In order for us to GROW; we need to KNOW…why people volunteer, who volunteers, what volunteers want!
As all organizations are looking for members, from the local PTA to triple-A, it remains critical to know your market.
A long time, very active Rotarian said this: “They join for service to their communities and camaraderie.” and,
“Members want to serve. That is what Community Service is all about.”
Rotary Clubs are all very different. Some are high level networking groups. Others focused on local initiatives, others global and still others a hybrid of what Rotary offers.
Setting out to find that sweet spot of WHY people volunteer here are a few articles offer insight to consider.
12 Reasons Why People Volunteer by Melissa Houser, Positive Force Consulting Founder. Philanthropist. Community Advocate.
“In my work, I meet volunteers all the time. I like to ask them what organizations they volunteer for and why. I’m curious to learn the reasons a person is inspired to give back. I’d like to share with you some of the most compelling reasons I’ve heard over the years as to why people volunteer. Perhaps you already volunteer regularly and can relate or, better yet, maybe you’ll become inspired to jump on the volunteer bandwagon! I promise it’ll be one of the best “rides” of your life!
1. There is a personal tie to the cause. A particular cause calls to you because you, or someone close to you, have personally experienced the hardship the cause is aiming to minimize or eradicate. Perhaps your mom survived breast cancer or you grew up in a household without enough to eat. Whatever the cause, it touches your heart and empathy drives you to give back and make a difference in the lives of those going through the same situation now.
2. Volunteering is a great way to build a resume. Perhaps you are out of work and looking for something to bide your time and keep your resume fresh. Or maybe you have a job but your current position does not allow for the training you seek. Many volunteers are able to learn a new language or to develop managerial skills in volunteer positions they commit to.
3. It’s a good way to bridge the gap between yourself and others who may perceive you as “different”.Volunteering with these groups allows the chance to expand your horizons and celebrate other cultures and peoples. Teaching abroad or working with refugees are examples of volunteer opportunities that allow for people from different backgrounds to come together as one.
4. Volunteering sets a good example for others. Lots of folks “talk the talk”. But very few actually make the time and effort to “walk the walk”. By volunteering, you inspire others to get involved to make a positive change in the community. It also sets a good example for children. Serving food at a local soup kitchen, leading a corporate team to raise funds for a charity run, or working with at-risk adolescents in an after-school program are great examples on how to spark a passion for volunteering in others.
5. Meeting like-minded, motivated, positive people is super easy.The way someone chooses to spend their spare time is a true reflection of their values and priorities. Connecting over shared passions for a cause while helping others is a great way to meet new friends. By volunteering, your “circle of friends” can get a whole lot bigger in just a short amount of time.
6. Volunteering can offer unique and exciting opportunities. Depending on the project, you may get “behind-the-scenes” views of large organizations, such as political campaigns, at work. There might even be opportunities to meet famous and influential people who are spokespeople or involved in a particular cause. Or, volunteering as an usher at a theater house, for example, might enable you to see many amazing productions for free. These are pretty cool perks for a couple hours of your time.
7. “Doing good” is important. Every day we are bombarded with disheartening news stories. Volunteering presents a proactive way of doing something to make the world a better place. Even the smallest gestures make a difference. And if we all band together, those small gestures can add up to a big change! For example, when you donate clothes and toys to the Salvation Army, you are helping our world by recycling, creating jobs in thrift stores and providing a way for others to purchase needed items at an affordable price.
8. Volunteering creates empowerment. Maybe someone offered you a helping hand when you were down and out. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to pay that favor forward. Often times, a word of encouragement and a little assistance to those in need can help them get back on their feet. And when they do, they’ll most likely do the same for others. And the cycle continues.
9. Volunteering has never been easier. There is a nonprofit organization for just about every interest or cause out there. Finding the right organization to volunteer for is just a Google search away. Organizations recognize that do-gooders have varied skills and talents to bring to the table. These organizations have begun taking a real interest in putting the talents and expertise of volunteers to use to produce the greatest good for their clients. They have also become more flexible in volunteer scheduling, offering after work and weekend opportunities to help accommodate busy schedules.
10. Volunteering can help you get or stay healthy.It’s true! Charity runs and walk-a-thons are excellent ways to stay motivated in your personal goals of weight loss or simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When you know you have others relying on the funds you’re raising, it’s a lot easier to tie up those laces and get moving.
11. Volunteering gives greater perspective and self-awareness. Depending on the cause, it is possible you will come face to face with some pretty heart-wrenching situations. As a volunteer, you will be expected to keep a calm and positive demeanor. Dealing with these situations can make you question your perspective on the world and the choices you make in your personal life. Though this can a bit overwhelming at first, developing a keener sense of self-awareness is an amazing transformation many volunteers experience.
12. Volunteering is good for you.Studies show that volunteering releases tension. By helping others in need, you take the focus off of your own problems, putting into perspective how precious having a healthy, fulfilled life really is. Many volunteers realize that, while not perfect, their life is a blessing to be celebrated every day. In my opinion, this is priceless.”
Article from Volunteering for Dummies
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the nonprofit sector. Just about every nonprofit charitable organization uses volunteers in some capacity. In most cases, board members serve without compensation. For many nonprofit organizations in the United States, volunteers do all the work, from planting the trees to paying the bills. Even if your organization employs paid staff, volunteers still provide valuable service. Organizations depend on volunteers to staff telephone hotlines, lead scout troops, provide tutoring, coach youth sports teams, serve hot meals, organize fundraising events, and stuff envelopes. So if you're going to manage a nonprofit organization, you need to know how to work with volunteers.
The classic stereotype of a volunteer is someone who has lots of time to spare and is looking for something to do.Although this perception may have been true in the past when many women stayed out of the workplace and gave their energies to charity, the stereotype no longer fits.Women still volunteer more than men, and people between the ages of 35 and 44 are the likeliest to volunteer.Those members of the "likeliest group" also are likely to be balancing careers with raising families, not to mention taking care of aging parents, going to the gym, and keeping up with e-mail.
Understanding why people volunteer makes it easier to find volunteers, organize their work, and recognize their contributions. Not everyone is motivated by the same factors. People volunteer for a variety of reasons, including their desire to
Help the community and others. Helping others usually comes to mind first when people think of volunteers. But as you see when you read deeper in this list, their motives aren't always this simple.
Increase self-esteem. Volunteering makes people feel better about themselves. Giving a few hours a week, or even a month, to an organization creates good feelings.
Help out friends. Friends are often the first people we turn to when we need help. Volunteering also can create a great way to get together with friends on a regular basis.
Make new friends. Volunteering is usually a social activity. People use this opportunity to meet interesting people who share their interests and values.
Try out a job. People considering a job in the nonprofit sector often discover that volunteering is a good way to get a peek at what happens on the inside.
Polish their resumes. Adding volunteer experience to a resume shows a commitment to helping others or to working in a particular field.
Develop new skills. A volunteer job often gives people an opportunity to learn how to do something they didn't know how to do.
Enjoy something they love. Many volunteer jobs come with intrinsic benefits for their participants. Ushers at the symphony get to hear the music. Gardeners removing invasive plants from a native plant preserve get to spend a day in a beautiful natural setting.
Keep this list in mind, and you'll realize that you don't have to focus your recruitment efforts exclusively on retired people or others who have a lot of leisure time. If you can provide an environment in which volunteers can bring their friends, meet others who share their interests, and learn new skills, you can lure even the busiest people into helping.
Remember that you have no reason to be apologetic about asking for help: Volunteering benefits those people who step forward to assist you.
Inviting small groups from area companies, schools or other organizations can help spread our mission. These events – especially if you want to include employed people – must be planned and give advance notice.
Invite families, high school and college students - anyone who wants and needs to give service.
Here are some ideas for Rotary to “capture the market” on volunteerism and community service in the neighborhood. Our club:
Rotary Yellow Ducky Race on July 12
This would be a great opportunity for sharing with Rotaract
Volunteer at the Intelligentsia Race July 28 (the race is benefiting the NSYMCA)
Wear Rotary in Action Shirts
Saturday Sign Ups:
Rotary table at Sunset; Waterway; Library or other places manned by Rotarians who will have clip boards to get families, teens, others to sign up and subscribe to the Bulletin; find out about interest in volunteering etc.:
The June 2022 International Convention was the first time the whole Rotary world has assembled in person since Protecting the Environment became an official Rotary Area of Focus. In breakout sessions, booths, and banners, the good news of Rotarians’ fast-expanding environmental work shone throughout the Houston Convention in every format, both in-person and virtual.
ESRAG board members - including current, past, and incoming Chairs Rick Randolph, Chris Puttock, Karen Kendrick-Hands, and Patricia Armstrong - offered five breakout sessions on projects from building climate resilience to restoring watersheds. Nimble ESRAG Task Force leaders set up exhibits in empty House of Friendship booths, where they put in long hours, cheerfully informing intrigued Rotarians who stopped by to learn more about practical environmental solutions.
ESRAG members also rejoiced at the chance to meet each other face-to-face after two years of pandemic separation when we were just little quacking boxes to each other on Zoom. Check out our Facebook and LinkedIn pages for a gallery of photos of Rotarians At Work and having fun! In this issue, news from Houston and three great projects:
Houston Rotarians' heat island project prioritizes most vulnerable
RICON highlights: making great connections in person and virtual reality
Oyster reef regeneration in Australia
Chair Rick Randolph on ESRAG’s growth
U.S. Rotarians: tell schools about EPA Clean School Bus grants
Foundation Report June 13, 2022 from John Howard, Northbrook Rotary Foundation Chair
Through June 13, twenty-three club members made Foundation donations totaling
$52,177 including $29,177 to the Annual Fund (AF) and $6,875 for End Polio Now
(EPN). We exceeded our AF goal of $27,000 by $2,177 and EPN goal of $2,500 by
$3,375. These are extraordinary levels of donations considering the economy, support
to Ukraine efforts, other Club fundraising and our level of membership.
I would like to recognize very large donations by Donna Lee Gulley, JP Deheeger and
Jim Kucienski.
Also, our Club’s foundation donated $2,500 to End Polio Now.
We also have additional donations in progress before to end of the Foundation year
ending June 30.
At our June 21 Club Installation dinner event we will recognize the following club
member Foundation achievements for fiscal year 2021-22:
Ron Bernardi, Major Donor Level 2
Jean-Pierre Deheeger, Major Donor Level 3
Donna Lee Gulley, Major Donor Level 3
John Howard, Paul Harris Fellow +8
Jim Karagianis, PHF
Alan Karzan, Paul Harris +8
Jim Kucienski, Major Donor Level 2
Gary Morello, Paul Harris Fellow+1
Mitch Portugal, Paul Harris Fellow +3
Helen Rivkin, Paul Harris Fellow +6
Jeff Tideman, Major Donor Level 1
Paul Harris Society continues to be a strong contributor to our Foundation giving
program. We have 13 Society members.
The annual Rotary International Convention (RICON) in Houston, Texas, USA provided wonderful opportunities for learning, networking and showcasing the work of ESRAG.
Programs, social events, and exhibits within and beyond Houston's spacious George R. Brown Convention Center highlighted Rotarians' environmental projects more than ever before and introduced thousands of participants to the many ways they can take action now to protect our planet.
Photo: Rotary International President Shekar Mehta talking with ESRAG Director Yavuz Atila, one of ESRAG's Regional Chapter Chairs, at the ESRAG exhibit in the House of Friendship
Maryland students’ huge win to reduce food waste - ESRAG program
If food waste were a country, it would be the third worst emitter of greenhouse gas emissions of all the nations in the world. That fact failed to intimidate a team of school children in the US state of Maryland, who’ve proven they can reduce food waste in their schools by 80% or more. Building on their success, they convinced their state government to pass a new law allocating $250,000 to expand Rotary’s Lunch out of Landfills program to schools across the state. Despite the country’s bitter partisan divisions, the students’ proposal passed unanimously in the Maryland State Senate, then by a vote of 127-4 in the House. The legislative support was so powerful that the Governor, Larry Hogan, scheduled a public event to sign it into law April 22, the day before Earth Day.
To advocate for their proposal, students testified before Senate and House committees in late January. 2022 about their success with Lunch out of Landfills, which was spearheaded by Rotarian Joe Richardson. They then went home and got fellow students busy writing about it. Richardson rented a bus and took group of 27 students back to the state capitol to hand-deliver 6,000 post cards to legislators before the draft school composting bills came up for a vote.
Here’s how students are achieving such huge reductions in food waste. After eating at school, they sort food waste into liquid, compostable scraps, recyclables, and food that can be safely sent to local hunger programs. In this video, Joe and a team of elementary students show you how they do it.
Start-up costs for the program in Maryland average $2,000 per school including equipment and training, but the program more than pays for itself in savings on waste disposal and trash bags.
Most importantly, students from elementary to high school have discovered their power to increase food security and implement climate solutions. “When food is thrown into landfills and incinerators, it creates methane and greenhouse gasses,” explains Ethan Weiss from Bethesda High School near Washington, DC. “On the other hand, when food waste is composted, it turns to carbon-capturing and nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow new foods. Unlike anything else, 100% of the foods we throw into trash can be recycled [composted] into soil.” “We see so much food being wasted and thrown away in school,” says Advika Agarwal, freshman from Richard Montgomery High School. “We know how many hungry families live here. Students want to do more to not only reduce greenhouse gasses with compost programs, but also to help feed the hungry in our community.” Two elementary schools in Frederick County sent over 7,600 pieces of fruit to pantries in three months.
The campaign for the school-based composting law exemplifies how Rotarians leverage more good by collaborating with other stakeholders. The students formed a “Coalition to Reimagine School Waste” with help from the nonprofit Youth Creating Change (YCC), which teaches young people to find practical solutions to problems they see in their communities. The student coalition partnered with Joe Richardson’s environmental education program Mountainside Education and Enrichment, and the Maryland Public Health Association.
The students are continuing their leadership work with local policy makers. “Ethan Weiss and Interact members Advika Agarwal and Angelina Xu presented to the Montgomery County School Board in early April,” Joe Richardson reports. “Two weeks later, on April 13th, 5th grader Quinn Wagner and 10th grader Abby Lapadula, Interact member Paige Smith, and I presented before the Frederick County School board requesting/demanding expansion of the program.
As the programs move forward next year, local Rotary cCubs will be providing mini-refrigerators to schools for share tables and food recovery to local food banks, and students will be adopting the NexTrex challenge, NexTrex.com, which collects plastic film, plastic bags, sandwich bags, bubble wrap, and unrecyclable plastic packaging, which will reduce landfill-designated waste by over 90%.
Lunch out of Landfills requires diligent planning and diplomatic work to build an effective partnership of the local school district, individual schools (especially custodial staff), and solid waste authorities. The best solutions will vary depending on local resources and logistics.
Please note - Meetings are no longer recorded, and no longer on zoom. Meeting dates and times, or virtual access may change, always check our website for updates. In-person meetings are held at Hilton, 2855 Milwaukee Rd., Northbrook or other locations as announced, and the club Covid protocol must be followed.
We will have in person meetings going forward. To join us for a lunch meeting contact Helen, our membership person at RotaryNorthbrook@gmail.com to find out more.
