Why I Volunteer

In my June newsletter for Garrison Studio, instead of writing about studio highlights, I wrote a small piece on why I volunteer. Personally, I do it for my own growth and a belief in the "pay it forward" concept. But, you don't have to be altruistic to volunteer. It can look great on a resume and impress employers. It's also a great way to meet new people. Whatever the reason, if we give back even just an hour a month to our community, it is amazing the chain reaction of benefits that one hour can make.

Here is the article from the newsletter:

Normally, newsletters are sent in the beginning of the month. However I have been very busy with volunteer work. So, instead of talking about photography in my brief highlight, I would like to tell you why I volunteer and encourage each and every person to make the time if he or she can to do the same.

For those who don't know me, I run my own photography business, am artistic consultant to a newly formed communications company (CC Communications) and work part-time assisting my step-father with his event planning and onsite staffing company, The Rod Abraham Group. Plus I have a very low maintenance husband and 5 high maintenance dogs. Yet, I still make it a point to schedule time in my life to give back to my community.

Why? For many reasons, but most important, I am a firm believer in "pay it forward." In 1841, Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best in his essay Compensation, "In the order of nature we cannot render benefits to those from whom we receive them, or only seldom. But the benefit we receive must be rendered again, line for line, deed for deed, cent for cent, to somebody." You give to get. Sometimes the "get" is a compensation of personal growth, sometimes a learning experience, and even sometimes a career benefit. And the more you "render again," the greater the reward.

I always recommend volunteer where your skills are valued. Put your knowledge and interests to use as well as look for organizations to help your personal growth. For example, I have volunteered with Best Friends Animal Society because I love animals. I joined Junior League of Greater Princeton to help improve the lives of women and children in our community and develop a better social network. I also volunteer my photography services to several organizations, such as the Princeton Chamber of Commerce, who have been beneficial in my career growth and Operation Smile, who give a child a chance to smile.

A great place to start is Volunteer Match to find an opportunity that fits your personality and skills. Also check your local Chamber of Commerce, ask friends and family, and you can always do a web search.

Whatever you choose, even if it is just an hour or two a month, I promise you will be a better person for it, and that time will make a difference for your community. Hillary Clinton was right on point when she said "It takes a Village."