Re: Volunteering

[Melonie Holliman <mrh -at- ABMDATA -dot- COM>]

Howdy,

I have done quite a bit of volunteering which consisted mostly of layout
type work (Newsletters, flyers, programs, etc.). This is my input.

1)  Make sure you know what you are committing to -- get details and
    determine what is REALLY expected of you. Make sure they under-
    stand what you need from them, especially in terms of deadlines. I
    have often had people hand me hours worth of work the day before
    and expect me to drop everything to finish it (including sleep). I now
    say things like "it will take me 2 days to finish it. If you do not have it
    to me 2 days before your deadline you WILL not have it done."

2) Really commit or don't do it -- I organized a bunch of volunteers to
    put on a conference. Too often, people would say they would help
    then back out at the last minute. And this group was more responsible
    than most. That's one reason #1 is so important: make sure you can do
    the job. Also, look at your own life closely and make sure you have the
    time. One exception: if I get pressured into giving my time and my
    energy when I am not really committed I sometimes give in, but I make
    sure they understand my situation. And I don't feel guilty for giving less.

3) Examine the personalities involved. I found that there are a few people I
    really had trouble working with. When I am not being paid for all my
    hard work, I find my patience is much shorter, especially when you get
    one of those slave drivers who feel they own you since you volunteered.

I believe in service work; it is a great way to give back and feel needed. It can
be a rewarding and educational experience. However, every opportunity is not
always the right one. I find it takes discernment.

It can really help the resume though. The "training" section of my resume is
almost completely filled with non-profit stuff.

Melonie Holliman
mailto: mrh -at- abmdata -dot- com