The Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management is a department at Arizona State University. They recently reported that Arizona is average in giving money to non-profit organizations when compared to other states, but our voluteering hours are well below average.
What are some reasons people don’t volunteer? No time. No money (many organizations require dues). Some people are just not interested. Others would volunteer but they don’t know where to begin.
There are many benefits to participating in community service organizations. These clubs fund and manage community needs such as work parties. But community service isn’t all work, it offers the opportunity to meet other people and make good long-term friends.
Businesses benefit when staff participate in community service organizations. It’s an opportunity for employees to acquire leadership skills. Most community service clubs offer leadership training which is then used in leadership roles in the club. These skills are easily applied in your business.
Another benefit is networking opportunities. Community service is not about business networking, but it happens anyway because friends do business with friends they make in their clubs.
If you can’t be a member of a community service club, you can provide support in other ways. Attend events such as a BBQ or golf tournament. Profits from these events fund community outreach such as back-to-school supplies for needy children. When you don’t have the time yourself, sponsor an employee’s participation by allowing time off for club meetings and activities.
Who gets the most out of community service clubs? Everyone! Members, local businesses, and those on the receiving end. It makes for stronger, better communities.
The following are well respected organizations which serve our community. Find more information online:
Kiwanis, Toastmasters Boys and Girls Clubs, Rotary, Soroptimists, Big Brothers and Sisters, Optimists, Boy Scouts, Special Olympics, YMCA, Girl Scouts, Westside Food Bank, Lions, Andre House, St. Vincent dePaul, Churches, Hospitals, and Knights of Columbus.
These are popular and well-known organizations, but there are many more opportunties to get involved.
Mahatma Ghandi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” If you’re looking for a new year resolution that will make a difference in the lives of others as well as yourself and your business, take that next step. You probably have a friend or coworker who has already invited you to visit their club. Give them a call…