#529 raise your hand

Long ago I learned from a mentor that there are five primary reasons that people volunteer for student activities in college.  She utilized the acronym of GRAPE to indicate Growth, Recognition, Achievement, Participation and Enjoyment.  Over the years, some of us have morphed her acronym into GRAPES and added Service.

Think about the reasons that you donate your time to something.  I'll bet that the reasons behind your altruism fall into one of these categories, even if you are far beyond the college age.  You believe in a cause so you volunteer, but as Sara's theory indicates, you also receive some good things in return.  Maybe you learn a skill, meet some new people, get kudos or a pat on the back or just have some fun.

Almost every organization needs someone to give of their time for something.  Point out the benefits of volunteering to those who may assist you and make the time to contribute to an organization yourself.  What you learn as a volunteer may provide valuable lessons to feed back into your organization -- about how to treat both your volunteers and your staff.  After all, don't they want the benefits of GRAPES too?

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  Sara Boatman