Volunteer Excuses Put to Rest

Let’s face it. When you don’t want to do something, there are minuscule reasons that seem to get in the way. When it comes to giving back to your community, many times we allow other things to get in the way that we could often easily change if we tried. But we’re only human, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the tasks of our daily lives where we forget that we have the opportunity to improve our world and make a difference. So what’s your excuse? Here are a few that we hear and ways to get you motivated if you want to volunteer.

I don’t have enough time.
We’re all busy. But imagine if everybody in the world simply said they were too busy. This excuse is nothing that time management can’t fix. Think about all of the time that we essentially waste on social media, television shows or simply not doing much of anything. While we all need down time, with a simple shuffling of your schedule you can free up some time to volunteer. Maybe you can turn your social media time into helping a nonprofit with their social media presence.

Now isn’t the right time.
We’ve all said it before. The timing just isn’t right. But often, if we allow this to become an excuse the chances are we will keep putting it off. So if you think the timing isn’t right, take time to stop and ask why the timing isn’t right. Chances are, you’ll be able to see that this is just an excuse to put off volunteering longer. Don’t let this one get in the way. What would Thomas Jefferson say? “Never put off till tomorrow what you could do today.”

I’m just not passionate about a specific mission.
We all have a passion for something. The problem is that sometimes we don’t dig deep enough to find it. There are tons of nonprofits that need help, ranging from a variety of interests. Start by listing your hobbies. No matter what your hobby or interest, there is somebody else who started a nonprofit to achieve a mission similar to your interests. Although volunteering anywhere is helpful, you’ll be best able to thrive in a setting where you really care about the mission.

I don’t have any good skills to offer.
You may not think that you have any type of skills to help out at a nonprofit. However, nonprofits will take any help that they can get. Just because you don’t know how you can help doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try. Call up the nonprofit and tell them why you want to help. They might ask you questions about how you can help, and they will ultimately place you into an area where you’ll be needed.

I have a family to look after.
It’s never too early to teach your family about the rewards of volunteering. Take them along with you on a Saturday afternoon for a learning experience that they will remember for a long time. Even better, make it a regular outing for your family and start your kids volunteering at an early age. Then it will become a habit early on for your kids, and they will be more likely to continue volunteering later in life.

I don’t know how to get started.
Getting started is simple. You can call a nonprofit or go there in person. All you have to do is ask them how you can help. Sometimes, the first step is the hardest. They won’t turn you down, and you’ll be glad you took the first step. So the time is now, and no more excuses. Start volunteering today.