.
So find an organization you are passionate about or interested in, and go for it!
