Volunteering at Non-Profits to Build Confidence
July 5, 2009 by Mary Emma Allen
A commenter on Jean Murray’s post (former blogger here at Small Business Boomer), Baby Boomers Leading Non-Profits , suggested that many boomers would like to volunteer or even establish a non-profit, “But we do not have the skills or confidence to do so.”Why not start volunteering in a small way at an organization you’re particularly interested in? Then as you build knowledge and confidence, you can see where it will take you. You’re likely to learn many different skills and acquire knowledge that will come in to your advantage if you’d like to do more in this field. Also, what you learn by being involved in a non-profit often can help you if you establish a small business of your own.
I’m sure, especially in this pinched economy when non-profits are hurting for money (grants, government funding and donations) that they’d welcome volunteers. What could you do?
This depends on the non-profit. See what skills you already have and ask if they could use you. Mention that you’re willing to learn new skills.
Work at non-profits could involve:
- Maintenance
- Clerical
- Secretarial
- Newsletter publication
- Directing/coordinating programs
- Setting up bookkeeping systems
- Transportation
- Putting on programs yourself
- Planning refreshments
What have you done as a volunteer at a non-profit?
