Use your unique skills to benefit others

Saturday is National Make a Difference Day. Now, many people recognize this day by performing one day of service: cleaning a beach, reading to children at the hospital, or working at a soup kitchen. However, there is a very easy way to volunteer on a regular basis by doing something that is uniquely you.

As someone in the professional world, you undoubtedly possess skills that have taken you years to learn and hone. Accountants, IT wizards, marketing pros, and ad folks all have talents that the general public does not. Why not offer your valuable and unique skills to benefit a local charity?

In the past, I've offered my services to a few nonprofits to assist in ways that most of their volunteers could not. I've written press releases, brochures, and other collateral materials for groups that provide community services that I value. If an organization is large, they probably have someone on staff to provide these skills. However, the small, local groups can use all the help they can get.

So, why not find a local nonprofit that supports a cause that resonates with you and see if the folks there can utilize your professional skills. Do they have a computer that needs repair? Do they need help designing an ad? Could they benefit from some guidance on their taxes? Do they need someone to set up a Twitter or Facebook page for them to raise awareness? Since it's your area of expertise, you'll be able to do it better and faster than they ever could.

And, remember the great quote by the famous philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau, "One is not born into the world to do everything, but to do something." Now, go forth and serve.

6 comments:

  1. Wonderful thought and idea. Thanks for taking the time to write it, so we can all share with others.

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  2. Deborah,

    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I really appreciate your kind words.

    So many nonprofits have to pay out big bucks for vendors or freelancers to do these "professional" jobs and, yet, there are so many of us who have the skills to do them for free. Many people don't think to OFFER their skills, but would gladly help if they were needed.

    Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment on my post. Have a great Make a Difference Day!

    Amber

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  3. Wonderful idea and great timing, people need as much help now as ever.

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  4. Dear Anonymous, (I feel like I'm writing as Dear Abby!)

    I completely agree with you. With so many people out of work, donations to nonprofits are way down. Charities are feeling the pinch and can use all the "professional" help they can get to help raise awareness, bring in funds, or just keep their operations going.

    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it.

    Have a great day!

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  5. 'Make A Difference Day' has come and gone, but the need for this kind of contribution, and the profound validity of your viewpoint, remain.

    Those who can, should.

    Or, in the words of the profound poet,
    "This is the world we live in,
    And these are the hands we're given.
    Use them and let's start tryin',
    To make this a world worth living in."

    Hold on, that was Ozzy Osbourne. Still, you get the point ...

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  6. Dear Ghost Writer (aka Glen--I checked out your site for your name! I'm tricky that way! ),

    Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment (and a little poetry!). Very kind of you.

    Yes, people tend to think of philanthropy on "designated" days and not throughout the year. Personally I think this kind of volunteering is a no-brainer. What's quick and easy for you or me could mean the world to a nonprofit in need of professional assistance.

    Thanks again so much for visiting!

    ReplyDelete

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