How will you make a difference?



Photo courtesy of Unicef.org


"I have learned how to live…how to be in the world and of the world,
and not just to stand aside and watch."
- Audrey Hepburn

2011 hasn't skipped a beat since January 1st and most of us started out the year jotting down a well intentioned list of resolutions. Of course by now, many of us have also likely already forgotten or tossed out this well intentioned list of feel-good goals. Of all the things that people generally add to the list - lose weight, eat healthy, go to the gym, save money, pay off debt, travel more, find love, find a better job, etc. etc. etc...volunteering and giving back also comes up on many lists year after year. And with April's National Volunteer Week behind us and the birthday of the iconic and inspirational Audrey Hepburn coming up next week on May 4th, I thought it would be fitting to share some resources that can help you fulfill at least one of your resolutions this year.

Volunteer Locally - If you aren't sure where to start and don't know who, what, when, where and how to connect with your local nonprofits, try these 3 national volunteer search sites that can help you identify volunteer opportunities in your city based on your interests and availability:

• HandsOn Network
• Volunteer Match
• One Brick

There are also many international volunteer organizations with local chapters like Rotary International and the Association of Junior Leagues International that organizes opportunities to volunteer locally and globally.

Volunteer Abroad - For those of us who possess a travel bug and love to explore new cultures, "voluntourism" or volunteering abroad is a great way to learn about new countries, volunteer with local nonprofits or non-governmental organizations (NGO) and meet new people who share your love for travel and volunteerism. Cross Cultural Solutions is a fantastic organization that provides the expertise and resources to help you volunteer abroad in over 9 countries spread throughout the world. You might even catch yours truly on one of these trips before the year ends!

Do It While You're Young is an amazing site overflowing with resources for you to peruse for traveling, working and volunteering abroad.

If you're not convinced that volunteering is your 'thing', here are a few things to consider if doing good for the sake of doing good and the personal feel-good factor isn't enough. So here's what's in it for you and your career:

1) Gain new skills that can be applied at the workplace. Practice management and leadership skills you'd like to strengthen like team building, time management, coaching and mentoring, and interpersonal relations.

2) Currently out of a job? Volunteering is not only a noble way to spend your time in between jobs, but it is also a great way to keep your skills polished and shows potential employers you are actively applying your professional skills, and for social benefit which will help you stand out among other candidates! If you are currently employed and have a strong desire to offer your professional business skills to a nonprofit as a Pro Bono Consultant, visit Taproot Foundation and find out how you can make an invaluable contribution to a nonprofit in your community.

3) Volunteering is the new golf game. Many a business deals have been made on on the golf course, but as more and more corporations invest in social impact programs, smart businesses are finding ways to partner with key clients to build deeper rapport and relationships through mutual volunteerism projects and major community investments.

Now, get out there and 'be the change you wish to see in the world' - anyone and everyone has the ability to make a difference!