Volunteering: Do you have time to do it?
by Kathleen Richardson
Almost anyone can find time to volunteer. Begin by taking
a look at your current commitments and decide, first, where you
have free time and, second, how much of that time you’ll
devote to helping your community. In fact, rather than saying
off-hand that you don’t have time and to avoid over-committing
yourself, research your availability prior to seeking volunteer
opportunities.
Step 1. Track your life for a week or two. Keep a record of
each quarter-hour, half-hour, or full hour you devote to sleeping,
eating, household chores, exercise, work, etc. Particularly look
at the total time spent in leisure activities (e.g., watching
TV).
Step 2. If you decide there is time to volunteer, pinpoint
exactly how much time. For instance, can you give four hours
or a mere fifteen minutes? Don’t be discouraged, fifteen
minutes counts! (Can you drive a neighbor to an appointment and
pick them up later?)
Step 3. If you’re considering more formal volunteering,
allow for travel time to and from that location in your calculations.
If your time is limited, be alert for opportunities to volunteer
from right in your home. (Do you know a homebound person who
would appreciate a five-minute daily call?)
Step 4. Find out if there is a minimum daily or weekly time
commitment required at the agencies you are considering.
Step 5. Now decide where it fits in your week and make a call
or visit to the non-profits that interest you and which is the
best fit at this time. Begin your commitment with the minimum
number of hours allowed. It’s always easier to add more
time to your volunteering than to subtract them.
Kathleen Richardson is a graduate of the Coachville Graduate
School of Coaching. She established Life Coaching On Your Way
To The Top in 2001 and in 2005 she branched out as a Volunteer
Management Coach where she uses 20 years of experience to help
non-profits attract volunteers. Her monthly column, It’s
Your Life, is featured in the Elmira NY Star-Gazette’s Health
& Fitness magazine. Kathleen Richardson may be contacted at http://www.onyourwaytothetop.com
or coachkathleen@onyourwaytothetop.com
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