There are lots of great reasons to volunteer, so I want to provide some quick hitting basics to implement to make your time spent worth it… for you and for the people leading you.

Catch the vision | Don’t go into the situation assuming that you understand the vision/mission of the organization just because you have seen what they do. The YMCA has soccer leagues, it doesn’t mean that their priority #1 is competition. Get to know the leaders of the org. and the vision of where they are going.

Add to the dream | Your dreams are secondary to the mission of the project you are volunteering for… that is why you VOLUNTEERED. Do what they need you to do. But don’t just do it so-so. Add to it. Make your part GREAT! Go above and beyond. Considerer giving your best not your left overs.

Set some goals | Take it one step further and actually ‘Goal Set’ in your role. Set your sights on new levels of service, accomplishment & excellence. Stay engaged long enough with your volunteer pursuit to be more than just another person who rotates through. Don’t aim to just fill a slot.

Own it — Outright | Volunteers have a reputation for being undependable; don’t be one of “those people”. Just cause you aren’t getting paid doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be held liable, responsible or to a commitment. Show up early, not just on time. Don’t do last minute call outs or worse yet just “no show” cause it is just your volunteer commitment. Take up a role and be a person they can count on.

Jump on it now and run… Hard! | Don’t wait. Don’t get back to them in 4 weeks. Jump in and get going. Figure things out. Get trained. Start serving. Every organization that relies on volunteers has a need RIGHT NOW… and plenty of people that are getting back to them.

Stay connected to organization | Once you are jumped in and dreaming, you will find it very easy to get caught up in your area and very soon it will be the most important area in the whole organization. How can it not be… you are there! Truth is, while your area will be important it probably won’t be the most mission critical. This being a reality, work hard to stay up to date with the issues and challenges facing you favorite place to volunteer. It may give you a chance to make a greater impact and at the same time serve a purpose to keep you aligned with the values and the mission.