How to choose the best volunteer project
I am often asked a rather simple question “How do I choose a volunteer project?” (This is different than “how and where to find a good volunteer project”, which I’ll be writing about next week).
My first response is “any project is better than no project.” Indeed, research is conclusive that the world needs more volunteers, volunteers are good for the world, and volunteering has many research-backed benefits for the giver, too.
What we find at MovingWorlds, and in indeed is a well-known paradox, is that too many options lead to indecision.
To help our members think through how to choose a skills-based volunteer project that will make the biggest impact, and be the most personally enriching, we suggest the following 5-step framework.
5 steps to choosing the best possible volunteer project
One note here: our findings indicate that being selfish in your selection actually benefits all parties. The better the project for the volunteer, the more likely you are to commit more hours and deliver greater impact.
#1: Audit your skills and strengths
Ask yourself: What skills do you have that can produce results? If you’re not certain, ask your friends and colleagues questions like:
- What type of projects can I deliver?
- What are my strengths?
- Where do you see me add the most value at work?
#2: Take note of the type of work that gives you purpose
Quick point of clarification: purpose is not a cause. Where a cause is an interest or passion area (i.e. I care about ending homelessness for teens), purpose is the way you go about serving others (i.e. doing analytical work to improve processes). How do you know your purpose? We recommend working with Imperative for a full-blown assessment, but in the meantime, as yourself this: What type of work do you do where you lose track of time? What is the type of work you look forward to doing at your job (even if you don’t like your job)? Why do you go out of your way to support and help other people? Take note of these answers as they will help you understand your purpose.
#3: Industry you have experience in, and where you want more experience
Take note of the industry, sectors, and networks you have exposure in. Now take note of the ones you are most curious about. This might mean going deeper where you already are, or it might mean branching out. Regardless, your industry exposure and network are valuable assets to impact organizations, and in exchange they can also give you access to new networks and industries.
#4: Causes you care about
What makes your heart melt? Where do you donate? What is the first cause you would support if you have $100,000 to give away? What problem irks you the most? These questions might give be all over the map, in which case it means that maybe one specific cause isn’t so important as long as you are contributing to society. Or perhaps the answer to each question is very similar, in which case you should make sure your work is towards this cause.
#5: What organizations do you want exposure to?
Many partners at accounting and law firms join prestigious boards (and give big donations) in hopes of expanding their network and finding new business. Many entry-level employees join organizations that connect into startup or educational networks in hopes of developing their skills. Many mid-career professionals start to network with growing nonprofits or political groups as they think about moving from the for-profit sector into the social impact and/or civic sector. This is maybe the most selfish question, but if there is a benefit to you as the giver, you’ll end up giving more, and that is, in the end, a good thing.
Once you have an answer to each of these prompts, look for intersections. If you still don’t know where to find a project that meets these, join me next week as I share more insights on where to find the best possible volunteer project.
