Realize that volunteering provides a wonderful learning opportunity. When we volunteer to take on a specific job, we will gain experience and learn something new. Often we will be asked to perform a task that we haven’t done before, take on a new leadership role, or teach something -- and there is no better way to learn than to teach. The skills we acquire are more valuable than any book learning in a school or college, and can even be included on our resume. We can use people we’ve worked with in volunteer situations as references -- just make sure you ask them up front if it will be OK.

When volunteering, we are not only networking, we are also making friends for life. When we are working together with others on a common project or goal and without the competition that so easily crops up in a business setting, we form wonderful friendships. We get to know others in a special way that also leads to future opportunities for all of us. We learn to trust and care for each other, besides gaining all of the other benefits that accompany volunteering.

So, what are you waiting for? Next time they ask for a volunteer, do it! You will thank me in the future.