Volunteer Service: Leadership in Action

Volunteer Service: Leadership in Action

My connection to the community began when I heard from a co-worker about a non-profit that helps adults improve their literacy skills and obtain a GED. I tutored fellow students in English to pay my way through college, so literacy seemed like a good fit. I strongly believe in helping people to help themselves.

At my initial meeting with the non-profit’s director, I was introduced to another like-minded community volunteer. We agreed to supplement the curriculum in the higher-level English class by teaching spelling and grammar one night a week. My co-facilitator and I developed the classes, highlighting a couple of grammar rules in each session, keeping it fun and not taking ourselves too seriously.

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor sunshine distracted us from delivering our unique, informal lessons to the adult learners. Many of the students worked full-time. Some had more than one job. For many of them, English was not their first language. Some were university-educated in another country. All of them were there to improve their command of the English language and I respected that commitment.

After two years of volunteer teaching and increased professional commitments, we ended our volunteer service. It was a bittersweet decision. We were proud to have played a role in helping others achieve their goals.

Volunteering touches the lives of those you serve in ways you may never come to know. Serving others is the true definition of leadership. When this service lasts for an extended period of time, it can create connections that go beyond that volunteer activity.

I kept in touch with my co-facilitator, who graciously helped me hunt for my first home, providing guidance on what to look for and what to avoid. I’ve encountered former students at community events, during business development activities at local companies and event at the supermarket. We briefly shared what was happening in our lives. Having that prior connection made those encounters seem like visits with long-lost relatives. It was as if we had a shared “family history”. In a way, we did. Have you experienced this?

If you feel hesitant to take that first step, remember that volunteer service is leadership in action. Your efforts can motivate others. You possess unique talents and abilities that may go untapped in the workplace. Express your passion through volunteer service, make a connection, and you just might help someone achieve their goal.

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I invite you to share your thoughts on this post or responses to these questions: How did you first connect to your community? What is your passion? How do you share it? What encounters have you had with those you served while volunteering?

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