Gary Pascual understands that community service can sound like a punishment. Afterall, some people are assigned community service as a way to pay back their debt to society. However, Gary Pascual has found that community service is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can enjoy. Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills, meet friends, and make a difference that improves your community. Today, Gary Pascual will offer tips on ways people can grow passionate about volunteering.
For starters, Gary Pascual recommends researching the many available options for people interested in volunteering. Volunteering for a group or organization that tackles an issue you feel strongly about will make the experience all the more fulfilling. If you cannot find a cause that aligns directly with your passions, you can start by volunteering your time to help with causes you do care about. In other words, if a local park has accumulated trash, people can take it upon themselves to go and clean up. If they love dogs and notice that an elderly neighbor isn’t taking their dogs for as many walks, you can volunteer to help out. Many charitable organizations got their start with one small positive contribution.
One thing that charitable organizations cherish is when a person with a unique skillset can lend their time to the organization. For example, web development professionals will often volunteer their time to help local charities like animal shelters manage their websites. Whether its doing a bit of coding from home or helping redesign a landing page for an upcoming event, these skills are invaluable to charities.
Computer skills are often too expensive for charitable organizations to pay for out of pocket, so volunteers are always welcome. Another great example of a skillset that can help an organization in need is physical prowess. Food kitchens are often in charge of the manual labor of unloading trucks and putting supplies in large fridges or freezers. Someone in great physical shape is a welcome site for these volunteer groups.
Gary Pascual notes that some people want a break from what they are called upon to do at work – or maybe they want to volunteer their time but learn a skill that helps them in their career. There’s no problem with looking to give back while gaining something in the process. Gary Pascual notes that many younger volunteers will look to join an organization that will help boost their resumes. A future writer could volunteer as a copy editor for a charitable newsletter, or an aspiring graphic designer could volunteer to manage the social pages and develop images for posts that draw in more engagement. As you can tell by now, everyone can find a way to utilize their unique skillset within charitable organizations.
Gary Pascual notes that people often worry about the time commitment when it comes to volunteering to help a charitable organization. Gary Pascual suggests being very upfront with the amount of time one is able to dedicate to a group. Over-committing can lead to burnout and cause a person to stop volunteering altogether. Most charitable organizations will be happy to work with volunteers to accommodate their needs and other responsibilities.
If you have volunteered in the past but had trouble sticking with it, Gary Pascual recommends volunteering with a friend or family member. A lot of seasoned volunteers will tell you that they got their start because their parents got them involved. Volunteering as a family is a great way to not only give back and gain something yourself but to teach children about the needs of others. In the digital age, we are somehow all more connected and less connected all at the same time. Volunteer work helps us gain an understanding of how others live. Gary Pascual has always found that giving back allows him to understand just how alike we all are.
Finally, if someone doesn’t feel a connection with the first charitable organization they choose, they should try again. There are countless groups in need of assistance. One bad experience should never negate the opportunities available to someone willing to volunteer their time
