Have You Got A Minute?
You probably know that we rely heavily on volunteers to accomplish much of our work here at Keep Virginia Beautiful. Volunteers clean, educate, share, plant, and do countless other things to help us in our mission.
Did you ever consider what your time spent as a volunteer says about you professionally?
You’ve spent countless hours and days helping clean your local streams. This is your passion. Doesn’t this speak to a potential employer about your dedication to a project or cause? It takes a little bit of organization to bring together a group of individuals to achieve this task. Who has a truck? Which section of the stream do we want to tackle today? Does everyone have the proper gear? What’s the weather forecast and what is the stream level? You’ve just shown a great skill at organizing a team and accomplishing a specific objective.
You may argue that what you do is for altruistic reasons and is not job-related and therefore has no place on a resume. Just because you didn’t get paid for it, however, doesn’t mean that you didn’t display a talent or skill. You’ve displayed passion, commitment, a desire to be an active part of a community, and an initiative to get things done.
Think, also, about the people that you volunteer with. These folks are, to a large extent, JUST LIKE YOU! They have your same passions, sense of commitment, and same goals. There is every possibility that they have a connection for you professionally, they expand your network, and are often excellent references for a resume.
What did you do on your adventure? Share it! We’re not suggesting that you gin up your resume, but if you organized your band of Eco-Pirates then claim credit for it! “Project Coordinator” looks good on a resume. If you drove a fund-raising effort you were in charge of your group’s finances. If you volunteered at a park or public garden you may have led groups of kids. “Tutor”.
Maybe you want to head to the shore and while you’re there you can help The Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences track sea turtles. Maybe you need to get out of town and are looking for some more rugged terrain. You could help maintain The Appalachian Trail. There are tons of ways to volunteer. We offer tons of opportunities right here!
We’re hoping that you do these things because you share our passion for Keeping Virginia Beautiful. We’re hoping that you’re doing these things because it’s the right thing to do. We even hope that you feel good doing them. Now look at the fringe benefits!