The Value of Volunteering

I am often asked, “Why do you spend so much time doing things that don’t pay?” I usually just shrug my shoulders and dismiss the question. What the people who ask this question don’t realize is that volunteering does pay. It may not pay in cold, hard cash, but it pays in many other tangible and intangible ways. In my short time in the business world, I have managed public relations for a non-profit organization raising money for U.S. veterans. I have spent countless hours building the self-esteem of young Girl Scouts. I have produced newsletters for a society of unemployed marketing professionals. I have created websites for small businesses. I have served on trade association committees. I have built dog houses to benefit animal shelters. I did all these things without earning one single red cent.

Why? Because volunteering is worth it. It pays in many ways. Sure, volunteering makes me feel good, but I have also met some extraordinary people—both in and out of my field—who have made an impact on my life. As a byproduct of my volunteer spirit, I have made life-long friends, boosted my resume, advanced my career, and significantly increased my knowledge in many areas.

The nature of a member-based organization is to advance and sustain a particular industry or cause. We join because we care about our professional industry and would like it to be around for a long time.

“There is more power in numbers!” This is a common saying because there is truth in it. Through associations such as The Powder Coating Institute (PCI®), our voices are heard, our experience is valued, and our professions grow.

According to ASAE, The Center for Association Leadership, approximately 18 million people volunteer for a membership organization each year. While association members expect career benefits from their professional volunteering, they are also interested in contributing to a larger cause, such as building a stronger profession. These are busy people who give of their valuable time and use their skills to better serve their profession. They do it because it matters.

The bottom line is this: In exchange for volunteering your time and giving your support, you will develop leadership skills and enhance your network, benefitting you both professionally and personally. As an added benefit, you will contribute to industry and organizational issues while you network intimately with industry experts and thought leaders.

Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.

As a PCI® member, you are encouraged to volunteer in various capacities—through committees, sharing your experience at workshops, webinars, and other events, and by serving as an ambassador for PCI® membership growth. If you aren’t a PCI® member yet, don’t you think it’s time you joined?