More than 150 volunteers keep OhanaHC running! If you’ve been looking for a way to invest in your community and meet others, join your neighbors who are volunteering their talents each day with Howard County nonprofits. Read on to learn three ways that volunteering can help you connect with others to make a difference!
Learn New Skills from Others
Did you know that around 23% of Americans volunteer? It’s a great way to connect with others and in the process:
- learn new skills
- build community pride
- expand your network
When you volunteer your time with an organization, one of your first steps is to learn about the mission and duties of the organization. This may entail doing a formal training program or shadowing veteran volunteers.
Many volunteers bring their professional expertise to their volunteer role – whether it’s event planning, marketing, fundraising, mentoring, or something else.
No matter what new task you’re tackling as a volunteer, you’ll start building human connections by learning from others. The individuals helping you gain your footing as a volunteer can become mentors.
Your interactions with other volunteers can stretch long beyond your training sessions if you stay involved with the organization. Ask questions and share your experiences to help strengthen your connections.
Build Community Pride
You can connect with others in your shared desire to strengthen your community. As a volunteer, you’ll be investing your time in a cause that interests you. And the people working alongside you will be doing the same. As a result, you’ll have a built-in source of connection that can spark conversations.
Maybe you’re part of a group of volunteers that’s helping to mentor students. Or perhaps you’re helping pick up litter at county parks and trails. In any scenario, you’ll be able to converse with fellow volunteers on what pushed you to get involved.
The community part is key for OhanaHC, as everyone gets lifted up and supported – mentees and volunteers! We have a dual mission – empowering students and building community.
For those who are new to an area, volunteering can be an excellent way to develop a connection with people and the community. When a seasoned volunteer speaks passionately about why they’re giving their time, their words can help new volunteers feel a stronger sense of purpose.
Connect with Others and Expand Your Network
Lastly, volunteering offers an easy opportunity to expand your professional and social network. Especially if you engage in a routine volunteer responsibility, such as staffing a soup kitchen, you’ll encounter a lot of the same volunteers. Over time, these individuals can become your friends.
You’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds – personally and professionally – who can provide insights and connect you in ways that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
We believe in expanding social circles for the mentors and mentees. Doing that helps individuals personally and helps build community.
In the Howard County Beacon, Susan Porter said, “If one of our mentors is in need of a new job, or needs a letter of recommendation, we’re there for them. Our young mentors have had job opportunities because of that social capital. I can’t stress enough – it’s community helping community.”
While volunteering requires a lot of active time, you’ll also have downtime, too. While on a break or waiting for the next task can be meaningful spaces to chat with those around you.
Simple conversations can lead to deeper ones that transcend the volunteer experience. If you’re packing holiday gifts to send to children in need or helping build a house, talk to the other volunteers. You’ll open the door to laughter, discoveries, and fresh friendships.
At OhanaHC, our volunteering opportunities help forge strong connections among mentors, students, and community members. If you want to pursue volunteering that can truly make a difference, we will help you meet that goal.
We’re looking for volunteers to help with our Ohana 5K Race/Walk as well as year-round volunteer support with fundraising, marketing, and program evaluation/data.