What is volunteerism to you? I think that volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity intended to promote good or improve human quality of life. I believe that people also volunteer for their own skill development, to meet others, to make contacts for possible employment, and to have fun, and a variety of other reasons that could be considered self-serving. The principle of volunteerism should be an act of selflessly donating your time and energy to something you believe for the benefit of other people in the community; volunteering should be a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward. Mohammad Ali quoted, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth."
In today's busy society and in our hectic personal lives, it is difficult to think about finding time to volunteer. What would be a motivating factor for you that would encourage you to volunteer within our own organization or in your office or community? Do you want to volunteer to make your community a better place, to meet people who are different from you, to try something new, and to do something you are good at, or maybe you want to volunteer to just hopefully make a difference in one person's life? Volunteer opportunities should match your goals and your interests that are most likely to be fun and rewarding for you. There are numerous volunteer opportunities available within ASPSN. The key is to find a volunteer position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing. It is important that your commitment matches the ASPSN organization's needs. Factors to consider include, but are not limited to, deciding how much time you are willing to commit to, how much responsibility you are ready and willing to take on, and what causes are important to you! You are donating your valuable time, it is important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering.
I try to live by example, do you? I truly believe that to motivate others, you must first become a source of motivation by yourself. It simply means that if you want to get anything done through others, you must first do it yourself (Qadri). The most effective leaders are highly motivated, and their true motivation comes from within. Past volunteer leaders within ASPSN were motivated to not only demand but embrace change for our society. They created visions for the future to ensure ASPSN's ongoing organizational success. Motivation is like a fire from within. If someone else tries to light that fire under you, chances are that the fire will burn very briefly. I have been motivated to volunteer within our wonderful organization because I too wanted to make a difference; I wanted the opportunity to make a difference to the success of the ASPSN organization. It has helped make me feel centered and has given my work meaning.
We all can contribute to the success of ASPSN, and you can become a leader wherever you are. If each of us uses our actions to inspire others to dream more, learn more, or even do more and become more, according to John Quincy Adams, you are a leader! Zig Ziglar once stated, "People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing-that's why we recommend it daily." I encourage each of you to volunteer within our organization, and to take the opportunity to see what motivates you and become a leader within your practice setting or community. There is a "U" in the word volunteer! Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, you can achieve!!