The document emphasizes the importance of lifelong volunteerism, highlighting its transformative benefits for both individuals and communities. It provides guidance on finding a suitable volunteer opportunity, assessing personal motivations, and engaging others in the volunteer experience. It also debunks common myths about volunteering and encourages participation through various resources and ideas.

1. Service for
the Soul
Finding your passion for
life-long volunteerism
Kimberly “Sawyer” Larsen
klarsen@breakthroughfuel.com

2. What’s my story?

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”

4. Life Changing Moment

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)

9. Why does this matter?

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

14. Resources
 www.volunteergb.org
 www.volunteerwisconsin.org
 www.volunteermatch.org
 www.allforgood.org
 www.pointsoflight.org
 www.serve.gov
 www.volunteeringinamerica.gov
 www.sparked.com

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!

16. Sparked.com

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