What’s holding you back from giving back?

This week in honour of National Volunteer Week, I’m reflecting on the importance that volunteering has had in my life.

I’ve learned from each and every one of my experiences. From wrapping holiday presents at the mall, to helping source articles for an industry magazine, to wish granting, recruiting committee and board members, and providing HR advice and counsel. These experiences eventually led me to become a member of the board of directors for a number of organizations, and I was even named Board Chair.

Ironically, the rewards and benefits that I have received from the experiences far outweigh any amount of time I have given the many organizations I have supported over the years. Volunteering has provided me the opportunity to expand my skills and experience, and take on leadership roles long before I had the credentials to be hired for them. I initially started volunteering when I moved to Ottawa, and quickly learned that there is no better way to get to know your community, meet new people and expand your network. Once I started, I never looked back. I caught the “volunteer bug.” It is an important part of my life.

I am often asked how I find the time to volunteer. I always respond with, “like anything, if it’s important to you, you can and will find the time.” As I have expanded my family and career, I seek opportunities where I can continue to share my knowledge, skills and experience in ways that do not impede on either. A perfect example of this would be career mentoring. I have been a mentor for a number of organizations including the HRPA, OCISO, and the WCT. I have been fortunate to have great mentors in the past and now pay it forward. I remain connected with many of them.

In my role as VP of HR at Pythian I was thrilled to champion our Love Your Community Programs. These programs provide our employees in over 36 countries with a volunteer day and opportunities for sponsorship – i.e. raising money for causes that are meaningful to them. The programs have allowed Pythian the opportunity to positively impact the communities where our employees live.

Volunteer Week highlights the importance of volunteering in our communities, and showcases the impact it has on the lives of both the volunteer, and the communities they support. What’s holding you back from giving back?

And because it couldn’t be said any better: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

– Winston Churchill

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