“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.”
—Author Unknown
The powerful quote, “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer,” perfectly captures the spirit of United Way. We believe that volunteers are the heart and soul of our community. From packing thousands of meals to cleaning up parks and neighborhoods, we are thankful to live in a caring community with people who are dedicated to ensuring vital needs are met and making a real difference in how we #LiveUnited.
Beyond Giving Time: Diverse Volunteer Opportunities
1. Learn more about an organization and help drive decisions that benefit the community.
Share your expertise and help shape the direction of organizations you care about. Learn about their mission and contribute your strategic thinking to critical initiatives.
2. Use your skills to fill gaps and support organizational capacity.
Historically, nonprofits tend to be understaffed and experience high turnover (estimated to be around 19%) compared to other industries. This means that organizations often struggle to find and maintain staff with skillsets and time (i.e., capacity) to achieve their best work. A lot of skilled workers can be critical as nonprofit volunteers.
Put your professional skills to work! Non-profits constantly seek volunteers with talents in writing, graphic design, web development, event planning, and sales. Help them create compelling marketing materials, develop fundraising campaigns, or manage logistics for impactful events.
3. Develop leadership skills
You can grow in many different ways that will undoubtedly carry over into other aspects of your life. The new skills and experiences one can gain when volunteering with a nonprofit can build resumes and better prepare for the next career step.
4. Grow your network and expose your network to causes you care about
Serving on a board or committee is a fantastic way to connect with passionate people in your community. Volunteering alongside dedicated individuals can introduce you to new causes and even potential mentors. When you volunteer for a cause you care about, it’s not just about you. You can be a champion for positive change and inspire your family, friends, and colleagues to join the movement. Together, you can raise awareness about important issues and create a stronger, more vibrant community.
Ready to Make a Difference?
There’s a cause out there that needs your unique talents! Research local organizations or visit volunteer matching websites to find an opportunity that aligns with your interests. Let’s work together to build a better world, one volunteer hour at a time.
If you’re looking for ways to get involved, visit our web page to learn about volunteer opportunities with United Way of Greater Toledo!
