People get involved in our communities because of the mission, and it is meaningful to them. They want to feel good about what they are doing, and about themselves. This does not mean people want to be coddled. It does mean that if we craft our meetings/activities/happenings to be enriching we help give more to our community as they give towards your mission. Being aware of a few secrets for happy volunteers can help us foster an enriching environment.
Today the list of 10 secrets for happy volunteers is based on a list shared by the current Pope. While given from a spiritual angle these are powerful and universal.
- Live and Let Live
- Be Giving of Yourself to Others
- Proceed Calmly in Life
- A Healthy Sense of Leisure
- Sundays Should be Holidays
- Find Innovative Ways to Create Dignified Jobs/Work for … People
- Respect and Take Care of Nature
- Stop Being Negative
- Don’t Proselytize; Respect Others’ Beliefs
- Work for Peace
I encourage you to think about how your community helps realize a few of these for people who are involved. Since you are likely already doing several – use this list as a prompt to remind people of how their participation meets these things. A simple email or note to your leaders and volunteers thanking them for giving back, maintaining a positive additude, and taking time for self care can go a long way. These 10 secrets for happy volunteers can help you focus.
Read the Full Article with detailed descriptions of each of the Secrets to Happiness.
Photo Credits: Nazareth College, David Amsler
