Everyone knows that I have a past in public service and volunteerism.  I’m really passionate about it, and I believe finding an issue/cause/group that you are passionate about and giving your time will change you from the inside out.  But all that said, my recent volunteering endeavors were not entirely charity.

I say that because although Ken and I were volunteering for good causes, I had an agenda of what I would like to get out of the experience.  Sometimes this works, sometimes — not so much, so be careful with your own expectation when you offer to help out with an event or organization.  However, a good sense of why you are there and what you would like from it can be helpful in focusing your energy when there are “so many ways to help.”

When Ken and I returned from our musical vacation this year, we made an agreement to have more music in our lives.  He’s been picking up the guitar everyday, and I’ve been responsible for finding shows to see.  I love watching live music, but lets just say, my finances have not made spending $30-50 per ticket possible.

So, I signed up for a few ways to volunteer with two bands I like — Vienna Teng and the Indigo Girls — and when they came to town we saw the shows for free.  Working with Vienna Teng, her manager sent me a bunch of postcards that Ken and I dropped off all over the city.  We spent a morning walking our neighborhood, and then as I went into coffee shops or bookstores, I would drop some by the door or on the bulletin board.

With the Indigo Girls show, they were partnering with Rock for the Remedy, an organization that partners musicians and local food banks.  Concertgoers bring canned food to shows and they get entered in a raffle to win cool stuff.  We volunteered by sitting at the Remedy table and then watched the second half of the show for free.

So here are my suggestions for how to get involved to have a little fun (and maybe make a difference in the process):

1. Enlist Yourself.  If there is a group whose work you admire, or a cause that seems interesting sign up for their newsletter or their weekly alerts.  Most groups make asks for help or assistance with their work all the time.  So keep your eye out and stay in the loop for opportunities and future events.
2. Look for the Freebie.  There is a great exhibit at a local museum that I want to see (Muppets at the EMP), but regular admission is $15 per adult (too much for me). So, I did a little research and found that between 5-8pm on the first Thursday of each month, guest admission is free.  So Ken and I put it on our schedule as a June 4, Thursday night date.  Art Galleries, Park Concerts, Farmer’s Markets – all free, all fun.  Do a little online research to find deals near you.
3. Persistence and Patience.  I signed up to help out Vienna Teng in February, got her weekly alerts, but couldn’t find a way to help until April.  I emailed Rock for the Remedy three times before someone contacted me.  All this is to say that good groups and causes are often overwhelmed and not always streamlined about their response time – so be patient.  Don’t expect because you haven’t heard back in a day or two that they are uninterested, but just as important, don’t hesitate to drop them an additional note in another week.  I know, they should be grateful to have your skills and talents offered to them (and they are), but usually there is a small staff and a lot of priorities so a friendly welcoming reminder is a great way to stay fresh in people’s mind. 
4. If you build it, they will come.  It never hurts if you see an opportunity to suggest a way you can help.  Is the organization having a fundraiser – maybe you could help out on the night of the event?  Help them, help you — by telling them how they can use your skills.  Does your favorite band have a fan blog – maybe you could write a post and/or start a discussion group?  There are limitless ways to help and become involved.   If you don’t get a response (or you don’t get the response you would like), build your own opportunity.  Creativity Welcome.