Finding the initiative to do something about it...

Initiative.

I sometimes feel that our society lacks it. It is seen time and time again in various forms ranging from the pedestrian effect to political apathy.

Sometimes, I think that the idea of addressing a need ourselves is a little overwhelming. Many don’t even realize their own ability to do something about it. I’m going to be fair and assume that it’s not a lack of personal motivation and guess that many people simply don’t know how to start their own initiative.

In the world of technology, cell phones, social networking sites and email it is easy to get your message out there and get people involved. So, here is my basic five step method to creating an initiative.

First, ask yourself the question: what is important to me? Do I want to raise funds for a womyns’ centre? Do I want to raise awareness about social injustice issues? Am I passionate about world peace?

Second, network. You are one person, and need a collective of likeminded individuals who are ready to make a change in the world. There are plenty of ways to network. Start close to home and branch out from there. Bring up the topic with your friends and family. Start a Facebook group or twitter feed. There is strength in numbers, get as many to join the cause as possible. In addition to lending their voices these people will also be able to help you put your ideas into action. Which leads me into step three…

Third. Make a plan of action. With your team, begin laying out step-by-step how you will address the issue. Be innovative and creative. That being said, tried and tested methods often work well too. Do you want to hold a gala fund raiser? Do you want to start a letter writing campaign? How are you going to do this? Who will plan the dinner? Who will write the letter template? Make sure that all organizations and persons that this will affect are included in the planning. For example, don’t plan a fundraiser for an organization without first talking to them beforehand about their goals, your goals and how to get their message out there.

Fourth. Set the plan in motion. You’ve finished drawing out the design, now it’s time to get it going. This will probably involve more social networking (to get people to come to the dinner, send the letter template, attend the rally, etc.) and interpersonal communication. Make sure you have enough people helping out. Make sure they know the plan of action.

The fifth and final step is to make sure that after everything is done and that you’ve tie up loose ends. Remember to finalize all the official stuff --did you pay the florist? Don’t forget to thank those who have contributed whether in planning, donating, joining in or attending the event. Once this is done, ask yourself if you have succeeded. Did you accomplish your goal? Did you accomplish anything else along the way? Sometimes we don’t accomplish what we originally set out to do, but we manage to achieve something else in the process. Perhaps you have originally intended on holding a dance party to raise money for a womyns shelter, but after the fact, did not raise much money at all. Sure, you might not have achieved what you had initially wanted to accomplish, but it was definitely not a wasted effort. You have made people aware of the existence of this shelter, what it does and the resources it needs and provides. That alone is a big accomplishment. Also, remember that the first initiative you undertake is the one you will undertake with the least experience. Next time, it will be easier.

Besides, trying is always the first step to succeeding.

Sean

Volunteering for the Long Haul vs. Short-Term Benefits

At times, Generation Y has been accused of “fearing the long-term”. We like the short-term commitment, preferring to get what we need, and move on from all manner of experiences. It makes me wonder, why we are volunteering? Is it to make a difference? To network? For the experience? The benefits of different types of volunteering may reflect our motives.

Volunteering to gain skills and to network:
Test the waters and volunteer for special events. This works especially well if you enjoy an inconsistent schedule. If you prefer a consistent schedule, consider taking an ongoing role at a not-for-profit organization. This way, you can set a schedule that works for you and still acquire skills and contacts. You can have your cake and eat it too.

Helping an organization to reach its financial goal:
Many have the ability to make small charitable donations, however, it can be even more empowering to help an organization with its fundraising goals. This could be a long term commitment, or short term, by helping out with a specific fundraising event.

Joining a Board:
Youth involvement the Board level is important, however, it can be daunting because most boards require at least a 1 year commitment, require members to bear financial liability and posses some knowledge of best practices. This can be a little intimidating! Therefore, many youth do not sit on Boards for this reason, however important the idea of fair representation and diversity of opinion is. For many university students, once the school year ends full-time jobs or extended periods of travel take over the schedule.

Vop ‘til you drop,
Sean

Feel the burn, not the burn out.

Apparently, if a human dives into the deepest parts of the ocean, the pressure would reduce them to the size of a canned drink. Maybe it’s the same with volunteering? A counterpoint would be the English Poet William Blake saying: “Dip him in the river who loves water.” My point? If you love it, immerse yourself in it! If you love volunteering (or water) jump in! Just don’t forget to come up for air once in a while. Don’t swim so deep you start to feel pressure, otherwise, we might have to start marketing a YOU soda. Speaking of which, how much pressure do we feel to volunteer? I’d say that it depends on the person.

Some of us feel like we have to save the world, get straight As, work that part-time (or even full-time) job and still be home smiling for a wholesome family dinner. Really, there’s nothing wrong with that. From my experience, I have learned that the best thing to do is be happy and if doing well in school, working and spending time with your family makes you happy then keep doing what you’re doing! However, if you are feeling burnt out, here is my tip:

YOU (similar to, but different from YOU soda) need to care for yourself. You need friends, and not just friends you volunteer with. You need to pursue hobbies and interests.
Volunteer doing something you love.

Be prudent and combine the two. For example, I love volunteering and non-profit work, but I also love writing. I wanted to see how I could volunteer while pursuing my passion and I found it! No matter what you like or do for a hobby there is a volunteering opportunity for it. (That’s why I love MYVOP.)

Don’t just find volunteer opportunities, find YOUR volunteer opportunities. That way you can feel the burn without feeling the burn out.

‘Vop til you drop,
Sean