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I’ll admit it; I’m a serial volunteer and for the longest time, there seemed to be no logic my mind could assign to make sense of the compulsion. After all, why on Earth would my calendar be filled with equal amounts of pro bono and paying projects? Allan Luks oft-cited work shows there are psychological and physiological benefits related to this kind of addiction and fortunately, there are lots of others out there just like me.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows volunteerism in the U.S. at about 26%, the more educated in the population providing the brunt of the hours.

So what compels people to volunteer? That same data from BLS shows that nearly 47% got involved because they were asked by someone already in the organization, but what was surprising is not much less (about 41%) got involved of their own volition – and to me, that is a very hopeful, encouraging number. “The main reason I volunteer is to give back and to support my community,” shares Eric Boles. “I like being a role model for youth and there is a deep internal satisfaction that comes from being involved.” Mr. Boles volunteers for several organizations, including Imagination Celebration in Colorado Springs. “I know my work helps create more public awareness about the projects I’m involved with and I help remove roadblocks nonprofits sometimes have and this creates even more enthusiasm for what they’re doing.”

Hilary Lane cites similar experiences and says she’s drawn to helping nonprofits because: “I have so many interests and passions close to my heart that I want to be involved in these causes and organizations to learn more.” Ms. Lane gives her time to several nonprofits, including a Border Collie rescue and Assisted Cycling Tours, an outfit that provides bicycle rides to disabled people and their families. “I actually feel self-satisfaction, more self-confident, bolder and more social. Sometimes it’s overwhelming to see the amount of work that needs to be done, but I do believe I have made a difference in organizations to which I give my time.”

It appears that altruism is alive and well, and that it can be propagated. Who better to lead that growth than entrepreneurs and small businesses?

Getting Hooked Is Easy

Humans want to help humans and that form of altruism fires up a couple of reward centers in the brain. Without getting into the very scientific specifics, let’s just say we feel good when we do good. Endorphins are released, we get a little buzz and our hearts feel happy. So what are some ways to increase the likelihood of our own companies doing this ? We know many companies set up efforts to get their employees involved in community efforts, but some are really just publicity stunts or ways to make their businesses appear philanthropic. To create genuine action, and the great feeling that surrounds it, volunteering needs to become part of the fabric of a business, so it becomes both an integral and sustainable part of conducting business. This means involving your entire team in the efforts and adopting a policy that encourages ideas and also recognition for the work put forth by your team. It also means selecting projects that are most suitable to the skills and talents you have.

Maco & Associates in Collegeville, PA takes their volunteer efforts to heart and is part of an IRS program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Explains President, Teri Maco, “It was difficult knowing that lower income people worked all their lives, then have to struggle come tax time. We provide free tax help in this program and our emphasis is on recapturing PA Property Tax and Rent Rebates for those who are over 62. This is not part of the normal tax process, but is a benefit that many of the elderly are not aware of. Our goal is to assist them in recapturing some of their real estate taxes.” Maco and her team provide clinics and assistance throughout the year for people who qualify, and her team is certified specially to provide these services. “This is part of our work all year and we feel good about doing it. I wish we could do even more.”

Having the solid reasoning behind efforts is one thing, but setting it all in motion is the other. There are simple guidelines to encouraging such efforts at your small business. They include:

• Asking your team what they want to do; it might be more than one effort, so encourage this, as success depends on people being on board with the project. Take on short-term and long-term projects, but let your team have a say in what those will be.
• Setting goals: Be aware at the onset of what your help will mean, what it will entail and how long it might take.
• Recognizing the efforts of all: people like the feeling of helping, but they also thrive on the act of being appreciated.
• Focusing on your core expertise: By providing services, products or guidance your company already offers, you can help minimize your own expenditure of resources.
• Setting boundaries: You do have a business to run, so don’t let it suffer when you provide your pro bono help. Be clear on who will be doing what and what, if any, expenses are yours to bear.
• Managing your team: It’scritical to remember your employees are under your employ, not the nonprofit, so be clear in the beginning about time frames, responsibilities and expectations.
• Be realistic: Don’t boil the ocean. You can only do so much, so don’t spread yourself too thin, otherwise resentment and missed deadlines can quickly appear. It’s okay to say “no” and even point a nonprofit to someone else that can help.
• Promote the effort: This is not just for a “hey, lookie what we did”, but is an awesome opportunity for more exposure for the nonprofit itself.
• Asking others to get involved: this is really the easiest way to get others helping.
• Calling it Quits: Not every arrangement is the best fit, so recognize this early on and end things appropriately, but professionally.

There are many nonprofits out there in need of your help and expertise, so whether you’re a solopreneur or 172-employee company, try making this part of your core. It’s a great way to get your company involved in the community, plus help a local effort that can really use the lift. And as if you needed another reason, there is a big push toward companies becoming more socially responsible. Some organizations give out awards, while others like tuggl.com actually allow nonprofits to publicly acknowledge the efforts of local companies that are doing good. Whatever your motivation, volunteerism in the workplace can really provide a sense of well-being. Give it a try! If you’re looking for places that might need your help, check out the enormous listing of volunteer opportunities listed on the Energize Inc. website

Have your say! Are you involved helping nonprofits? Share some of your stories and ideas for better success or some of the pitfalls to avoid when lending a hand. Photo Credit: Tulane Sally

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