Trusting Organizations Series: 2
Volunteering with Friends, Family, and colleagues.
On May 4th, 2019 Kings United Way had our 12th Day of Caring event, but this year was even bigger and better because of a partnership with Koinonia Church, First Presbyterian Church, and First Baptist Church. With this relationship Serve Day- A Day of Caring came to fruition. Over 400 volunteers met at Hanford's Civic Park for orientation then spread across Kings County to participate in over 40 projects. Check out this short video to see what we accomplished.
Each organization brought their members and those members brought family members, coworkers, and friends to volunteer with them and the outcome was priceless. One volunteer said "It was a great event, glad to be part of it ... thankful for the partnering of the churches and United Way".
Volunteering with colleagues
There are many reasons why workplaces encourage or require volunteering.
Everyone wants to know they are doing valuable work, knowing your organization is practicing corporate social responsibility helps achieve just that, and will attract others looking to do the same, thus building a team that is of and for the community.
Volunteering together helps identify and develop skills in a whole new way and promotes problem solving as team. When things in the office are stressful and your team's productivity is down, volunteering can turn things around. A change in pace and environment can get the mind going and allow each person to see things in new light, this innovation brings the team back together and changes the attitude for the better.
Volunteering with friends and family
Today the average value of a volunteer in the U.S per hour is $25.43; however the California average from 2018 is $29.95 per hour. With our Get Connected Website users can submit their volunteer hours and see their fiscal impact on their Volunteer Snapshot and Volunteer Resume. A volunteer from Serve Day- A Day of Caring stated, "I enjoyed serving more than ever. I work with elderly people so I felt very comfortable visiting with all the elderly we delivered care packages to. I also enjoyed meeting another volunteer and we connected on social media. I had an awesome experience". Getting friends and family to volunteer with you isn't that hard, its all about how you present the opportunity. Start by warming them up to the idea by talking about your volunteer experiences, show them pictures, and tell them about the organization and what they do. By doing this you are showing them you enjoy it and inviting them to enjoy it too. Invite them to something they would enjoy, if they love animals, children, or spending time with the elderly there are countless volunteer opportunities for you to do together right here in our county!
Families that instill volunteerism in their children are not only spending time with their kids but they are also creating the potential for future donors. "Two thirds of youths who volunteer become active adults who volunteer," says Tanisha Smith, national director of volunteer services for Volunteers of America. As children grow understanding the relevance and necessity of volunteering at these organizations that fulfill needs for the community, they see the value in supporting those organizations in different ways including financially.
No matter who you bring along when you volunteer you are making a true difference and we hope you continue to use Get Connected to volunteer in Kings County.
Thank you!
Resources
Seven Reasons to Volunteer as a Corporate Team
Volunteering as a Team Building Activity
Independent Sector Releases New Value of Volunteer Time of $25.43 Per Hour
