Anne Owens, CVA, MS Ed’s Post

I've been reading Fr. Gregory Boyle's "Barking to the Choir" this week. The following sentence hooked me and wouldn't let go. "We always seem to be faced with this choice: to save the world or savor it. I want to propose that savoring is better, and that when we seek to 'save' and 'contribute' and 'give back' and 'rescue' folks and EVEN 'make a difference', then it is all about you...and the world stays stuck....The good news, of course, is that when we choose to 'savor' the world, it gets saved. Don't set out to change the world. Set out to wonder how people are doing. (p. 174-5)" This certainly hits a nerve with me personally (it's one of the reasons I have worked in and with nonprofits) - and professionally as someone who works with staff and volunteers and partners wanting to do all these things. Fr. Boyle goes on to point out that "before things become mutually beneficial at the margins, they need to be mutually relational" (p. 182), which echoes activist Bryan Stevenson's call to get proximate with others. This is a fundamental reframing of "service", particularly project-based service. Volunteer projects that are plug-and-play-and-walk-away can meet a need but they rarely are relational. If we're honest, that's the appeal. They allow us to do "community" on our own terms and without entanglement. True community asks us to show up and keep showing up, even when it isn't convenient or easy or fun. Which makes me wonder how project-based service can be a bridge or portal to community. I'm also thinking about what it means for me to be mutually relational. How am I showing up in community? Where am I missing the mark? How does mutual relationship show up in my work about volunteer impact and volunteer purpose...and corporate volunteering, which I posted about last week? How do we create conditions for mutual relationship in nonprofits when our organizations are rarely structured for it (and are often structured against it)?

Volunteers strengthen communities. For many, the feeling of coming together in the spirit of generosity with a shared mission in mind makes for a powerful experience. It’s sad to read that the number of Americans who volunteer is declining, which is why it’s so important for organizations that rely on volunteers to celebrate them—and entice past volunteers to come back to the work. In honor of #NationalVolunteerWeek, here are a few tips for celebrating and engaging with your volunteers: 1️⃣ Host a Volunteer Appreciation Event: Whether it's a virtual gathering or a formal award ceremony, be sure to show your gratitude and appreciation for their contributions. 2️⃣ Share Their Stories: Highlight the impact of volunteering by showcasing the stories of your volunteers through social media, newsletters, or your organization's website. Inspiring others through these stories can motivate both current and prospective volunteers to get involved, while also serving as ambassadors for your organization. 3️⃣ Foster a Sense of Belonging: Creating a supportive and inclusive environment where volunteers feel valued, respected, and connected to the organization's mission is key. Encourage collaboration, communication, and teamwork among volunteers to cultivate a strong sense of community and belonging. 4️⃣ Express Gratitude Year-Round: While Volunteer Appreciation Month (April) is a great time to express gratitude, be sure to show appreciation throughout the year. Send handwritten thank-you notes and regularly express your gratitude for their ongoing dedication and support. 5️⃣ Reconnect and Reengage: Reach out to past volunteers and reconnect with them. Invite them to participate in special events, projects, or initiatives that align with their interests and skills. By re-engaging former volunteers, you not only strengthen your volunteer base but also reignite their passion for nonprofit work. How does your nonprofit organization show appreciation for its volunteers? #VolunteerAppreciationMonth #CommunityImpact

My favorite hack for acing volunteer work → Start young and stay committed. Volunteering has always been a cornerstone of my life. Since age 7, I've been actively involved in giving back, starting with local Veterans organizations. Sometimes it’s helping at events. Other times, it’s organizing community cleanups. But it’s always about making a difference. Here’s how volunteering shaped my journey: 01- Early Start: ↳ Volunteered with 16 Veterans organizations. ↳ E.g., SWFL Veterans Alliance, Honor Flight, and more. 02- Consistent Passion: ↳ Maintained a strong commitment throughout high school. ↳ E.g., 145+ volunteer hours at various community events. 03- Community Impact: ↳ Focused on initiatives that have tangible outcomes. ↳ E.g., Beach cleanups, food donations, and more. By staying true to my passion for volunteering, I’ve grown both personally and academically. This approach will help you in 2 ways: A- Build strong community ties. B- Develop a deep sense of purpose. PS: Volunteering is more than just a hobby for me—it’s a way of life. Looking to make an impact? Let’s connect 🙌

A strong volunteer force can set your nonprofit up for sustainable success. But how do you recruit and retain the right volunteers and match them with the right jobs? We called on the experts! They share the four memorable "Rs" that will guide you to establishing and keeping the team you need. https://hubs.ly/Q02ztHmx0

Nothing like reading an article filled with things you've been saying for YEARS and people rolled their eyes at you... "6 Ways a Volunteer Program Can Burst the Bubbles We Live In" All my favs: how volunteering can bring people with very different points of view together, why EVERYONE should be invited to volunteer, why it's sometimes a good idea to say "come help your neighbors" instead of "come volunteer!", and on and on: https://lnkd.in/gax6rYuF

The Power of Volunteerism: Why People Give Their Time and How to Attract Them Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofits. They bring energy, passion, and dedication to causes that matter, often making the difference between a successful initiative and one that falls flat. Understanding why people volunteer is the first step in attracting them to your cause. But how do you turn that understanding into action? Here are some suggestions to help you identify the motivators that drive volunteers and keep them engaged.

Giving money is easy. Giving time is hard. It is easy to write checks to organizations you support. But taking off work to give your time — especially as an entrepreneur — can feel challenging. In fact, I almost didn’t show up to my volunteer shift on Friday. 😬 I had been out of the office most of the week due to a client workshop, my mastermind and a sick kid. It was so tempting to cancel and spend time in the office playing catch up. But I knew I would regret it if I didn’t go. So I went. And I’m so glad I did. I spent the morning volunteering with Samaritan's Feet International, a global organization that provides shoes to children in need. My job was to get kids fitted in the right size shoes just in time for the school year. It was so rewarding to connect with all the participants. There was the five-year-old girl who lit up when she stepped into a pair of beautiful turquoise sneakers. And the proud eight-year-old boy who beamed when we sang happy birthday to him. And the Ghanan mother who shared her story as she got her two young boys fitted for shoes that fit their growing feet. Spending the day like this was a much needed perspective shift. It’s so easy to focus on our own lives and businesses. But giving my time to help others was the greatest gift. It was a great reminder that while my work is important, that helping others is always time well spent. While I have often volunteered in my personal time, I have rarely taken time off work to do so. But after Friday’s experience, I see how important that is. And now I want to weave that into the regular rhythm and culture at Blue Kite . Because we care about making an impact — not just by building brands that make a difference, but rolling up our sleeves to support the work of great organizations too. Thanks for all of the great work you are doing, Manny Ohonme! It was an honor to serve with you and your team! 💙 I’m curious — do you create space in your work schedule to volunteer? Does your company give time off for volunteering or do you volunteer together? I’d love to hear how you give your time at work. And if you’d like to join me and donate your time, money or both to Samaritan’s Feet, there's a link in the comments.

Embarking on a volunteering journey? Evidence suggests that successful volunteering is not just about the hours you put in. It's about strategic engagement. Studies, such as those published in the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, highlight the importance of goal setting and skill-matching for a fulfilling volunteering experience. 🌟💼 Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just starting, these insights will guide your journey. #VolunteeringTips #StudentVolunteers"

Give up some of your time this holiday season and give back to something you care about! Why? Here are 10 reasons: 1. It's the Season of Giving 2. It could lead to a new career 3. It can boost your confidence 4. Volunteering is fulfilling 5. You might learn new skills 6. It's a great way to relieve stress 7. You gain a new perspective 8. You will spread cheer 9. You will meet new people 10.You will make a difference There are a lot of organizations in your area that are in need of volunteers. Find one that is of interest to you and give back to your community. It will get you out of the house and away from the computer, you’ll meet new people, and you may find an interest you didn’t even know you have. Not sure where to look? Try some of these: Local hospitals, Toys for Tots, Red Cross, Salvation Army, food pantries, schools, senior living facilities, senior citizens centers, YMCA, or google "Holiday volunteering near me" GIVE IT A TRY! YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!

April is National Volunteer Month where employers can recognize the contributions of volunteers and encourage more employees to get involved in their communities through volunteer work. Below, we address why an employer would want to promote volunteer service and how to do so. How can an employer encourage volunteer service? As an employer, there are several approaches you can take. Here are some options to consider. Lead by example. To foster an environment in which employees volunteer and give regularly, company leadership should promote their company’s commitment to the community. To do so, consider developing programs and policies that target community interests, and devote the appropriate resources to your programming efforts. In addition, executives can encourage charitable efforts by participating themselves, championing volunteer and giving programs, and recognizing employees’ efforts. The encouragement of leadership is key, but employers should remember that participation in these programs should be strictly voluntary. Help employees find nonprofit organizations that match their interests. Keep in mind that employees are typically more likely to commit to organizations that match their interests. Employers can help employees find nonprofit organizations by pointing them to resources that post volunteer opportunities. Other options include hosting a volunteer fair or obtaining brochures from a variety of local nonprofits.