Lessons Learned from Volunteerism: Going From Involvement to Commitment

This month, I was honored to be a guest at IGNITE: an innovative awards celebration designed to publicly recognize the many unsung heroes and dedicated citizens who are outstanding volunteers and service-oriented leaders in Birmingham and the surrounding communities.

Hands on Birmingham, a program of the United Way of Central Alabama presented the awards.

During the awards ceremony, a specific quote struck a chord with me. Drew Langloh, President and CEO of UWCA said:

“Involvement Builds

Understanding,

Understanding Builds

Engagement,

Engagement

Builds Commitment,

And Commitment

Creates Success”

I thought back to my involvement with the United Way and how my focus this year has turned to making social media interactions more meaningful.

Using digital channels to find and fulfill purpose and to foster community.

Yet after seeing the many volunteers recognized for their time at IGNITE, I realized that digital channels have a long way to go before they can compare to the heart and selfless dedication of volunteers and donors in the nonprofit sector.

Until we get to that point, however, there are things you can do to create more meaningful experiences through social media.

You can donate.

You can spread positivity.

You can connect people or facilitate conversations between people in your network with mutual interests.

There are many ways to effect change.

The important thing is to get involved. Because that involvement is the very beginning of a chain of activity that will ultimately create success. Not only for ourselves but for all around us.

Find out more about the United Way and its programs by clicking here.