Do you do any volunteer work?

I do very little.  I wrote a while back about teaching High School kids from lower income communities about money.  It was a cool program, and I would do it again.  But I was just thinking about how little volunteer work I, and most people I know, do with any regularity.  When I was telling a friend about my experience with Operation Hope, teaching the rowdy High Schoolers, he said, "so wait, why do you have to do this?"  When I explained that I didn't have to, that I volunteered, he was surprised, and I think a bit confused.

So, I was thinking about other ways that I can get involved in the community.  This isn't necessarily a personal finance post, but I think there can be benefits both personally, and perhaps professionally or financially as well.  The professional/financial benefits that I see are networking, resume building, and learning or enhancing new skills.

With this in mind, I was thinking about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.  It's a well known organization that has involvement from political, entertainment and business leaders.  They do something that I have a strong interest in.  And if I can learn to swing a hammer better, or have an understanding of what is involved in building a house, I see those as valuable skills.

So, have you ever volunteered for Habitat for Humanity?  What other volunteer work have you done?

Comments

[Flexo]

I've never volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, but I volunteer for other organizations that are in line with my interests and values.

[edenz]

I have volunteered for Habitat several times - it's alot of fun and very rewarding. My husband an I are planning to volunteer two days a month over the summer.

[mapgirl]

Habitat is awesome! It's one of the best organized charities for which I've worked. HOWEVER, that varies from chapter to chapter. I've worked at 4 different chapters since high school and love it. All my confidence with power tools comes from working with HFH and similar charities like Christmas in April. You can't always pick the skills you are going to learn/do, but one time I knew they were going to pour some concrete for a walkway and asked if I could help specifically on that and they said yes. (I think that was Christmas in April.)

HFH, unlike CIA can be year-round volunteering rather than a single day. I say give it a try. What's cool is seeing a project complete over time.

Plus you can travel as a volunteer and meet some really amazing people.

[2 million]

Agree with mapgirl - Habitat is awesome.

You will get so much out of it - learning construction skills while helping others is a win for everyone.

[lamoneyguy]

Thanks folks, I think your comments is exactly the kick in the pants that I needed to get motivated. I'm definitely going to do this. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Him]

Her has volunteered for Habitat in the past.

I have not volunteered with them, but I do devote a lot of time tutoring. I'd say the equivalent of around 10% of my free time.

[Mark Sinclair]

I have contributed to Habitat for years and have volunteered as well. I highly recommend it. There are few if any other groups that have such a dramatic impact on the affected people's lives - the volunteers are helping families turn a corner away from substandard housing towards a better future. It is also a great networking opportunity as many volunteers are company groups, church groups, etc.

[LAWMAN]

HFH is probably the first volunteering experience most of use get. It is easy to get involved, and you need minimal skills to start. And its one of those things that, at the end of the day, your efforts are objectively measurable and visible.

Currently, I sit on a board of trustees for a group that distributes grant funds locally. It is rewarding because I am helping my community, and also because I am meeting people I otherwise would not have.

[Hazzard]

I have often thought about finding a way to volunteer to teach basic personal finance to younger kids. If only one kid walked away from the class with a better understanding that ultimately helped them beat the cycle it would be worth it.

Most of my volunteering has been those days where you go out and clean up and spruce up girl scout camps, YMCA etc. It feels good to help other people and contribute your time to things that are important to you.

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