Building a professional network can be daunting. While some organizations have the structures and opportunities to help people grow their talents and networks outside of the professional scope of their roles, many don’t. Even when there are dedicated networking events, these may result in small talk instead of meaningful, long-term connections.


Enter volunteering. Volunteering is often touted as an organic way to build deeper connections, meet people with diverse backgrounds and gain valuable experience, all while giving back to something you are passionate about.

Volunteering is good for you and your network. It’s also good for you physically. Research reveals that volunteerism can lead to a longer life with better overall health, improved social relationships and overall life satisfaction. Volunteering for a cause you are passionate about can help you increase your social network, building connections and friendships based on common interests and causes.

A Statistics Canada report released in 2021 revealed that 79 percent of Canadians aged 15 and older participate in formal or informal volunteerism, dedicating roughly five billion hours to their volunteer work, which is the equivalent of more than 2.5 million full-time jobs. So, if you’re thinking of volunteering, you aren’t alone.

Ashley Smith, Certified Association Executive and Project Management Professional, is an Executive for a non-profit organization. She has over a decade of experience managing projects to enhance member and volunteer engagement. She has served as a volunteer director on two boards and throughout her career has worked with volunteer-based boards and committees to ensure deliverables were met. Smith spoke to HCM Dialogue about the best practices for ethical networking while volunteering.

Do: start small

Smith suggests starting small by volunteering within an organization before applying or committing to a lengthy senior volunteer leadership position, which often have multiple-year terms. She says, “Try a shorter-term role at the same organization to see if you like the culture and work.” This will allow you to talk to colleagues who have already volunteered at the organization and gauge their experience.

Don’t: overcommit

Only take on commitments you can fulfill. Smith says that many people volunteering for the first time, herself included, may not realize how many hours of work are involved in a particular role. Again, before committing to a longer-term role, it can be helpful to connect with other volunteers who have held the role (or previous similar roles) recently to get an accurate picture of the time commitment, including information on whether there are peak times of year when more hours are required. If a peak time for volunteer hours coincides with a traditionally high-volume time during your day-job, it may be worth pursuing another volunteer role instead. Volunteer hours combined with a day job, family life and other obligations equates to a full schedule. Smith suggests, “Only take on projects you can complete as overcommitting yourself won’t allow you to help the organization you’re passionate about.”

Do: be a team player

Keep the cause of your volunteerism close to your heart and be a team player. Even if you are the Chair and leader, no one does anything alone and fostering a positive, thriving team will propel the organization and goals forward. Your colleagues are professionals also committed to helping the organization and working together, so there is no need to be a one-man band.

Don’t: forget to celebrate your successes

You and your volunteer team donate your time because you’re passionate about the purpose of the organization you belong to. Remember all the work you have accomplished as a team and recognize it, acknowledge team members for their good work. Celebrate your successes!

Do: behave professionally

Many places that offer volunteer opportunities have a corresponding code of ethics and a volunteer code of conduct. Smith asserts that it is best practice to read and follow this code in your volunteer responsibilities as you would in a paid professional role.

Conclusion

Smith concludes that although volunteering can sometimes feel like an extension of your job, it can also open the door to exciting new experiences, friendships, connections, personal growth and continuous learning. Are you thinking about volunteering? So, what are you waiting for?





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