Taking the Time Crunch Out of Volunteer Work

A lot of my work revolves and volunteerism. One of the most common things I hear from prospective volunteers is "How can I possibly fit this into my life?". This blog is in response to the many people who have trouble finding time to volunteer.
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You want to volunteer, but have way too much to do! Whether you are working ten-hour shifts, chasing children all day, or juggling work and family; it’s hard to be a woman! Because we also struggle with a desire to help every animal and human in need, we feel bogged down with guilt. There’s just not any time left to volunteer! How can I possible invest my time in anything of consequence?

The trick is to know yourself, to know how you want to make a difference, and combine tasks together. You might also need to redefine volunteering as an opportunity to invest time, money and energy to strengthen the lives of people around you. You don’t have to serve a meal at a homeless mission or tutor a child every Thursday (though both are worthy causes!) -- there are many other ways to invest in kingdom work amidst your busy schedule. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Corporate volunteer – Many businesses support volunteering, so ask if you can have an extended break to mentor a child at lunch, if you can use professional skills to benefit a nonprofit agency, or if your team-building retreat can be a volunteer activity. You might also lead a book club, mentor a colleague, or organize meals for employees in need.
• Social volunteer – Use outreach opportunities as an excuse to visit with people you love or network with people you would like to know better. Cook, build, design or decorate together; serve on a nonprofit board with admired colleagues; or volunteer with your community group.
• Hobby volunteer – Build relationships with other people, while doing the things you love to do. Coach a sports team, play basketball with prisoners, lead music at a daycare, or design flower arrangements with senior citizens.
• Family volunteer – Use volunteer activities as an opportunity to mold character and leadership in your family. Read, tutor, or help in the office at you child’s school. Bring lonely people into your house, host a Backyard Bible club, organize a playgroup, or go out into the community together.
• Cyberspace volunteer – Build a webpage, write encouraging notes, organize an event, or layout a newsletter for your favorite ministry or missionary.

Focus your energies. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Say ‘no’ to the good opportunities, in order to say ‘YES’ to what best fits your lifestyle, talents and gifts. Use your time wisely, and God will use you (even the least of us!) to make a deep impact in the lives of people around you.