Why volunteer - Part 1 /3

Global Volunteer Month takes place in the month of April and I thought of sharing my take on volunteership. This month is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in all the communities as well as encouraging volunteerism throughout the month. Many a times volunteering is generally understood as people participating in an awareness event, donating to the under-privilaged, offering services in public places, cleaning beaches etc. While each of these acts are appreciated and acknowledged, my inclination of volunteering is towards a different genre.

My preference would actually be taking up a leadership roles in a voluntary or professional organizations rather doing ad-hoc activities. Basically take up an unpaid job and contribute immensely and get benefitted. By taking a leadership role in a professional body, one can contribute and make more meaningful impact. Today there are numerous opportunities to take up volunteering positions. Depending on your interest and experience, you may join in a professional body and contribute.

My experiences in taking up voluntary roles are as follows:-

• Secretary and Treasurer in all the association of the apartments I have lived so far (3#)
• Joint Secretary at Indian Institution of Plant Engineers (IIPE)
• Chennai Chapter President of the Professional Speakers Association (PSAI)
• Numerous opportunities in Toastmasters International as follows:-
• Sergeant At Arms — Mahindra Satyam Toastmasters Chennai — 2008–09
• President — Mahindra Satyam Toastmasters Chennai — 2009–10
• Vice President Membership — Medley Toastmasters Club — 2010–11
• President — Medley Toastmasters Club — 2011
• President — Medley Toastmasters Club — 2019
• Area Governor — Area N2 of District 82 — Toastmasters International — 2012–13
• Pathways Ambassador — District 82 — Toastmasters International — 2013–19
• Club Coach Chair — District 120 — Toastmasters International — 2020–21
• Ze’Orations Toastmasters — Mentor
• Alwarpet Toastmaster Club — Mentor
• Orators of Tech Mahindra — Mentor
• Orators of Tech Mahindra — Sponsor
• Infosys Shols Toastmasters Club — Sponsor
• Nokia Toastmasters Club — Sponsor

One may be wondering, why a person should spend his personal time in taking volunteering positions, when there is no monetary reward. The primary reason would be to get a sense of satisfaction by giving it back to the society in whatever way one can. The second reason is actually a selfish reason. i.e to improve your leadership attributes by serving others. In Toastmasters, it is being referred as “Servant Leaders”. By being a servant leader role, one could hone so many leadership traits, most importantly the humility. What are the leadership qualities one can think of by taking volunteer roles?

• Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Giving Feedback
• Time Management
• Planning and Implementation
• Organizing and Delegating
• Facilitation
• Motivating Others
• Mentoring Others
• Team Building

I don’t think any other academic institution would have taught me so much on the above leadership skills, if I had not taken the voluntary positions.

#VolunteeringMatters

#Volunteer

#GlobalVolunteerMonth