Finding your passion for service is an integral part in creating a fulfilling personal and professional life. “Service for the Soul” is an initiative started by Kimberly Sawyer, former Miss Wisconsin 2010, and current Manager of Analytical Services at Breakthrough®Fuel in Green Bay, WI. Along with serving as an advocate and spokesperson for multiple non-profit organizations, she dedicated her year of service as Miss Wisconsin to help others become life-long volunteers.
This presentation will inspire you to serve, to bring others along for the ride, and to incorporate it into your work environment as well. Volunteering not only benefits those you serve but it greatly benefits your personal health and overall well-being, your professional networking capabilities, and allows you to create a positive impact within your community. The key is to find a type of service that fits your schedule, matches your passions and goals as a volunteer, and makes you excited about giving back.
3. MAO Education
• Largest provider of
scholarships to
young women in the
world (Award $45
million per year)
• Based on Service,
Style, Scholarship,
Success
• All contestants must
have a service-
based platform
• Evolution of “Service
for the Soul”
5. Food for Thought
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is:
'What are you doing for others?”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
6. Today’s Agenda:
Introduction
Why does volunteering matter?
Benefits & Statistics
Finding your perfect match - “Service for the Soul”
How to assess yourself
Where to look – Resources
What to look for
Get others involved!
Personal
Professional
7. Why Volunteer?
Volunteering can transform you and the
world around you.
Great Reasons to Volunteer
Help others, Make a difference
Find purpose, feel involved
Connect with your community
Contribute to a cause that you care about
Use your skills in a productive way or develop new skills
Meet new people, make new friends
Get out of the house
Strengthen your resume, networking!
Increase the level of your health!
Source: VolunteerMatch.org
8. Volunteering & Your Health
Volunteers agree that volunteering helps them
to lead healthier lives.
68% of volunteers agree that “volunteering
has made me feel physically healthier.”
89% of volunteers agree that “volunteering
has improved my sense of well-being.”
73% of volunteers agree that “volunteering
lowers my stress levels.”
Source: VolunteerMatch.org, UnitedHealthcare Survey
(http://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/news/rel2010/UHC-VolunteerMatch-Survey-Fact-Sheet.pdf)
10. Volunteering Myths
It’s
not just for the retired or those who
don’t work an 8-5 job
Wisconsin Volunteering by Age Group (2008-2010) – VolunteeringinAmerica.gov
11. Volunteering Myths
Your
service doesn’t have to be BIG,
whatever you can give is GREAT!
All it takes is finding something you enjoy and
using that passion to benefit others around you
12. HOW to find your niche
Questions to Ask Yourself
What causes are important to you? What are
your interests/passions?
What are your goals?
Want to use your skills, learn a new skill?
Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a
team?
Are you better behind the scenes or do you
prefer to take a more visible role?
How much time are you willing to commit?
How much responsibility are you ready to take
on?
Source: http://www.helpguide.org/life/volunteer_opportunities_benefits_volunteering.htm
13. Make the Connection
You know the WHAT, now you need the
HOW!
Most likely you know someone who is an
avid volunteer - talk with them
Fairs, festivals, 5k’s, etc.
Seek out volunteer resources online
15. Micro-Volunteering
No type of service is too small! Every little bit
counts!
www.sparked.com
Be a guest blogger for non-profit
Update website/social media
Share your expertise and great ideas!
17. Fun Ideas!
Use your performing talents! Volunteer to sing the
national anthem at a fundraising event, entertain at a
local nursing home
Share your career passion with a local high school or
college
Work the concession stand at Friday’s on the Fox
Spend time mentoring a child at your local Boys & Girls
Club
Join an event committee for the Women’s Fund of
Greater Green Bay
Make blankets for a local children’s hospital
Share your talents at a local sports camp, YMCA
18. Get Others Involved!
Volunteering can be
even more fun when
done with friends or
family
Is someone in your
family doing service
learning?
Share your volunteer
story, goals, and
successes with others
Invite your coworkers!
19. Bringing Service into Your
Workplace
Create service hour goals amongst your
company or team members
Volunteer together on a national day of
service
Create your own volunteer project or
event that is meaningful to your
organization
Breakthrough®Fuel example
20. Bringing Service into Your
Workplace
Employers have an important role to play in encouraging
volunteerism among their employees.
25% of those who volunteer do so through their place of
work.
84% agree that “more people would volunteer if their
employers helped provide the means and the motivation.”
81% agree that “volunteering with work colleagues has
strengthened our relationships.”
76% agree that “I feel better about my employer because
of their involvement in my volunteer activities.”
21% agree that “I would not be a volunteer if it wasn’t for
my employer.”
Source: VolunteerMatch.org
21. National Days of Service
January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
April
Global Youth Service Day
National Volunteer Week
May
Join Hands Day
September
September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance
October
Make A Difference Day
Source: http://www.energizeinc.com/prof/events/eventsNA.html
22. What Makes a Positive
Volunteer Experience?
Personally
connected
Bring a friend!
Coordinator gives
you the specifics
You know what is
expected
Ask questions
Thank you!
Don’t be afraid to
make a change
23. WRAP-UP
What is your service for the soul?
Assess yourself
Get involved!
Connect with a local organization and
get started!
Bring
your friends/co-workers along!
DO WHAT YOU CAN
24. Final Food for Thought
"Life without meaning has no hope.
Life without hope has no faith. If you
find a way to contribute, you will find
your meaning, and hope and faith
will naturally follow and accompany
you into your future."
~Nick Vujicic