The Power of Volunteering: Shaping Futures, Strengthening Communities

When I joined the Girls Inc. team in May 2024 as the Volunteer and Development Manager, I knew my first task was understanding how Girls Inc. serves the community, and how our greater Birmingham community can connect with Girls Inc. Over the course of my first few months, I focused on better understanding the impact of Girls Inc. staff and programming, as well as the roles that volunteers fill on behalf of the organization. While there are many ways volunteers can connect with our mission and programs, those who work directly with our youth have a much greater impact on the outcomes for the young people we serve across Central Alabama – and we need your help in ensuring that continues.?

In a 2023 survey, 96% of participants at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama stated that they know they will have a positive impact on their community. With a focus on creating brave, intentional, and transformative spaces for girls and young women, this may not come as a great surprise. Our staff work tirelessly in center-based programs, classrooms, and communities to ensure that every girl receives the support she needs to reach her full potential. But another essential component to our programming is community involvement – support from partnering organizations, companies, and individual volunteers – that further empowers every girl to embrace her authentic self and reach her goals. Volunteering is one of the most profound contributions that can be made to Girls Inc. and the lives of those we serve – and the benefits extend far beyond our walls.?

Regardless of how you volunteer with Girls Inc., one of the most important roles you take on is that of a role model. By showing compassion, strength, resilience, and a desire to engage in intentional community, volunteers act as mentors to demonstrate what girls can achieve, no matter what challenges they face. This is especially important as girls get older and start thinking about their career goals. By interacting with women in various careers, especially in fields where women are underrepresented, girls can see what's possible, building their confidence and ambition. Role models help shape their aspirations, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and become leaders for the next generation.

With a variety of program areas that cover academic enrichment, leadership and life skills, and college and career readiness, every potential volunteer has a place with us – and every potential partner organization can have immense impact. Corporate volunteer groups that partner with Girls Inc. offer mentorship and support, helping girls build essential skills and confidence. When professionals share their experiences, they give real-world insights that inspire girls to think about their future careers. These partnerships also build stronger ties between businesses and local communities, showing girls that caring adults are committed to supporting their success. In turn, volunteer programs not only help the young women we serve, but also promote a more inclusive and socially responsible corporate culture, advancing gender equality in the workforce. For companies, 70% of corporate volunteers say that volunteering boosts morale more than company parties, helping teams strengthen their connection to one another and to the community.

Volunteers are an incredible asset to any nonprofit, and at Girls Inc., they play a key role in creating a safe and supportive space where girls can express themselves. By volunteering regularly, they help build an environment of trust and belonging. This shows that the wider community is committed to improving outcomes for all girls. As girls grow older and volunteers become mentors, this support system helps girls face challenges, build resilience, and develop emotional intelligence. Acts of service and community-building like this are powerful forms of leadership, fostering stronger connections for everyone involved.

Join us at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama. Whether you volunteer for an hour, a week, or throughout the year, the impact is clear: together, we can achieve so much more.

?