What if? If you are looking for the second part of that question, that isn’t the way this game works. At the beginning of 2024, our CEO posed the question ‘WHAT IF’? Two words, a question mark, and a blank index card. His challenge for each of us was to complete this question as a way to step into the year with intentionality and purpose. This may sound altruistic, but I thought about our community and ‘what if’ a group of people could commit to volunteering one more hour per month? What kind of exponential impact could that have in Harrisburg?
I’m not talking about spinning the “wheel of charities” and picking one at random but finding an organization that better matches your interests, passion, or skills.
With so many worthy candidates, the task of finding a good fit can feel complex. Consider these three simple steps as a guide and you may be surprised at what you find.
- RESEARCH
- SERVE
- CONNECT
Research Missional Alignment
Volunteering brings a deep sense of purpose and alignment with causes that resonate with our values. When we match those values with passion and a specific skill set, we feel a stronger sense of community and that becomes contagious. We are more likely to continue volunteering, share the story of the organization, or even invite others to volunteer if we believe in the mission. Identify three passions and research organizations in those specific areas of interest.
My uncle had a zest for life and he loved being a teacher. Two of his favorite activities were hunting and fishing so he found a way to serve by combining those passions. For years he volunteered as a hunter safety instructor for the PA Game Commission. If you would ask him about this, he would light up and share the importance of this program. This missional alignment gave my uncle great satisfaction and although the impact is harder to see, we are all safer because of his commitment.
If you need a starting point, check out your local United Way or a resource in Greater Harrisburg is The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ ‘Current Projects’. These listings may trigger a way for you to serve in a capacity you never thought possible.
Serve in Harrisburg or the Greater Area
Understanding this can be out of the comfort zone for some, serving is the most effective way to see if what you thought was a fit on paper, is a match in reality. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to connect with leaders within the community and nonprofit sectors. These connections can be incredibly valuable, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities within different roles. For volunteers, working alongside passionate leaders can be inspirational and educational, fostering personal growth and development.
Connect
Although you will connect with other volunteers and leaders when you serve, follow up and schedule a time to speak 1:1. Ask leaders to share the mission or vision of the organization. Ask other volunteers to share WHY they serve and what their experience has been with the organization.
Connecting outside of the volunteer experience will deepen your relationship and foster a camaraderie that makes serving together more meaningful.
Leaders of nonprofits and community organizations benefit from the fresh perspectives and energy that volunteers bring. These interactions can lead to innovative solutions and new approaches to problem-solving.
What if? What if one hour per month could be an easy way for us to promote healthier, more unified communities? Imagine the world we could build if everyone dedicated a little more time each month to volunteer – a world where compassion, collaboration, and commitment to the common good are at the forefront of our collective consciousness. I hope you will consider being part of the answer to this ‘what if?’ right here in Harrisburg.
