Return on Volunteering Investment (RVI), the lost art.

For many, they have decided that I don't have time to volunteer for family, work/school, etc.?I get it, I get it.?It is as if volunteering is just one more thing on your plate, a plate that?is already full, or so it seems.

As selfless as Volunteering seems to be, you, as the volunteer, still get a return. So what is that Return on the Volunteering Investment (RVI)??Here are FIVE things YOU get...

1) Meet diverse people who have the same interest.?Much is said about networking, networking only occurs if you meet with other people. People who actively expand their network, and seriously manage it, are likely to be seen as favorable.

2) Practice working with others. Working and playing with others is a theme taught in kindergarten, yet, we seem to discount it as we get older as evidenced by our social media activity. Kindness is inherent, but it can be strangled as flowers are in a heavily weed-infested garden.?Time to Weed!

3) Learn and master a new skill.?This can be as simple as sharpening a knife in Scouting or working with a computer such as registration, don't be afraid to say yes because you don't know. Learn it!

4) Hone and strengthen old skills. As a retired Naval Officer, I have found out that my orders which were previously followed, require me to be retooled to get the same result. ?Whether it is Working with People or Doing stuff with things, there are still new and even better ways to improve.

5) Demonstrate your leadership. This is important particularly you are inclined to lead. Practicing your leadership in different environments and with different people under different conditions can be challenging. What better way to be challenged than in a more friendly environment of Volunteering?

Having said all this, I will be Volunteering at the 2023 Dana Open in Toledo, July 10-16. The Dana Open is an LPGA tournament event.?There are many Volunteer opportunities, for me I will be driving a shuttle. ?My goal is to meet as many people as possible, work with fellow drivers, and have fun!?Last year I was a driver, and they asked if I would consider the position of Director of Tournament Shuttles for 2023. I said, sure, why not!????

So what are your RVI expectations?