Wednesday 15 July 2015

Tips for Successful Volunteering!

It's damn scary to walk into a totally new environment, knowing not a single person. But, when you really want to be a part of something, you have to swallow that GIANT BALL OF FEAR (or whatever size yours is) and give it a try. Once you're there? Here are my newbie tips for having a great time and being a big help to the team :

1. Leave your Ego at Home

To really add to a team and get the most out of your experience, you have to accept that you are the newb. There is so much to learn; and so much fun to be had, when you are willing to dive in and help, no matter what the task. In every volunteer-run organization, there is a metric buttload of things to get done. Some of them are more "sexy" than others, with more excitement and flash; but every task is important, no matter how small. The great part is that, if you have volunteered for something you love, even the small, unsexy tasks become part of the fun. 

2.  Be nice.

Nobody is expecting you to kiss butts, but do remember to be polite and friendly. Like my Mom always says, "Put on your party manners." Everyone is there to reach the same goal. You don't have to love everyone, nor will they all love you (even though they should, because you're AWESOME), but being polite and friendly makes everything better. The theatre is a happy place for me, something I do for fun. If there is drama, I leave it for the stage.

3. Always ask if there is something you can do to help!

Shit gets BUSY in any VRO (my new, made up acronym for "volunteer run organization"). People get very busy and focused on what they are doing, so they might forget about you. The onus is on you to ask where you can help and what you can do. Just ask! I know you're nervous! I know you're new! But soon, you won't be the new person. You'll be the person who always looks for someone to help and something to do. Helpers rule!

4. Learn!

You will be dealing with a lot of people who are very experienced in doing things you love (that's why you showed up, right?). Suck up all of the knowledge you can like the sponge you are! Whatever it is you are into, VROs are filled with enthusiastic people who are happy to share what they know. You get a master class you only have to pay for with your time! 

Those are the biggies. Pick a VRO doing something you are passionate about and get in there! They need you and you need them. It's a cliche because it's true--I've gotten far more out of my experience than I have given. 

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