MCCS Miramar Family Readiness Program: Why Volunteer?

Why Volunteer?

By Susan J. Ellis
President, Energize, Inc.

People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons, especially wanting to help others. But it's also OK to want some benefits for yourself from volunteering.

Some people are uncomfortable with the notion that a volunteer "benefits" from doing volunteer work. There is a long tradition of seeing volunteering as a form of charity, based on altruism and selflessness. The best volunteering does involve the desire to serve others, but this does not exclude other motivations, as well.

Instead of considering volunteering as something you do for people who are not as fortunate as yourself, begin to think of it as an exchange.
Consider that most people find themselves in need at some point in their lives. So today you may be the person with the ability to help, but tomorrow you may be the recipient of someone else's volunteer effort. Even now you might be on both sides of the service cycle: maybe you are a tutor for someone who can't read, while last month the volunteer ambulance corps rushed you to the emergency room. Volunteering also includes "self-help." So if you are active in your neighborhood crime watch, your home is protected while you protect your neighbors' homes, too. Adding your effort to the work of others makes everyone's lives better.

Your Motivations
Think about how much you receive when you give and consider why you want to volunteer. You may have several different reasons. Here are just a few of the many possible motivations identified by other volunteers:

To feel needed
To share a skill
To get to know a community
To demonstrate commitment to a cause/belief
To gain leadership skills
To do your civic duty
Satisfaction from accomplishment
To keep busy
For recognition
To have an impact

To learn something new
For freedom of schedule
To help a friend or relative
To be challenged
To feel proud
To make new friends
To explore a career
To help someone
To do something different from your job
For fun!

To keep skills alive
To have an excuse to do what you love
To feel good
To be part of a team
Because you were asked
To test yourself
To build your resume
To be an agent of change

You will probably have some special reasons of your own. Remember that the motivations you have to select the place to offer your services may not be the reasons why you stay. Once you're on the volunteer job, you will continue to serve as long as you feel that your efforts are accomplishing something, that your talents are appreciated, and that you make a difference. And if you also like the people with whom you work, so much the better!

As long as you are truly serving through your volunteer work, isn't it wonderful that such an exchange occurs? In fact, it tends to strengthen your commitment to volunteering when you can see the benefits to both the recipient of your efforts and to yourself. And it is much more comfortable than "charity" because it upholds the self-esteem of those with whom you volunteer.

A longer version of the list of motivations for volunteering can be found in The Volunteer Recruitment (and Membership Development) Book by Susan J. Ellis. Used with permission from www.energize.com

Getting Involved
Volunteers are making a difference in the Marine Corps! You too can make a difference in your military community by volunteering!

BENEFITS
Volunteering allows you to:

Learn new skills or brush up on old ones.
Meet new people and make new friends.
Work flexible hours.
Learn about the different base services.
Receive on-the-job training.
Fill resume gaps.
Receive references and letters of recommendation.
Network and build working relationships with individuals within your community.
Receive recognition for your volunteer work.
Invest in your community.
Fulfill community service obligations.

TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERS

The volunteer organization you choose may require special skills for the volunteer position. Therefore a resume and interview may be requested .
If the volunteer organization you decide to become involved with has an orientation, it is in your best interest to attend. Informed volunteers are excellent volunteers!
Time management is important for a successful volunteer experience for both you and the organization. Be sure to only volunteer for those hours that fit into your schedule.
Remember that volunteering requires commitment and dedication so if you need to miss a scheduled day, notify your organization. You will want to be punctual and complete assignments.
In some locations, organizations send their volunteers to training. Take advantage of this opportunity. It will make your resume shine, and better prepare you for your volunteer job.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Marine Unit
Unit Family Readiness Program
L.I.N.K.S (Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge, Skills)
Youth Centers
Youth Sports
Local Schools
Religious Organization
Hospital-On and Off the Installation
Single Marine Program
Community Services-On and Off the installation
Education Office
Marketing Office
ASYMCA
Public Affairs Office
American Red Cross
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

GETTING STARTED
To register as a volunteer and search for volunteer opportunities, click [ here ].


FAMILY READINESS LINKS
– CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO VISIT DESIRED FAMILY READINESS OFFICE –

MCAS MIRAMAR	3D MAW	HQMC	MILITARY ONE SOURCE