Tips To Volunteering Your Time

Missouri YPN has Volunteering as an important part of their mission statement. Jessica Kempf, YPN MAR Advisory Board Member, makes volunteering a big part of her career and shares with us some important tips to getting involved in volunteering in your local community.
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I have always been a huge fan of volunteering, raising my hand whenever the opportunity arises. Nothing is better than giving back to your community or association. Here are a few ideas to get started in volunteering!

• Check with your AE or Board President to see what committees are open for participation at the local level and at the Missouri Association of REALTORS®. From Finance Committee to planning fundraisers for RPAC, there is always something that you will be interested in!

• Contact your local Chamber of Commerce. It is a great networking base, and there are plenty of committees to choose from at the Chamber. They can also provide a list of organizations in your area that need volunteers.

• Think of what you like to do! Is it pets, kids, homes, jewelry, sports? There is something out there for everyone! Use Google, or visit www.volunteermatch.org to find all kinds of opportunities.

• Remember, you don’t have to be President to make a difference! Volunteering to help clean a classroom or label food at the food pantry once a month is always good. Start small, and find something you really enjoy.

• Think about the skills you possess. If you are a land developer, think about your city or county planning & zoning department. If you have a knack for tutoring, consider Big Brothers Big Sisters or a similar children’s organization. If you are a finance buff, think of volunteering as Treasurer for an organization.

• Some places to help get you started: churches, museums/art galleries, food pantries, public schools, civic clubs, neighborhood parks, creek cleanups, retirement centers, community theaters, halfway houses and the list goes on!