When I first started my volunteering journey, I was incredibly passionate about making a difference, but I didn't fully realize how important it was to set boundaries and manage my time effectively. I was eager to help and wanted to be involved in every aspect, but overcommitting myself ended up leaving me stretched thin, which ultimately impacted my ability to contribute meaningfully. If I could go back, I would advise my past self to focus on quality over quantity. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of doing good, but the truth is, you can't give your best if you're burned out or overwhelmed. Volunteering is about making a sustainable impact, and that requires knowing your limits and ensuring you have the time and energy to devote to the causes that matter most to you. One of the key lessons I learned along the way is that volunteering is about finding the right balance between personal commitment and self-care. It's okay to say no when you know you can't give your full attention to a task. It's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to focus on one cause or project that truly aligns with your strengths and passions. In fact, you'll do more good in the long run by being thoughtful and intentional with how you give your time. As I reflect on my experience, I also realize how valuable it is to connect with other like-minded individuals and communities. It's not just about giving back to others-it's also about building relationships and learning from the diverse perspectives of those around you. Volunteering can be just as much about personal growth as it is about helping others. So, my advice to my past self would be to approach volunteering with both heart and head-invest in the right opportunities, manage my time well, and most importantly, make sure that I'm giving to others in a way that's sustainable for both me and the causes I care about. Volunteering should be fulfilling, not draining, and when done thoughtfully, it's a win-win for everyone involved.
Volunteering is about the kids we inspire and the lives we shape, and I wish I had known how deeply it would connect us to the community. My Mother-in-law fought a nearly four-year battle with stage 4 cancer, and then hospice, and I was privileged to be her medical POA and care for her, befriend the staff at her assisted living home. After she died, I wanted to teach the kids in my troop that it was important to "make friends with life" after life knocks you down. My mother-in-law never ate in the dining room and struggled to adjust to her new way of life. I wanted to show my own children and the larger group of 25 kids and parents that these people were still vital. Now we visit monthly! We visited this week and as the kids watched The Wizard of Oz, the Moms all went in different directions, visiting in the rooms with anyone we missed seeing at dinner. My friend Patsy said, where's Nicholas? And asked if she could get him a present for Valentine's Day. Then we discussed a book I gave her that I wrote, about how teh Native Americans honor sacred timing on their spirit wheel. We talk about what its really like to be away from family, about religion, and reincarnation. It's been so rewarding and brings everyone so much joy, and the residents truly look forward to our monthly visits. These relationships are priceless. On the downside- Yes, the financial commitment is significant, I have spent a shocking amount of money supporting the kids and their activities. The time investment often feels like a part-time or full-time job. Kids are only little once, and seeing their growth and the impact they make is worth every moment, they love going to visit their friends!
Not every volunteer placement is completely free, but just because you have to pay to participate - does not mean it is a scam. Before I became a regular volunteer I always avoided placements where the volunteer needed to contribute a fee financially because I assumed placements should be completely free. However, learning that as a volunteer in many places, you will be housed, fed and generally taken care of during your time while you are helping the cause, so it makes sense that you don't cause more financial hardship to the people you are helping by expecting to stay for free. Typically the low cost of volunteering just goes toward somewhere for you to sleep, some food during your stay and any left over funds go towards the placement and volunteer cause as a donation. Of course, not every placement costs volunteers money, but you don't need to avoid the few that are desperate for your help who ask for a little bit of money to house you during your stay, Do some research, check the reviews and testimonials and be open-minded.