Volunteering

Can I talk a little bit about volunteering with you?  I know it may seem an odd topic for a business owner to broach, but I am a bit of a volunteering nut and I want to share why.

Volunteering has led me to be a part of so many things, from industry organizations, local non-profits and just part of my local community.  It’s so rewarding in multiple ways.  

I have volunteered most of my life.  I’m not sure how I got started on this path, but I’m so glad I did.  My first volunteering I can remember was being a part of the community band while I was in college.  I just loved playing an instrument and it was a way I could do so and be a part of a group that loved it as much as I did.  It was also so fun to see the audience enjoy our music, from little kids to elderly, everyone there had a great time.

I also volunteered as a member of the Student Counseling Helpline while at Texas A&M University.  It was eye opening to see what troubles plagued students and so gratifying to be there for them in their hour of need.  Meeting the other volunteers also opened my eyes to others that were natural caretakers of their community.  It was fascinating meeting those from all over and different walks of life who had the same intuition I did, to help their fellow students.

Once I became a business owner in the wedding and events industry, I started volunteering for a couple reasons, networking for my business and also finding friendships in this crazy event world.  I had NO idea how much volunteering I would do in this industry when I started and it’s amazing where it has led me.  I’ve served as committee member, on the boards as President and other positions, became an instructor and mentor or even just someone who helps out with technology.  I have made lifelong friends on this adventure and my business has benefitted greatly from other industry members getting to know and trust me and my team.  I can’t speak enough about how valuable volunteering this industry has been for me on both a personal and business level.

I’ve also found local community work to be so gratifying!  I volunteer each year to help plan the McKinney Día de los Muertos event (this is our third year) and I think this has been my most cherished volunteer job yet.  Seeing people in the community feel like they have a space to celebrate their culture and such an honored tradition, and feel accepted and loved by the community, has been at times heart breaking and so joyful I’m left without words.  It’s such a great event on so many levels, and again, I feel like I’ve made lifelong friendships with my other committee members.  

You see, volunteering isn’t just about serving others and all the good you can do for them.  It’s also about creating your own community, finding your own people, and all the good it brings to your life.  I hope you’ll consider volunteering if you haven’t before.  I bet you’ll find way more than you expect, and all of it good.

Want to find somewhere to volunteer?  Check out Volunteer McKinney.  They help match volunteers to local non-profits in Collin County.  And hey, I just might see you there as I help out with them some too. ;)  If you want to volunteer in the events industry, email me and I’m happy to send you a list of local DFW organizations or those that I know are international that you might find in your area.