Volunteerism

My husband says most people volunteer because they want something in return. Can you think of something that you do that you do not expect something in return? We work so that pay check will come in. Some of us cook because we enjoy a good meal. Some enjoy working out as it makes us feel better. Many people volunteer because they like to feel needed and that they feel they are helping others. That is really a small return for volunteering.

I was looking over a newsletter from APICS – Volunteers – The Source of Success –

Some of the benefits they list:

• Developing leadership skills
• Improving business skills and techniques
• Networking with professionals in the Supply Chain Environment
• Achieving recognition from a professional organization and associates
• Obtaining certification in a well respected society that will increase self worth
• Providing improved knowledge and expertise on the job that can result in possible advancement and improved income.

Belonging to a professional organization and working towards certification can be a real asset in your career.Many of my friends claim certification helped them move up the corporate ladder. Belonging to the ISM-Dallas affiliate has given me the opportunity to do things that I would never be able to do at work.As President of ISM Dallas, we won the Affiliate Excellence Award for 2005. I learned leadership skills, improved speaker skills and realized the importance of board members that made this possible.

Volunteerism is a big thing – http://www.volunteertoday.com/news.html

Check this website out. The Association of Volunteer Resource Managers is hosting its first national conference for managers of volunteers in Dallas, TX October 3-5, 2007.This website offers a lot of tips in working as a volunteer and as a leader of volunteers.

Did you know Washington State University offers a “Volunteer Management Certificate Program?” The VMCP is a four course on line training program that focuses on practical real-life learning exercises and provides “basic training” for managers of volunteers in the following key areas:

·Recruiting

·Training

·Supervision

·Evaluation and Recognition

Completing the program will help you build an effective volunteer strategy, advance your career, and make contacts with the volunteer community.Many universities offer certificate programs in many areas of interest.