Volunteering: Do You Have Time to do it?
by Kathleen Richardson

Description: Follow these simple steps to see if you have some time to devote to volunteer work.

Almost anyone can find time to volunteer. Begin by taking a look at your current commitments and decide, first, where you have free time and, second, how much of that time you’ll devote to helping your community. In fact, rather than saying off-hand that you don’t have time and to avoid over-committing yourself, research your availability prior to seeking volunteer opportunities.

Step 1. Track your life for a week or two. Keep a record of each quarter-hour, half-hour, or full hour you devote to sleeping, eating, household chores, exercise, work, etc. Particularly look at the total time spent in leisure activities (e.g., watching TV).

Step 2. If you decide there is time to volunteer, pinpoint exactly how much time. For instance, can you give four hours or a mere fifteen minutes? Don’t be discouraged, fifteen minutes counts! (Can you drive a neighbor to an appointment and pick them up later?)

Step 3. If you’re considering more formal volunteering, allow for travel time to and from that location in your calculations. If your time is limited, be alert for opportunities to volunteer from right in your home. (Do you know a homebound person who would appreciate a five-minute daily call?)

Step 4. Find out if there is a minimum daily or weekly time commitment required at the agencies you are considering.

Step 5. Now decide where it fits in your week and make a call or visit to the non-profits that interest you and which is the best fit at this time. Begin your commitment with the minimum number of hours allowed. It’s always easier to add more time to your volunteering than to subtract them.

More Details about volunteer management coach here. Kathleen Richardson is a graduate of the Coachville Graduate School of Coaching. She established Life Coaching On Your Way To The Top in 2001 and in 2005 she branched out as a Volunteer Management Coach where she uses 20 years of experience to help non-profits attract volunteers. Her monthly column, It’s Your Life, is featured in the Elmira NY Star-Gazette’s Health & Fitness magazine.