A number of trends are fostering a new type of volunteer: the entrepreneurial volunteer. More people with a background of education, skilled-based learning and career experience are beginning to volunteer. People live longer, more active lives. Economic conditions are creating a need for enhanced connections and a desire for continued purpose. People are responding to a national call to service and the desire to create a legacy of civic engagement.
What are the differences between this new type of volunteer and the “traditional volunteer?”
Traditional
Traditional volunteers are often seen as volunteers who provide services that are pre-determined by the organization. For example, traditional volunteers may serve at the front desk of a medical center once a week for a set number of hours. These volunteers are valued because they serve as the face of the center and meet the on-going need to increase organizational capacity.
Entrepreneurial
The entrepreneurial model of volunteerism reflects the volunteer’s desire to provide services based on the skills, interest and time they want to commit. These volunteers don’t look for the usual slots that need filling; they look for customized opportunities that will met their personal goals while providing benefit to the organizations they will serve.
If you think of yourself as an entrepreneurial volunteer, it is important to strategically look at your lifestyle, employment and educational goals and even at a non-profit’s organizational structure before you make a commitment.
As an entrepreneurial volunteer, you may want to provide pro bono services. If so, you should look for organizations capable of allowing you to assume a professional role. Perhaps you have a passion for a particular mission, field or hobby that you want to pursue but previously didn’t have the opportunity to do so. To learn more about your “field of dreams” opportunity, you need to select an organization with a mission that meets your interests. If you are a volunteer with time constraints you may need to explore a diverse group of agencies to locate project-oriented opportunities with a clear end date.
The non-profit’s dream volunteer? Yes, No, Maybe
You might think that an entrepreneurial volunteer would be a non-profit’s dream volunteer. The answer is yes and no. The reality is that the traditional slots must be filled to help staff provide needed services, and many organizations are working without extensive resources. While thinking outside the box might be easy for you based on what you know about yourself, thinking outside the box means that the organization has to dedicate staff and time to accommodate your specialized offer of services. Finding the right organization is a win-win situation, but does take planning.
Find the right fit
Whether you are a traditional volunteer or one with an entrepreneurial spirit, remember volunteering is a collaborative process and needs pre-planning for success. Be open-minded and take time to develop relationships to ensure you will be connected with just the right situation for you. Finding the right organization can help you meet your goals, enhance your life, and create new networks while providing needed services to your community.
6 Comments
Posted by Brenda Hanschen on 08/03 at 08:23 AM
What a timely article. I have a friend who launched a surplus backyard produce to local food bank effort which earned her volunteer of the year in her community. In these times, definitely a “win-win situation.”
Thank you Laurie for the article!
Posted by Jan Patterson on 08/03 at 11:47 PM
I love that concept of being an entrepreneurial volunteer! I’m a person who always likes to jump in and serve where there are needs, but I have often found myself losing steam over time, feeling bored and even stressed by filling slots that don’t really match who I am. Thanks for the insights.
Posted by Colleen Doyle on 08/07 at 09:53 AM
What a great idea! Think about what you are good at and enjoy and look for the volunteer position that uses your skills rather than the reverse. I have volunteered in positions that were open that I was capable of filling, but wasn’t satisfied until I spent some time thinking about my interests first.
Posted by Carmela Carlyle on 08/07 at 11:27 AM
As a former volunteer and professional volunteer coordinator of many years, I have experienced “the field of volunteer dreams” from all bases. And yes, that does include left field! I think Laurie offers wise counsel when she says that the entrepreneurial volunteer can be a “yes, no or maybe” in the ideal volunteer category.
You may have exquisite skills and brilliant ideas for what you want to do in your life right now, but that does not mean that the organization can accomodate your contribution and support your dream.
For example, I had wonderful volunteers who wished to offer massage services to our clients and I had to decline their offer of services due to corporate policy around touch and liability with patients. Sad? Yes. Volunteer Reality?
Yes.
So do as Laurie advises and be clear about what you expect to do so you know if your expectations and dreams are a good match for the organization’s playing field.
Thanks for the article Laurie,
Carmela Carlyle
Posted by Holly White-Wolfe on 08/15 at 05:34 AM
Dear Laurie,
Great article!
Another challenge for those with an entreprenurial spirit striving to volunteer is often allowing for a non-profit’s change process. Many non-profits are founded and staffed by individuals with heart and passion, and not necessarily a mangement background.
Running with a transformative idea can be difficult for angencies lacking a process or system for creating change. In addition, even if staff agree to a new idea or approach, the agency’s board must still solidify its support before change is implemented. The time needed to grow ideas, relationship building required, and systems work essential for creating change can burn out volunteers.
Agencies may also view volunteers as temporary supporters and worry that an idea may blow over before implemented and supported through to actual change.
Posted by Shirley on 06/18 at 04:39 PM
A lot of people as they get older need something to fulfill them, something that will make them feel good about themselves. Volunteering is a wonderful way to help others and help you too.