The Value of Volunteering
Associations may seem to be all about membership. But the real value lies in volunteering.
When we talk to potential members about joining an association one of the key benefits we always focus on is the value of volunteering. Typically, you can only volunteer with an association if you are a member, and although it may seem like volunteering is a one-way benefit for the association in the form of free labour this is not the case at all. When you volunteer with an association you are opening the door to a whole world of possibilities and opportunities.
Want to connect with colleagues and expand your network? Volunteer with an association. When you volunteer to work on a committee you will be working with a group of people from your industry. You share the same pain points, talk the same corporate language and connect on a level that is sometimes difficult outside of the office.
Want to learn a new skill and gain experience? Volunteer with an association. Volunteering is a great opportunity to add to your skillset. Want to learn how to run a social media campaign? Volunteer on the communications committee. Want to learn how to plan and execute an event? Volunteer on the holiday gala committee. The opportunities for learning are endless.
Want to build your company brand and make new business relationships? Volunteer with an association. When you volunteer for an association, it reflects well on you and your company. Business relationships are all about connecting and volunteering is a great way to connect!
According to Volunteerhub.com frequent volunteers have a 27% better chance of gaining employment and 60% of hiring managers see volunteering as a valuable asset when hiring.
Anecdotally, based on conversations with members from various associations we manage, volunteering is one of the biggest benefits of association membership. They talk about the friendships they have made, the jobs they have obtained, the contracts they have won, the skills they have been able to apply to their job, all of these things come from one activity: volunteering. That is where you make the deeper connections with people and build skills and relationships that help you to thrive both personally and professionally.
Find out more about volunteer opportunities at an association by contacting your professional association, or check Volunteer Canada for opportunities.