by April Welch, The Mental Clutter Coach
I've heard it all before, believe me. After several years of helping folks organize their lives, I've heard all the reasons they don't have time to volunteer.
The biggest one?
"I don't have time"
I promise, if you offer me that response, I'll help you find the time in your schedule.
The truth of the matter, most of my clients ~ friends ~ family {even your's truly} have been burnt as a volunteer.
Remember my post last week? Baseball Meetings: Already??
The scenario was:
As I sat in the initial meeting, for a spring sport on the last day of January, I realized those who volunteer are the same folks. I asked readers to determine, are you the one who always shows up to help or are you the one no one knows they can call on for help?
Check out the conversation on VolunteerSpot's Facebook page.
How to be a welcoming group for new volunteers:
- be sure to listen to people if they are trying to say "no" to part of your request
- respect them and their family values, by respecting their boundaries
- appreciate, appreciate, appreciate
How to be a volunteer that doesn't become a doormat:
- be clear on what you're willing to do and not do with your benevolence
- know your boundaries, if you sit down as a family for dinner ~ request no phone calls during that time of day
- don't expect to get a pat on the back from the other hard working folks, know your currency and invest there
Example:
I happened to be at this early bird meeting due to my computer skills {and the fact that the lady handing it off use to be my assistant and her son was no longer in the league, so she reached out}.
- I knew going in, I already have a busy schedule and could not commit to any "big" piece of a project.
- I also knew going in, I would be traveling during pivotal deadlines in the process. So, to rely on me may not be in the best interest of the league.
However, I could take a small chunk {just the computer side} and delegate out the other tasks {errands like bank deposits & checking the PO Box}.
In the end, my currency is my son playing baseball in a league ran by dedicated parents who really care about the kids having positive athletic experiences. {oh, and then there's that nasty rumor going around that I blackmailed the coach to come back for one more season or I would take all my computer skills and happily skip on home. I'm still disputing that! ~ grin}
The point is, a plan of action for volunteering really comes from both sides of the effort. The coordinators as well as the volunteers themselves.
- If you're unable to engage volunteers, assess your listening skills.
- If you feel like a doormat, assess your boundaries.
Head on over to the VolunteerSpot Facebook Page and let me know your thoughts, we're having a fantastic conversation over there!
Keepin' it Tidy,
April
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April is a Mental Clutter Expert | Mom of 2 boys | Wife to 1 Fireman | Horrible Cook | Loyal Friend | National Public Speaker who gives you permission to be imperfect
And for other ideas on how to manage your time as a volunteer, check out Avoiding Volunteer Burnout
