First Thoughts : Volunteering One Cause or All the Causes

 Having a #VolunteerTime in my calendar is just a normal thing for me. I know what agencies and community organizations utilize volunteers. I know how to sign up for volunteering and I generally understand volunteering is good thing for a community. 

Two years ago, I went on vacation and I volunteered in a different city for two different organizations. I like to volunteer it makes me feel #good.

Yet, here I am trying to figure out what 2027 Volunteering will look like and I have some thoughts. 

While utilizing One Brick dot org is incredibly convenient and an easy opportunity especially with the variety of events I know I can't make all the events that I would like to sign up for. 

It is true, I like to do #TrashPickUp with Mannys Community  that group is HUGE on some days which means you really have to select the odd day that there is an opportunity to meet people and hang out. 

There is the Rebuilding Together  which is about housing and community. Its also a weekend of hard work and sometimes just one day! 

So, participation isn't the issue and motivation is not the issue what is wrong ? 

Me. 

I am the problem and I now know it. 

When I went to pick up my rental car for the #WavesToWine BikeMS weekend the agent asked simply the question

"what does volunteering do for, what is the purpose of volunteering?"

I don't know. 

Its true I have the general idea of free labor, building community and spreading the word but, what is the purpose of volunteering for a BikeMS actually provide? 

Sure standing around cheering riders on or setting up tables is not the exciting thing but I have poured beer for people at Wine and Art events and felt ... something...

As I hopped up to greet each rider returning to see if they wanted me to rack their bike I couldn't help but appreciate my fellow volunteers holding back their criticism of my over enthusiasm.

I don't blame them but, I really started to reflect, how can I do a better job and what do I want to be known for. 

There were a dozen volunteers that just do the one event or the one cause and fill up their time for that event. It is something to think about but, also a great way to be more effectiive as a volunteer if I just pick one event or cause for a whole year. 

So that is why One Cause or ? One Volunteer for a cause? 

Granted, being that "really excited volunteer" sounds great but, it doesn't make people want to hire you or get to know you. Let's be honest I need people to want to get to know me because how else will they remember me.