Why Should I Volunteer?

For years, BSKI has had a long standing tradition of a solid Volunteer Corps. Not so much anymore. Why is that? Did people get tired of volunteering? Did people get burned out because they were called on too many times? Maybe the synagogue has not done its job of cultivating new volunteers as the past volunteers faded away. Or, is it that people just don’t want to help the synagogue anymore?
Whatever the case may be, it’s time to change the culture at BSKI and re-invigorate the Volunteer Corps. I need people to help me, help fellow congregants and help the synagogue grow. Those who already volunteer and have a volunteer portfolio know I don’t mean them, and know what I am talking about.

Wikipedia says “A volunteer is someone who works for a community or for the benefit of environment primarily because they choose to do so. The word comes from France, it can also be translated as "will" (as in doing something out of ones own free will).
n.
1. A person who performs or offers to perform a service voluntarily: 2. a. A person who renders aid, performs a service, or assumes an obligation voluntarily.

Over the last few years, many synagogues have found it increasingly difficult to find enough volunteers to carry out their many programs, especially during daytime hours. Economic pressures and changes in lifestyle and family composition have meant there are fewer volunteers available from traditional sources. At the same time, as synagogues reduce funding to their various programs, more and more synagogues must rely on more and more volunteer assistance.

We need someone to manage this valuable resource. It has become more important than ever to improve the way we manage this valuable resource. Synagogues depending on volunteers must make sure that those people already working and volunteering with them want to stay. They must also find ways of making assignments interesting enough to attract and involve others. Could this be you?

Volunteering offers many benefits... Here are some reasons to volunteer:

Learn or develop a new skill. Volunteering is the perfect way to learn to a new skill or to discover a new talent. It is never too late to realize new skills or accumulate knowledge. Planning and implementing a major fundraising event can develop goal setting, planning and budgeting skills. Serving on a volunteer committee or board is a great way to learn group dynamics and team work. Serving as a committee chair increases facilitation skills.

Be a part of your synagogue.  There are so many options for being involved in your synagogue. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others taking part in impacting people's welfare and happiness. What better way is there to connect with your synagogue and give something back? Do you feel strongly about something that is happening or not happening in your synagogue and want to get involved?

Meet a diverse range of people. Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from varied backgrounds. You do not know who you will meet, what new information you will acquire, or how this could impact your life.

Receive personal rewards and sense of achievement. Volunteering is about donating your time, energy, and skills generously. As a volunteer, you have made a decision to help freely. Volunteers generally convey a sense of achievement and motivation which ultimately is generated from the desire and enthusiasm to help. For others, volunteering may simply be a break in regular routine or an opportunity to create balance in their lives. Volunteering around a personal interest or hobby can be enjoyable, relaxing, and revitalizing. That energy and sense of fulfillment can even be carried over to other situations and sometimes help to relieve tensions and foster new perspectives for old situations.

Enhance career opportunities. Networking - Volunteering offers an incredible networking opportunity. You will develop lasting personal and professional relationships. Not only is it a great way to learn about people from all walks of life, different environments, and new industries, but you can also hear about job openings, gather valuable employment information and develop great references.

Some of the benefits of volunteering. Make new friends - Explore career and personal interests - Earn great recommendations for future employment or college applications - Develop marketable job skills - Build your resume - Enrich your education - Uncover hidden skills and talents - Increase your self-confidence - Have fun - Make a difference to your synagogue. People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons, especially wanting to help the synagogue. But it's also OK to want some benefits for yourself.

Why Volunteer? Think about how much you receive, when you give, and consider why you want to volunteer. You will probably have some special reasons of your own. When you volunteer you are giving something back to your synagogue by lending a helping hand to people and programs. What you may not realize is that volunteering also benefits you as an individual. There are many good reasons to get involved in the synagogue, including learning something about yourself, as well as others. In fact, it will strengthen your commitment to the synagogue and volunteering when you see the benefits to both BSKI and to yourself.  Brith Sholom Kneseth Israel Congregation offers volunteer opportunities for both teens and adults.

Please call Me. Call the office. Get involved.

B’Shalom,

Ricky Kodner