Finding Your Volunteer Fit: One-Time vs. Ongoing Opportunities
Volunteers from Lane Transit District serving at Florence Food Share during United Way’s 2023 Days of Caring.
When you volunteer, you do so much more than simply support one organization or cause. You create a ripple effect that impacts the entire community. There are countless opportunities and needs in our community – how do you find the right one for you? Read on for some considerations when choosing between one-time project and long-term opportunities.
Whether you prefer short, one-time commitments, or you are more inclined to make a sustained impact over time through an ongoing opportunity, each approach comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. Both types of engagement are needed, and neither is better than the other, but it's important to consider the pros and cons of each as you decide what you want for your next volunteer position. In order to create the ripple effect, you have to feel confident that what you’re doing matters, and that it fits your own needs!
One-Time Opportunities
Benefits:
Low Commitment: One-time opportunities require less time commitment compared to ongoing opportunities, making them ideal for folks with busy schedules.
Flexibility: The ability to choose exactly when and with who you volunteer in each of your activities allows you to volunteer when it’s right for you.
Variety: Volunteers can ‘sample’ organizations and activity types by volunteering with a variety of one-time opportunities versus the same duties in an ongoing position.
Immediate impact: Volunteers can often see an immediate impact in opportunities that are marketed as one-time. This can be rewarding and motivating for volunteers to come, do, and immediately see the benefit.
Considerations:
Lack of Relationship Building: One-time volunteers often don’t get the opportunity to form relationships with other volunteers or organization staff because of the short time commitment.
Less skill development: One-time opportunities lack the time to learn and refine new skills, and instead rely upon existing skills or easy tasks.
Less connection to the cause: Folks who are volunteering one time for an organization or cause are less likely to form a personal and deep connection to the mission, often times missing out on the long-term impact and growth that comes from sustained involvement with a cause or organization.
Volunteers from Heritage Bank working on a KITS project during United Way’s 2023 Days of Caring.
“The organizations in our community take it upon themselves to do a lot with a little, providing life-changing resources and support for people and their families. Seeing so much of the community come out to provide hands-on help and demonstrate support is an invaluable experience with a positive ripple effect. I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
considerations:
Time Commitment: Volunteers often fear they cannot miss a volunteer shift when they are scheduled on an ongoing basis (organizations usually understand that life happens, and just need communication when you can’t attend).
Potential for routine: Opportunities can sometimes lose the initial excitement and become routine, and volunteers can in turn lose motivation.
Less variety: Volunteering on an ongoing basis with one organization gives profound help to that group but limits your ability to give your time to other organizations.
benefits:
Connection to the cause: Ongoing volunteerism allows deeper understanding and connection to the mission of the organization.
Relationships: When volunteering on a consistent basis, you’re more likely to form meaningful connections with other volunteers, staff, and community members.
Skill development: Ongoing volunteer projects offer the ability to develop a skillset, gain experience, and grow personally and professionally.
Long term impact: Ongoing volunteers can have a lasting impact on the organization and communities they are serving.
As April is Global Volunteer Month, now is the perfect time to explore your options and make a difference right here in our community. Whether you're drawn to one-time opportunities or seek the depth of ongoing engagement, there's no shortage of ways to give your time and talent in meaningful ways. Check out United Way's volunteer website to discover the diverse array of opportunities available with many organizations in Lane County today.
By finding the right fit for your skills and interests, you can maximize your impact and make this month one to remember. Happy volunteering!
Curious to know more about the benefits of volunteering? Read more in our Global Volunteer Month blog here.