There’s never been a better time to make a difference with selfless volunteering. For changemakers across a spectrum of roles and skillsets, professional volunteering provides excellent opportunities to rebuild an ecosystem where everyone can thrive and be their best.
For instance, over the last few years, I have reaped amazing rewards through my association with leading organisations like the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). As an active member and currently the President of the Mumbai Chapter of IMA, I have led several volunteering programs and equipped members with the tools they need to be successful.
A fortnight ago, I was humbled and honoured to be conferred the prestigious Champion Award by IMA, USA at its Global 2020 Annual Awards. As the only recipient from India and one of the four global awardees, I feel privileged to share my learnings and encourage the senior professionals in my network to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Through our collective efforts, I am sure we can uplift community knowledge and catalyse professional growth.
Everyone is a winner
While volunteerism is traditionally associated with charitable organisations, non-profits, etc., professional volunteering differs in the sense that the contribution is in the form of knowledge sharing and facilitating professional growth through mentoring. And throughout my career, I have been an ardent proponent of the concept. It can help make a meaningful difference by forging stronger relationships in the workplace. Further, it helps enrich our sense of purpose in life by contributing to a more productive professional circle.
It is a win-win situation from an organisational perspective as well because employees who volunteer are more engaged, less stressed and feel better – physically, mentally and emotionally. Various studies have also found that volunteering contributes to more fruitful interpersonal relationships and higher self-esteem. Moreover, the process hones team-building and collaborative skills.
The bottom line:
Everyone wins when we volunteer.
Everyone can make a difference
Leveraging professional skills, like expertise in finance, marketing, or sales, senior professionals can mentor and coach teams. Empowering a gifted talent pool as a career coach is a great way to help people excel at their jobs. Also, as a business coach, there are incredible opportunities to engage with budding entrepreneurs and pass on a wealth of knowledge. Besides, coaching allows volunteers to expand their horizon, as their wisdom is continuously applied in new situations.
The cherry on the top – networking opportunities with peers and members. At IMA India, for instance, we are a close-knit community of over 7,000 professionals across sectors. An incredible platform to grow together as a team!
Another way to volunteer is through pro bono consultancy. Whether you are competent in sales and marketing or finance or engineering, you can lend your time and expertise to a good cause through professional volunteering. It’s a good opportunity to segue into exciting projects that you wouldn’t otherwise be a part of. In essence, volunteering can give you significant exposure to new experiences and learnings, while contributing to a higher cause as well.
Let’s nurture the leaders of tomorrow
As a professional volunteer, I have seen first-hand the profound impact professional volunteering can have, not just on individuals but the industry and the economy at large. Because when senior professionals start volunteering, it creates a force multiplier effect on the broader ecosystem.
Above all, as Henry Ford puts it,
“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”
