Re: Volunteering

Subject: Re: Volunteering
From: Melonie Holliman <mrh -at- ABMDATA -dot- COM>
Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 13:23:23 -0500

Howdy,

I have done quite a bit of volunteering which consisted mostly of layout
type work (Newsletters, flyers, programs, etc.). This is my input.

1) Make sure you know what you are committing to -- get details and
determine what is REALLY expected of you. Make sure they under-
stand what you need from them, especially in terms of deadlines. I
have often had people hand me hours worth of work the day before
and expect me to drop everything to finish it (including sleep). I now
say things like "it will take me 2 days to finish it. If you do not have it
to me 2 days before your deadline you WILL not have it done."

2) Really commit or don't do it -- I organized a bunch of volunteers to
put on a conference. Too often, people would say they would help
then back out at the last minute. And this group was more responsible
than most. That's one reason #1 is so important: make sure you can do
the job. Also, look at your own life closely and make sure you have the
time. One exception: if I get pressured into giving my time and my
energy when I am not really committed I sometimes give in, but I make
sure they understand my situation. And I don't feel guilty for giving less.

3) Examine the personalities involved. I found that there are a few people I
really had trouble working with. When I am not being paid for all my
hard work, I find my patience is much shorter, especially when you get
one of those slave drivers who feel they own you since you volunteered.

I believe in service work; it is a great way to give back and feel needed. It can
be a rewarding and educational experience. However, every opportunity is not
always the right one. I find it takes discernment.

It can really help the resume though. The "training" section of my resume is
almost completely filled with non-profit stuff.

Melonie Holliman
mailto: mrh -at- abmdata -dot- com




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