There is no Perfect Age to Begin to Volunteer

There is no Perfect Age to Begin to Volunteer

It’s true, both young people and older are likely to participate in social volunteering. There is no perfect age to begin to volunteer. But many potential volunteers aren’t sure how to get involved. This is a perfect opportunity for businesses to reach out and expand their public services.

Volunteers are more engaged when they are solving real world problems. Corporate training programs and volunteer organizations have to problem solve for the real world environment – then they must recruit volunteers from within that same environment.

You need to be able to show your volunteers what it is you hope to accomplish, and include them in the celebration that their hard work contributed toward. Professional volunteers and corporate training programs need to raise the bar when recruiting and onboarding committed volunteers.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”  — Audrey Hepburn

There are a lot of prospective volunteers just waiting to connect with the right opportunity. I am intrigued by the emerging opportunities to potentially design volunteer positions that fit the life styles of the modern workforce. Charities that attract prospective volunteers from outside their comfort zones have really done their homework. For instance, Habitat for Humanity, and the National Park Service have leveraged the existing volunteer structure and added that personal connection. A connection that helps to turn prospective volunteers into committed ones.

Allowing volunteers to take ownership of something they have done, and knowing they made a difference – even if it is small, is motivating. It is motivating enough to keep people engaged and willing to return to help year after year.

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” — Unknown

The younger someone is introduced to volunteering, the more likely they will continue into their adulthood. Well established charities and social groups think outside the box. Look at organizations like Boy/Girl Scouting of America and a few others. Each has a large pool of youthful volunteers and older volunteers. It’s generational volunteering.

Charitable programs are also learning to recruit volunteers using flexible time frames that offer the modern worker a chance to participate. Volunteering doesn’t have to be from 8 to 5. Be flexible.

Businesses have an untapped opportunity to create volunteer programs that offer substance to both the giver and receiver. Making a difference and having that sense of personal satisfaction, keeps people engaged and wanting to come back.

Those volunteers who can co-construct and help design long-term processes bring an added value to a social operation. Survey your volunteers and learn what they can bring to your organization – utilize those skills. Then celebrate!

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” — Aristotle