Each of us has a unique set of skills that we nurture and develop over time, but most of us think first of donating our hard-earned cash over actually getting involved to make a difference. Of course non-profits need money, but they also need people willing to donate their time and talents to help them accomplish goals that they have set for themselves.
From something as little as volunteering a couple hours a month to serving on the Board of Directors, non-profits benefit from collaboration among a diverse group of individuals. Whether you have a lot of time or a little, there is always room to help a non-profit in need.
There are thousands of non-profits around the Twin Cities, but how do you find one to get involved with?
Here are a couple steps to take in finding the right organization to get involved with:
- Make a List:
- Write down what you’re passionate about.
- Determine a Cause:
- Match your passions with a cause.
- Search:
- Visit a local volunteer center or website to search for organizations that match what you’re passionate about. A great place to start is givemn.org.
- Interview:
- Pick out a couple that could be a good match and speak with someone within the organization.
Spare Key is a non-profit that helps families with critically ill children by providing them with a housing grant to make their mortgage payment, so they can focus on their child’s recovery. For me, Spare Key was a no-brainer because the families being helped are the same families that end up at our closing tables! It also hits home because I’m a mom and I can’t imagine what I would have done, especially when my kids were younger, if I had to miss work for a month. That would have been such an incredible hardship, so just knowing that you can help someone transition through that to stability makes a big difference.
If you’re not involved with an organization outside of work, I would encourage you to determine your strengths, seek out an organization behind a cause that you’re passionate about, and dive in! It’ll help you grow personally and professionally, as well as, give you a sense of pride knowing that you’re making a positive impact within your community.