4 Simple Questions to Reflect on Your 2013 of Volunteering
As 2013 comes to a draw, it's a great time to take your volunteer progress report and reflect on how serving others has served you this year. Did you overcommit and spread yourself too thin? Were you not able to volunteer as much as you hoped? Plan for a year of giving in 2014 that highlights the special skills, time, and talents YOU have to offer!
1. Where did you volunteer? Was it at school, with your favorite charity, with your faith group? If you loved your volunteer time where you spent it this year, fantastic! If you found that you did not take away much from your volunteer experience in certain areas, consider finding a new focus for your service in 2014 - it's ok to enjoy your time volunteering, in fact, you are a more productive helping hand when you truly embrace and love the work you do.
2. Did you use your time wisely? Many parents especially find themselves spread thin when it comes to managing work, busy family schedules and giving back. If you're one of those parents, resolve to stress less and manage your volunteer time so it works for YOU and not always for other people. There are tons of great ways to help your child's school, for example, from home - keeping on top of school social accounts or websites, coordinating parent volunteers with free online signups, you name it. More ideas here
3. Did you find your efforts & energy were put to good use? Don't be afraid to speak up to your volunteer or school parent coordinator with constructive feedback, especially if you felt that more than half the time you volunteered you didn't feel particularly useful. The time you serve is special and it's hard to enjoy the experience when you're standing around or dealing with a disorganized event that has no 'real' place for you. Resolve to be more vocal and even contribute ideas in regards to volunteer jobs in 2014 - your fellow volunteers will thank you.
4. Did you volunteer with your family? Few experiences teach compassion, giving, and selflessness like serving others with your children. From helping at the school fundraiser to grooming dogs at the local animal shelter, kids can take away so many life lessons from doing GOOD with mom and dad. If volunteering together didn't make it on the family calendar this year, resolve to schedule a time in 2014 that will focus your family on helping others!
