Promote Volunteering for Development

We all want to live in a better world. And with a little promotion, you can get others excited to volunteer, helping improve the place we all call home. December 5 is international volunteer day for economic and social development. Don’t let the long name fool you, it’s actually a ridiculously easy holiday to celebrate. The holiday is recognized by the United Nations, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a world traveler to make a difference. So use this day to volunteer in the place you call home, and to make the world a better place.

Involve the Community
The UN doesn’t call it a community service project for nothing. That’s because volunteering in your community will help improve your surroundings and should involve community members. Work with your neighbors and come up with some ideas for a project to work on in your community. Then when you have a list, hold a community volunteer day where everyone comes together to help out.

Recognize and Reward
There’s always someone in our lives that we know goes above and beyond when volunteering. Maybe they clock the most hours, or they’re always coming up with new ways to give back. To keep their volunteering spirit up, let them know that you appreciate what they’ve done, and that you want them to continue volunteering. Give them a token of your appreciation, which could be as small as a thank you card. To really let them know you care, find out if your community offers any awards to outstanding volunteers and nominate those deserving people.

Educate to Dominate
Sometimes people avoid volunteering because they don’t know where to volunteer, or are busy and can’t find the time. But education is the best way to get others to volunteer. So don’t be shy about your latest volunteering adventure. Tell your friends, family and community members about volunteer opportunities you’ve done, and fill them in on how great it made you feel. Be honest with them and you’ll end up recruiting simply through word of mouth. With just a little explanation, you’ll find that others are more willing to lend a hand.