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The Value of Community Service and Volunteerism in the Workplace
When the economy, business, personal lives, and relationships become complicated, we often forget to simply return to the basics. We tend to search for a “silver bullet” that will cure all ills and fix all that is broken. In a world of high tech, high stress, and high demand jobs, we forget the basic, human responsibility of volunteerism. We forget the responsibility we have for and to one another as we sit hypnotized by our blackberries, laptops, and iPods. Our world literally exists in the palm of our hands and the depth of our concern does not reach beyond these screens. However, as the poet John Donne reminds us:
No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.
John Donne, Meditation XVII
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Neil C. Rosen
Coordinator of Community Service/Leadership Development
American Heritage School
Delray Beach, Florida |
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With this in mind, we take our responsibility of volunteerism and community service and return to the basics. More importantly, we find others to assist us and broaden our reach. The following contribution highlights the guiding principles to successful volunteerism and community service as provided by Neil C. Rosen, Coordinator of Community Service/Leadership Development at American Heritage School, Delray Beach, Florida.
Community Service:
Community service must be viewed as a win-win situation for each of the involved parties-management at all levels, employees, co-workers, and benefactors.
The Industry: People, Products, and Services
Titles don’t count! Volunteerism/Community Service is an opportunity to develop your employees through mutual goals in a team atmosphere of fun, friendship, and achievement.
The Employee: Does the employee have the opportunity to shine?
When a business or industry invests in a well-planned volunteer/community service project, they provide their employees with the opportunity for personal growth and character development. Moreover, they provide them with the opportunity to further development communication skills by working with and through others to reach a common goal.
Levels of Involvement: Do I really know my people and who really cares?
In all groups there are levels of opportunities for involvement that offer meaningful, motivational incentives and create a rewarding experience. Every individual in a group wants to be instrumental in the team’s success. Finding the individual interest level and appropriate role for each person becomes the important “leadership task” in the planning process. From the financial contributor, to the hands-on worker, to the fundraising committee, each person’s contribution is critical to the overall success.
Inclusiveness: Am I part of the process or a tool of the process?
Regardless of the role one plays in the volunteer process, each person wants to feel his/her value is recognized and valued. When this is done successfully, individuals are more willing to participate in the next project. Equally important is the equality that the shared experience provides bringing executives, management, and staff elbow-to-elbow in a cause greater than themselves. This inclusiveness generates a synergy that often transfers into the workplace and daily life.
The Benefactors: Do we all have to have the same interests or motivation?
Today, the needs of every not-for-profit (501C3) organization are great and require a vast amount of financial and service support. Because the background of individuals and their life experiences vary, their interests and involvement may vary too. Opportunities for input, choice, and types of involvement within the workplace can very often open avenues of interest and activity that might not otherwise arise.
Acknowledgement: Do we know how to treat our volunteers and/or employees?
In corporate America, people work for people and corporate cultures. In the area of volunteerism, people work for people and causes. Subsequently, key words like “thank you,” “please,” “I need your support and help,” go a long way. Often caught up in a fast paced world, we must make the time to demonstrate our appreciation to those who help us along the way.
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