Do I really have the time for another voluntary position?

If you’re generally a good egg, it’s likely that you volunteer your time for things.  Sometimes this is official - sitting on a board, supporting charity events and so on, sometimes it’s unofficial - helping out your pals and family who could benefit from your skills and expertise.

This can, I know, get out of hand.  You can spend too much of your precious time helping others and, by doing so, neglect your own needs, work and opportunities for progression in all aspects of life.

It’s something to watch out for.

However, that cautiousness can also embed a narrative that could negatively affect all volunteering, undoing the excellent positive psychological benefits of kindness and giving back.  These bonuses will be hidden under a whole heap of resistance and discomfort if you’re not careful.  

Take my situation as an example, last week I spent 5 days at the Great British Bead Show.  I was there in my capacity as a trustee of the Beadworkers Guild, a board I’ve now sat on for a year.  

My narrative on joining the board was very much about “having my arm twisted” to volunteer in the first place and throughout the year I’d been careful not to overcommit to specific jobs that needed doing, so much so it felt like several months of continual resistance.  I knew I had lots of skills and experience that would be useful, but if I put all into action, my own business would get less of me and therefore, suffer.

At the beginning of the year, as I worked alongside the wonderful 38 folk who joined me on the Cartographer’s Compass course, I questioned this narrative.  I was exploring what I wanted to keep this year and, conversely, what I wanted to pause, ditch or give away.

My role as a trustee at BWG was on the list and as I turned to consider it, I had a bit of a lightbulb moment.  For most of my life I have seriously loved beadwork.  I’m super passionate about it.  So why wouldn’t I want to give a little of my time to support its continued flourishing as a craft?  There’s no better way to do that than to be a trustee of one of the most respected beading institutions in the world.

Suddenly my mindset flipped.  I am volunteering my time because I wanted to, not because I was coerced into it.  It is perfectly possible to simultaneously acknowledge I have a limited time to give to volunteering whilst also taking real pleasure in doing so.

This was new to me!

On every board I’ve sat on or supported there has been a collective eye roll when a particular piece of work is mentioned that needs someone to volunteer to do.  My realisation this year is that it doesn’t need to be this way and it is far easier to let go of the resistance, remain practical in allocating resources (your time being the most precious resource) and just enjoy your involvement.

It also meant my time at the bead show was far more enjoyable and I had a lot less guilt being there than I usually do.  Still some guilt - I am a mum after all, but a lot less.  I was also able to be super supportive through creating some social media for the event which, as a bonus, did really well on instagram and facebook.  Blimey, it's easier to get traction of people beading than it is when punting my own business, I can tell you!  Check out Beadworkers on IG if you want a nosy!

Flipping the script and reminding myself that I was there because I wanted to be and I love supporting it was a powerful thing.  It’s wonderfully freeing and I highly recommend it!