The Virtual High Five!

Skills, we all have them, we work to develop skills our whole life. Volunteering is a passion for you to give back and make an impact on a cause and a mission that you support.  Skills-based volunteering is something that is such a win-win for volunteer and non-profits, its an exciting avenue for energy in the world of volunteering more now than ever.

I am so fortunate in my role at the American Cancer Society to have met so many giving, caring volunteers in my 23 years here as a staff.  The biggest compliment I have received is when someone remarked to me that they always thought I was a volunteer!  I love my \”job\” and love all the volunteers that I have worked with in my various roles with the Society.

This year I have been fortunate to be in the leadership team that worked directly on a pilot with Catchafire – – \”Whether you have nonprofits who need volunteers or employees who want to volunteer\” Catchafire is here to support you.  I love this description:  \”It\’s an E-Harmony for non-profits\”  Personally I am truly inspired by their CEO Rachel Chong – her vision for giving back skills to non-profits in need is admirable and her story is shared on this TED talk –– check it out!  The Catchafire platform makes it very easy to post projects and interview prospective volunteers.  On the volunteer side you can rate the experience and give a testimonial of their work.  These are all great ways to recognize them for their efforts and skill they so generously give for this volunteer work.  I have matched and worked with 2 very passionate volunteers matched through Catchafire, and I am truly grateful.   Check out the first of 2 blogposts for National Volunteer week around recognizing volunteers. Thank you Catchafire for this great platform and partnership in this new way of engaging skills based volunteers!

How do you like to volunteer?  Do you have skills to offer a non-profit?

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