When I was younger, I thought I needed to “volunteer” for service positions in areas where I had some bit of expertise or familiarity. What I found through personal experience is that I learned how to carry out the duties of most of the positions after taking the positions, NOT before entering the positions.
Through volunteer “relationships” (I don’t like to term it as volunteer “work”), I have been blessed to be associated with persons that I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to know had I not filled the positions. I would have missed out on so much in life! But most important to me, I have NEVER left a volunteer position without having gained knowledge, skills, memories/experiences that have been instrumental in all areas of my life.
Many times I have wondered, who actually “helped” who in the relationships? From setting up chairs and making phone calls, to lobbying on Capitol Hill (which is far out of my “comfort zone”), well, I have lots to reflect upon and be grateful for when I look back on it all. It’s been a fun and challenging ride . . . wheeeee.
