Gillian Hewitt Smith is Notable’s Philanthropy Expert, a corporate affairs businesswoman, and avid volunteer.
I’m often asked why I volunteer. The answer has changed over time, and what I’ve learned along the way has made volunteering an even more important part of my life. I’ve made lifetime friends and learned lessons that have helped me professionally and personally. But at the most fundamental level, I believe giving your time to a worthy cause is good karma. To make it more than a feel-good and fun exercise, you have to know all that you have to offer, and find the right place to direct your contributions.
What do you have to offer?
One of the roadbocks to volunteering I often hear is, “I don’t have any money to give.” Money is only part of the equation. Depending on where you are in your own personal and professional development, you have some combination of five things to offer: time, energy, ideas, influence, and financial support.
When I started out, I didn’t have a dime to spare and was just starting to build my professional network, but I had loads of energy and ideas to share and a decent amount of time to give. Today my mix is quite different, and I know it will continue to evolve over time.
Choosing the right opportunity
There are thousands of organizations that could use your combination of time, energy, ideas, influence, and financial support. The key is finding the right match for you, and for them. Think of the process as a job search — you want to make sure you can build a long-term relationship with the organization.
Pick your passion
Start with what interests you. No matter what gets your juices flowing, there will be an organization that will match. If you’re committed to alleviating poverty, for instance, there are agencies involved in every aspect of this tough topic.
Do your homework
Research is key to making a good choice. Read the organization’s annual report and financial statements. Talk to those who are already involved. Get a sense of the organization’s role in your city, and in the work being done on an issue.
Don’t be shy
Ask for a meeting with the organization’s volunteer coordinator and use the time to understand how you might be helpful. Most organizations are on the lookout for great talent and will appreciate the time being interviewed — and also appreciate interviewing you. The right “fit” is vital to both parties.
Understand the terms
Before you agree to volunteer, know the terms. Do they want you to attend monthly committee meetings? Pitch in with hands-on help? Is there an expected financial contribution?
Every single opportunity will be different, so be clear on what you both need.
Resources to help
Wondering where your talents can be put to good use? Apart from talking to friends about their volunteer experiences, there are many great resources to help you get started. Here are three excellent sites that offer searchable listings of volunteer opportunities:
Business for the Arts boardLink
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