Comerica Bank hosted an event today, featuring a stellar panel of community leaders, who shared their reasons for volunteer engagement and practical ways to maximize impact. My aha moment occurred when one of the panelists I'd invited, shared that his community engagement prior to 9/11 had been two-fold: supporting his wife's volunteer leadership and writing checks/attending nonprofit events. I've only become friends with this successful lawyer and incredible community leader since his immersion into board service.
My assumption, prior to today, was that successful folks included board service or other significant volunteer commitments in their way of being/doing/operating. My aha discovery was that the "engagement gene" may well evolve as an individual has more control over her/his schedule. Sometimes it is inherited - and sometimes it evolves.
Regardless of how an individual invests time, talent and/or treasure, passion is the key. Excitement about the organization's mission will ideally inspire engagement and commitment.
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volunteer. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
What is a Volunteer?
There are countless descriptive definitions and examples of volunteering. Volunteers make priceless impact every day. As I was running this morning, in a volunteer t-shirt, I thought of a simplistic way of depicting what ideal volunteers are:
- Valuable
- Open
- Listening
- Understanding
- Needed
- Talented
- Empathetic
- Energized
- Resource
Thank you to each of you for making such a difference in so very many ways!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Voluntold
Coined words have impact. Automatically, when you read the title, "Voluntold", you realize the implications. After chairing a productive meeting for one of my nonprofit organizations, the staff liaison and I were debriefing. She asked another staff member (one of her direct reports) to join us as we recounted the opportunity to construct a survey for the group. He quickly shared the term "voluntold" when we explained his role in the survey.
Though he was eager to assist, it reminded me that many of us love to volunteer for causes that match our passions. However, when we feel that the option is not ours; rather there is an expectation to participate it feels like we are being voluntold.
We all like options and volunteering creates far more options than voluntold.
Though he was eager to assist, it reminded me that many of us love to volunteer for causes that match our passions. However, when we feel that the option is not ours; rather there is an expectation to participate it feels like we are being voluntold.
We all like options and volunteering creates far more options than voluntold.
Friday, June 15, 2012
45 Ways to Make a Difference
45 Ways to Make a
Difference
1. Volunteer!
2. Contribute financially to a
non-profit organization.
3. Join a non-profit friends group.
4. Become an advisory board member.
5. Serve on a board.
6. Chair a committee.
7. Plan an event.
8. Make friends aware of the great work
of your chosen non-profit organization.
9. Walk, run or bike for an
organization.
10. Donate your new or gently used items
to an organization.
11. Vote.
12. Bring someone with you to volunteer.
13. Recycle.
14. Collect non-perishable food items for
a food bank or pantry.
15. Give blood.
16. Register as an organ donor.
17. Provide toiletry items to a homeless
organization.
18. Be a mentor.
19. Teach a class.
20. Encourage a friend, stranger,
colleague, family member or neighbor.
21. Speak up for someone who needs an
advocate.
23. Take the magazines you’ve read to a
nursing home or hospital.
24. Organize a group of colleagues,
friends or neighbors for a volunteer project.
25. Conserve natural resources.
26. Fund-raise for a non-profit.
27. Assist a classroom teacher.
28. Coach a team.
30. Thoughtfully re-gift.
31. Donate books to the library.
32. Motivate positive action with a
letter to the editor.
33. Donate or recycle your old cell
phone.
34. Keep reusable bags in your car for
shopping trips.
35. Support a non-profit through social
media.
38. Shop for a cause.
40. Support our troops.
41. Share knowledge.
43. Become a foster parent.
44. Attend a fund-raising event.
45. Make a donation in memory or honor of
someone.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Follow Passion when Volunteering
My day has been filled with varied volunteer activities for DePelchin Children's Center, March of Dimes and Junior Achievement. The activities were different for each organization, but the common element is that each benefits children. There are unlimited opportunities to make a difference and we need to assess the best fit for our skills and interests. Fortunately, I learned early in my volunteer experience that just because an organization is worthwhile, I may not be the best volunteer for the organization. When we are passionate about a cause we bring our best to the opportunity and tend to maintain involvement.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Passion for Children
DePelchin Children's Center has been serving the needs of Houston children and families since 1892. Services have expanded through the years and include mental health, residential treatment, foster care, adoption, education and prevention.
The vision is aspirational: We envision a world in which every child is safe and healthy.
And the mission is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.
I've had the privilege of serving on the board of this amazing organization for many years and am thrilled with the commitment, professionalism and passion consistently demonstrated by the staff and board.
There are so many ways to make a positive impact for all who have a passion for the well-being of children and all of our children need opportunities, resources and advocates. Many of us had the privilege of growing up in loving homes with supportive families. Not every child has this experience. If you're looking for a chance to change the world, consider sharing your time, talent and/or treasure with one of the many terrific organizations committed to strengthening the lives of children.
The vision is aspirational: We envision a world in which every child is safe and healthy.
And the mission is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being.
I've had the privilege of serving on the board of this amazing organization for many years and am thrilled with the commitment, professionalism and passion consistently demonstrated by the staff and board.
There are so many ways to make a positive impact for all who have a passion for the well-being of children and all of our children need opportunities, resources and advocates. Many of us had the privilege of growing up in loving homes with supportive families. Not every child has this experience. If you're looking for a chance to change the world, consider sharing your time, talent and/or treasure with one of the many terrific organizations committed to strengthening the lives of children.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Divine Timing
This is the fifth year that Sterling Bank has been recognizing our 50+ hour community volunteers with the chance to designate a $500 grant in their honor to a non-profit organization. One of our volunteers submitted a grant application for an ineligible organization two weeks ago. Last week she resubmitted for an eligible organization, with a request to make the award in memory of her son. I approved the request last Friday, but a printer issue prevented the notification letters to the recipient organization and the honored banker from being submitted until Monday. The honored banker received her interoffice notification Tuesday, on the second anniversary of her son's death.
Every day is difficult when grieving. Significant calendar dates are often more difficult than others. I was stunned that our timing delays caused notification to arrive on a date that was particularly meaningful to this special banker.
Every day is difficult when grieving. Significant calendar dates are often more difficult than others. I was stunned that our timing delays caused notification to arrive on a date that was particularly meaningful to this special banker.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Volunteer Board Members
There are countless ways to volunteer and each has the opportunity to impact the life of the volunteer and those he or she serves. I was asked recently how to become a board member of a volunteer organization since I am very active in the community. There are many paths to board service including:
Those with a sincere interest in making an impact are far superior board members than those who are viewed as resume builders. And, it would be rare for an organization to tap a board member who has not already been active in the community. As with most other opportunities, a broad, diverse network helps connect the willing and able to the organizations that have expressed needs.
Board representation is gratifying work when you are engaged with an organization with a mission that matches your passion. Without passion, it becomes just another task on a to-do list.
- establishing a stellar reputation with an organization as a committed volunteer
- providing a skill that is absent or under-represented on the board
- being nominated by a friend or colleague who knows what you can contribute
- responding to a solicitation for new board members
- making your specific interest known to current board members or staff
- achieving highly positive company, community and/or association visibility
- serving as a company or organization designated representative
- Time
- Talent
- Treasure
- Touch
Those with a sincere interest in making an impact are far superior board members than those who are viewed as resume builders. And, it would be rare for an organization to tap a board member who has not already been active in the community. As with most other opportunities, a broad, diverse network helps connect the willing and able to the organizations that have expressed needs.
Board representation is gratifying work when you are engaged with an organization with a mission that matches your passion. Without passion, it becomes just another task on a to-do list.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Volunteering Triples Impact
My world has been positively impacted by the power of voluntarism from childhood. My precious Mama was the perpetual room mother for at least one child each year, helping countless teachers expand their impact and benefiting innumerable classmates. She was ever present for the many opportunities that our church needed and provided. She met numerous needs in her active leadership roles with Junior Auxiliary. And her remarkable impact continues through P.E.O.
Not everyone is so fortunate to have a volunteer role model. I am most grateful that I've always known that one of our responsibilities is to assist others.
Volunteering is good for our conscience, community and career. First and second, we know that we feel good when we help others. But, one of the additional benefits of volunteering is career enhancing. Volunteering:
Not everyone is so fortunate to have a volunteer role model. I am most grateful that I've always known that one of our responsibilities is to assist others.
Volunteering is good for our conscience, community and career. First and second, we know that we feel good when we help others. But, one of the additional benefits of volunteering is career enhancing. Volunteering:
- makes a difference in the lives of others
- distinguishes those who serve others
- has the potential to hone new skills
- provides leadership development opportunities
- expands networks
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sterling Community Impacts
Sterling Bank and our bankers recognized that 2009 was a most difficult year for many Texans. We were able to touch countless lives through corporate contributions and volunteer hours. More than 200 non-profits across the state were grateful beneficiaries of our corporate contributions. And we’ll never know how many lives were touched by the 214 dedicated bankers who invested 8,638 hours of volunteer service.
A record number of Sterling Bankers devoted 50 or more hours to community service in 2009. By giving our 50-hour volunteers the ability to direct $500 grants to organizations that are important to them, we allow additional non-profits to benefit from Sterling time, talent and treasure.
Sterling was once again awarded the Texas Banker’s Association Cornerstone Award for our community program. And one of our bankers, Steve Harker, received the coveted Making a Difference award from the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, acknowledging his 2,462 hours of service with the Red Cross from 2006 – 2008.
Our bankers didn’t let a challenging economy thwart their fundraising efforts. Sterling Bank posted an increase in March of Dimes contributions in 2009, rising 5 places to become the #7 Corporate Houston Fundraising Team. Shelley Cruz and Daran Landry emerged as the #9 and #10 Individual Fundraisers amidst a very competitive field.
By hosting blood drives at 8 week intervals, we’ve increased blood donations each year since 2005. Our 18.8% increase in 2009 donations over our previous record year in 2008, represents a significant number of additional lives saved.
We celebrate and thank, not only our volunteers, but all of our bankers and their family members, who are bravely serving in the U.S. military to protect the freedoms we hold dear.
A record number of Sterling Bankers devoted 50 or more hours to community service in 2009. By giving our 50-hour volunteers the ability to direct $500 grants to organizations that are important to them, we allow additional non-profits to benefit from Sterling time, talent and treasure.
Sterling was once again awarded the Texas Banker’s Association Cornerstone Award for our community program. And one of our bankers, Steve Harker, received the coveted Making a Difference award from the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, acknowledging his 2,462 hours of service with the Red Cross from 2006 – 2008.
Our bankers didn’t let a challenging economy thwart their fundraising efforts. Sterling Bank posted an increase in March of Dimes contributions in 2009, rising 5 places to become the #7 Corporate Houston Fundraising Team. Shelley Cruz and Daran Landry emerged as the #9 and #10 Individual Fundraisers amidst a very competitive field.
By hosting blood drives at 8 week intervals, we’ve increased blood donations each year since 2005. Our 18.8% increase in 2009 donations over our previous record year in 2008, represents a significant number of additional lives saved.
We celebrate and thank, not only our volunteers, but all of our bankers and their family members, who are bravely serving in the U.S. military to protect the freedoms we hold dear.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Is It Time to Change Your Volunteer Post?
Why are we volunteering where we are volunteering? Periodically, we must pause to remember why we are maintaining or neglecting our various volunteer commitments. We need to remember why we initially engaged with the organization.
Were we chosen/or did we choose to engage because of a particular skill set, passion or connections? If so, we need to ascertain if we have added sufficient value from our involvement. We must also question whether the organization could benefit from new blood with a similar reason for engaging. Best yet, we will realize that our reasons for investing our discretionary time and talent with the organization remain worthy. And when we methodically choose to pare a commitment, my hope is that we will find another organization that will similarly benefit from our engagement and identify another volunteer who will serve in our place.
We all make a difference!
Were we chosen/or did we choose to engage because of a particular skill set, passion or connections? If so, we need to ascertain if we have added sufficient value from our involvement. We must also question whether the organization could benefit from new blood with a similar reason for engaging. Best yet, we will realize that our reasons for investing our discretionary time and talent with the organization remain worthy. And when we methodically choose to pare a commitment, my hope is that we will find another organization that will similarly benefit from our engagement and identify another volunteer who will serve in our place.
We all make a difference!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Share Your Talents
According to Volunteering in America, 61.8 million Americans (26.4% of the adult population) volunteered between 2006 and 2008, and the average time volunteered was 34.7 hours. Eight billion hours were volunteered, with a value of $162 Billion (using Independent Sector's volunteer rate of $20.25). Imagine what an enormous difference we could make just by boosting volunteer involvement!
Volunteering has been an expectation for as long as I can remember. It was role modeled for me as a child. Though I've put heart and soul into many volunteer activities, I've generally felt that I gained far more than I contributed. However, positive feedback from beneficiaries has confirmed that it is very much a two-way street. I've often categorized volunteer involvement and contributions as "enlightened self-interest". Both are good for the individual/corporation and the non-profit.
Though I've engaged with many fabulous non-profits through the years, I'm currently most engaged as the Vice-Chairman of DePelchin Children's Center, Board Member at Alley Theatre, Houston Better Business Bureau and Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce. I also love serving as an advisory board member for Junior League of Houston and Houston Technology Center and as the Corporate Advocate for March of Dimes and the corporate host for blood drives at 8 week intervals as a 6+-gallon donor for the Blood Center. I loved my American Leadership Forum experience where I am a Senior Fellow and former board member. I'm also an active advocate for SEARCH, Center for Houston's Future, Girl Scouts and BioHouston. And with my family, we lead an usher team at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church.
Perhaps I'm over-committed to these marvelous organizations, but I only engage with organizations that I believe are making a difference. My full level of engagement will illuminate for other non-profits who seek my involvement that when I respond, "I cannot take on one more commitment", I am providing a true assessment.
If you are not currently an engaged volunteer, please find an organization that will value your time, talent and treasure.
Volunteering has been an expectation for as long as I can remember. It was role modeled for me as a child. Though I've put heart and soul into many volunteer activities, I've generally felt that I gained far more than I contributed. However, positive feedback from beneficiaries has confirmed that it is very much a two-way street. I've often categorized volunteer involvement and contributions as "enlightened self-interest". Both are good for the individual/corporation and the non-profit.
Though I've engaged with many fabulous non-profits through the years, I'm currently most engaged as the Vice-Chairman of DePelchin Children's Center, Board Member at Alley Theatre, Houston Better Business Bureau and Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce. I also love serving as an advisory board member for Junior League of Houston and Houston Technology Center and as the Corporate Advocate for March of Dimes and the corporate host for blood drives at 8 week intervals as a 6+-gallon donor for the Blood Center. I loved my American Leadership Forum experience where I am a Senior Fellow and former board member. I'm also an active advocate for SEARCH, Center for Houston's Future, Girl Scouts and BioHouston. And with my family, we lead an usher team at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church.
Perhaps I'm over-committed to these marvelous organizations, but I only engage with organizations that I believe are making a difference. My full level of engagement will illuminate for other non-profits who seek my involvement that when I respond, "I cannot take on one more commitment", I am providing a true assessment.
If you are not currently an engaged volunteer, please find an organization that will value your time, talent and treasure.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Help Save a Life
There is no substitute for human blood. And each donation can save as many as 3 lives. That's why I've chosen to donate every 8 weeks. It's quick (you're in and out in an hour or less) and easy (you can make appointments online at www.giveblood.org).
Got to get dressed! My appointment's at 9:15.
Got to get dressed! My appointment's at 9:15.
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