Becoming a volunteer A six-step process for making a positive difference
2 Contents 3 Overview 6 Step 1: Understand your motivation and decide on a time commitment 8 Step 2: Consider your skills, talents and passions 10 Step 3: Match your interests with volunteer opportunities 12 Step 4: Understand how On Demand Community supports your efforts 13 Step 5: Find the organizations that appeal to you 15 Step 6: Make your volunteer experience count 16 Tips for success 17 Next steps Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
3 Overview Becoming a Volunteer An introduction to employees and retirees Helping other people can be one of the most satisfying experiences of your life. You can apply your technical expertise to an organization, demystify the Internet for someone new to technology, or help young children increase their language skills through online mentoring. There s almost no limit to the ways you can make a positive difference. On Demand Community is a global endeavor to support employee and retiree volunteerism. This worldwide project is designed to forge relationships with charitable organizations, educational systems, and other groups that could benefit from the skills and talents of people like you. What you can expect This introduction to volunteering with help you learn how you can help communities in need, and how corporate citizenship is good for business. Understand IBM s commitment to employee volunteerism and the benefits of volunteering for you, and for your community. Learn how On Demand Community supports volunteering. Use your personal interests, skills, and passions to identify the right volunteer opportunities. Apply a six-step process to become a volunteer. Learn how organizations use volunteers and identify needed skills. Learn how to pursue volunteer opportunities, connect with organizations, and set realistic expectations for you and an organization. Obtain tips and techniques to make your experience positive, gratifying, and successful. Overview This document includes four main sections: IBM s tradition of volunteerism and the corporate programs that support your work. A six-step plan for volunteering. Tips on making your volunteer efforts a success for you as well as the organization you re helping. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
Becoming a Volunteer: Overview 4 IBM, volunteerism and you Our history and corporate culture IBM and volunteerism go hand in hand. Beginning with Thomas Watson Sr., IBM pioneered the notion that a great company shares what it has with the communities where its employees and retirees live and do business. Leadership in the community goes to the heart of IBM s corporate identity, and a Year of Service to celebrate the company s centennial is in keeping with our culture and mindset. Volunteerism has flourished at IBM since 1911, with the company s employees and retirees dedicating their time and talent to important community initiatives. Countless schools, not-for-profit agencies, and community programs worldwide are stronger because of the talent and generosity of IBM volunteers. With the support of CEO Sam Palmisano, IBM is taking its tradition of community service to a new level. It is redefining what it means to be an outstanding company in the 21st century. On Demand Community is a strategic, global initiative, building on many awardwinning technology programs created by IBM to address complex social issues. Volunteer materials known as solutions, plus training and other resources, are available online to help IBM employees and retirees enrich their volunteer work with innovation, expertise, value and trust. A number of programs and tools are available to support and enhance volunteers efforts, including: Resources designed to complement volunteer efforts and provide proven materials and information for downloading and use in various volunteer endeavors. Seven service models: Choose the specific type of volunteer project that meets your volunteering goals and supports your participation. An expanded grants program that enhances the current IBM Community Grants and offers two new grants support volunteers and recognize their efforts. Service Leader training: Individuals with a passion for volunteering and a talent for organization can lead vital and meaningful service projects of considerable size and scope; a detailed training guide is available. White paper: IBM s Service Jam, held in October 2010, explored new models of volunteer service. The resulting white paper, entitled The Systems of Service, summarizes themes, trends, and major ideas culled from the Jam discussions, as well as on IBM s commitment to make the world work better. In essence, the On Demand Community website provides the tools and resources that IBM volunteers need to forge powerful partnerships in their communities anytime, anywhere and truly make a difference to the world. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
Becoming a Volunteer: Overview 5 An enduring legacy IBMers continue to contribute their time, talent, and money to the communities where they live and work. In the hundred years of our company, IBMers have volunteered tens of millions of hours of time and expertise. Throughout the world, our employees and retirees lead and serve on boards of schools, not-for-profit agencies and charities providing valuable community leadership. And the importance of our community On Demand Community was formed as a global initiative to give employees and retirees new resources to make even greater contributions to their local communities. In the same way as IBM s business strategy focuses on innovation and building a smarter planet, our global volunteerism initiative provides resources for schools and not-for-profit agencies to help make the world work better. We are committed to forging relationships in our communities that parallel those we have with our best customers. For example, there are tools to help technology planning for schools and not-for-profit organizations, and training resources to help employees and retirees serve more effectively. On Demand Community provides the opportunity to mentor students, along with a full range of programs that enhance teaching and learning in schools. With IBM s support and online programs, our legacy of voluntarism and commitment to our communities continues even stronger and we invite you once again to offer your special talents to organizations that need your help. Today s On Demand Community On Demand Community helps employees and retirees make a stronger impact in their communities worldwide. In the U.S. and Canada, IBM s Matching Grants program helps to significantly increase the value of employee and retiree donations to charitable organizations and schools. In North America, employees and retirees contribute millions of dollars each year through the Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign and the Retiree Charitable Contribution Campaign, helping countless health and human services agencies. You are part of the On Demand Community and you are part of our continuing legacy. The six-step process to volunteering Sometimes people can feel overwhelmed when they first consider volunteering. It s hard to know where to begin, and what to do. Like most undertakings, volunteering is a process, but one that should enhance your personal satisfaction and increase the value of your efforts. Below are tips and strategies to help you get started as a volunteer or to sharpen your skills if you are currently volunteering. You can adapt all of the suggestions and ideas to your country s culture, traditions, and resources. Use whatever works for you! The six steps to help you get started are: 1. Understand your motivation, and decide on a time commitment. 2. Consider your skills, talents and passions. 3. Match your interests with volunteer opportunities. 4. Understand how On Demand Community supports your efforts. 5. Identify the organizations that appeal to you. 6. Make your volunteer experience count. We support our employees and retirees efforts with programs such as the IBM Community Grants program. Each year IBM supports employee and retiree projects with millions of dollars in cash and technology. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
1 and Understand your motivation decide on a time commitment 6 The first step is to decide why you want to volunteer your personal motivation and how much time you d like to commit. Each person usually has a personal reason for volunteering. Perhaps you want to make a difference in your community by offering a special talent or skill. You might be especially good at helping youngsters, or you may be so enthusiastic that you inspire others to work with you on projects. You might be looking for opportunities to widen your skill base, or learn how to become a better leader. Perhaps you want to share your love of books or theater with children, and ignite their interest in reading or acting. Or, the idea of meeting new people and widening your circle of friends might be appealing. If you ve ever wondered what really happens at school-board meetings, or at not-for-profit board meetings, that curiosity might be your motivation for volunteering. By thinking about why you want to volunteer, you will get closer to the kind of opportunity that will appeal to you. While volunteering certainly is about helping others, it can also help you and your career. With each volunteering experience, you gain knowledge and personal development. Leadership, writing, communication, teaching these and other skills you might hone through volunteer work can transfer to your work at the office. You may also have a chance to volunteer with your IBM colleagues. Getting to know your co-workers in a venue outside the workplace can be fun and interesting, while also providing a team-building opportunity. Depending on the organization and mission you choose to support, you may also have opportunities to interact with senior executives while representing IBM in the community. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
Becoming a Volunteer: Step 1: Understand your motivation and decide on a time commitment 1 After understanding your motivation, you need to consider how much of your time and energy you want to commit to volunteering; this will be an important decision. Just like businesses, volunteer organizations expect follow-through and professional behavior. Your enthusiasm could propel you into a commitment that is beyond your available time and energy so think carefully. Some people look at their monthly calendar to find a good time for volunteering. They also consider the number of days and hours they can reasonably devote. Think about whether you want a weekly, monthly, seasonal, or one-time event commitment. If your preferred volunteer activity can only be accomplished during work hours, IBM employees should discuss this with their managers. You will want to evaluate your other responsibilities: taking care of family members, homes, and other daily activities that life requires. Be careful not to push yourself too much. You can start slowly to see if it works with your schedule, and then do more later if you decide to become more involved. 7 Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
8 2 Consider your skills, talents and passions The next step focuses on you your abilities, your gifts, and those interests that touch your soul and light your fire. Here s a real-life example to illustrate how to pinpoint your talents: An engineer in Bogotá, Colombia wanted to share her love of science and math with a girl, by serving as a role model during an IBM EX.I.T.E. technology camp. She continued the mentoring relationship during the school year through IBM s MentorPlace program. The student said the experience made her consider engineering as a career something she would not have considered before. That volunteer certainly made an impact by using her special talents to make a difference in the youngster s life. Many people have interests and skills that can go unused in their jobs. By volunteering, they have a chance to use these skills and keep them fresh. You may be artistic, musical, highly organized, or a good listener and mentor. Are you drawn to particular books, movies, or school subjects? Do you love learning about science, love to travel, or enjoy being online? What do you find really fun? Ask your friends what others find unique about you. A friend might identify a skill you never realized you had. It could even be a knack for organizing your own affairs. Many people or organization could benefit from your ability to create systems and routines that make life more manageable, less stressful. These are all important considerations as you design the best volunteer experience for you. Here is a list that contains many ways in which people excel. You can leave your mark as a mentor to a child or young adult. You can help an organization solve some of its technology or financial Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
Becoming a Volunteer: Step 2: Consider your skills, talents and passions 9 2 problems. You can organize a group s next big event. You can visit a senior center and teach the members how to use the Internet. The possibilities are numerous. Administrative work Communications Computers Construction Creating websites Digital photography Engineering Finance, numbers Fundraising Leadership Marketing Mathematics Mentoring Music Performing arts Planning events Presentations Problem-solving Project Management Reading Science Serving youth Speaking multiple languages Teaching Technology planning Working with schools Writing Another way to help you pinpoint your skills and passions is to think what you re most comfortable with. Where and with whom do you like to work? Here are questions to help you determine your comfort level as a volunteer: Are you an indoors person, or do you prefer being outside? If you like to be inside, do you prefer museums, schools, health facilities, offices, libraries, or performing arts venues? Do you enjoy being with people, or are you more comfortable doing things by yourself? With people you can socialize more, but by yourself you can focus more on the task at hand. Are you a one-on-one person or someone who enjoys interacting with groups? What about the age of people you will work with young, older, people with special needs? Are you comfortable with people with disabilities or those in medical care facilities? There are volunteer opportunities no matter what your preferences are. Once you begin examining your interests and abilities, you can narrow your list and select a few to guide your selection of a volunteer position. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
10 3 Match your interests with volunteer opportunities Next, you need to identify the types organizations and volunteer opportunities that match your motivation, commitment and interests. You will discover that there are many organizations that attract and offer volunteer positions it s just a matter of finding the right one for you. There are business and professional groups that focus on community service, high ethical standards, and networking. You can be a speaker for a meeting, or participate in a panel discussion about advances in technology. Community development can involve programming to enrich activities and the infrastructure of towns. It can involve advocacy for new equipment or buildings, and affordable housing development. Cultural institutions need people to design their websites, to design program guides, perhaps direct tours of art exhibits, and more. Environmental organizations look for people who care deeply about nature, our land and its resources. You can provide technology planning for these types of organizations to help improve their efficiency. If you like helping people who are in health facilities, you might find this venue an especially rewarding one. You can assist people with disabilities with some of their daily tasks, or bring cheer to a lonely elder in a senior center. Schools offer abundant opportunities for tutoring and mentoring. Your skills in technology can enable you to organize a computer program or be an online mentor. If you are attracted to the fields of science and technology, you can teach visitors who come to museums, and you can help with exhibits. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
Becoming a Volunteer: Step 3: Match your interests with volunteer opportunities 11 3 There are countless possibilities. In addition to matching your interests to an organization, you can match your skills to a volunteer position. If you have an interest in: Technology Look for these volunteer opportunities: Technology planning, creating databases, technical support, sharing knowledge, website design and coding, installation The On Demand Community website has resources, called Activity Kits, that can support your volunteer activities. You could bring the project management training to your notfor-profit organization, help children understand how to go green at school and at home, or find the resources to run a career preparation workshop for older students. There are many ways you can take your skills and talent and turn them into volunteer experience. Teaching Mentoring Communicating Management Career Day presentations at schools, sharing knowledge of the workplace, providing training on software, sharing project management skills Online mentoring, adult literacy, language skills Public speaking, creating brochures, developing a communication plan, participating in a panel discussion Strategic planning, board membership, fundraising Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
12 4 Understand how On Demand Community supports your efforts On Demand Community supports your learning by giving you access to educational resources to refine your volunteer and leadership skills. These resources include: Introduction to not-for-profits for volunteers Introduction to volunteering in schools Introduction to the university environment Working with students with disabilities Becoming an effective not-for-profit board member Training for service leaders You can learn about the successes of other volunteers by reading stories that recognize volunteer service, as well as contributing stories about your own experience. On Demand Community can also facilitate getting grants for the groups where you volunteer. These grants recognize your ongoing service and smarter volunteering. In addition to educational resources, On Demand Community can help you get fully engaged in meaningful service by offering information about places to volunteer, a selection of activity kits for use in schools and community organizations, and a wide array of robust volunteer solutions. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
13 5 Find the organizations that appeal to you Earlier you identified the types of organizations that match your interests; now it s time to find the actual institutions or community groups where you might volunteer to help. To find a place that could use your special skills, you can check with your IBM colleagues or with friends. You can offer On Demand Community resources to organizations you are currently supporting or have supported in the past. If you ve worked with a school or a community organization before, you can renew your support with On Demand Community resources and remember to track your volunteer hours on the website. You can contact your local IBM corporate citizenship manager to see where IBM has already invested resources. Once you think you ve found an organization, it is very important to learn as much as you can about it to make sure that the fit is right for you, including finding in-depth information about its goals, structure, and culture. You will want to learn which projects are funded and therefore which ones are priorities. You ll discover areas where there are gaps and where your contribution can make a big difference. The more you talk with the organization s staff, the more opportunities you may uncover. You can read the organization s website, newsletter, brochures, and mailings to learn more about them, in addition to speaking with staff members, attending public meetings and asking to speak to a long-term volunteer. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
Becoming a Volunteer: Step 5: Find the organizations that appeal to you 14 5 Ask questions every opportunity you get. Here are a few to get you started: What are your current volunteer needs? Do volunteers receive orientation and training? Who will provide direction for my work and give me feedback? Is there a formal volunteer agreement? Does volunteering require a background check? Does the organization provide liability insurance for volunteers? The first two questions are the basics. While these are important, you will also want to know if the organization carries insurance, if you have to drive people to appointments or work with equipment. Some organizations, such as schools, require background checks for security reasons. Make sure you will be offered training if you will be doing a task that is new for you, or if it has special requirements. Be aware of any safety precautions if any activities are specialized. Some organizations offer an orientation for new volunteers, while others simply want you to get started right away. Also, the organization might provide a standard agreement covering their expectations for your volunteer service, which you should review and sign at your own discretion. It s also helpful to have a contact person in the organization someone who can assist you. You should have your contact s phone number in case you become unable to volunteer due to unanticipated work demands, illness, or other responsibilities that might arise. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
15 6 Make your volunteer experience count Volunteering is a two-way street: when we give, we receive. You will feel pride and a sense of achievement by knowing specifically how you helped an organization or an individual person. Make a list of what you got in return: a feeling of accomplishment from doing good deeds, making new friends, learning new skills or sharpening current ones. You might have enjoyed gaining recognition, getting to know your colleagues better, or just having lots of fun. Also, to make the most of your volunteer experience, if your work qualifies, apply for an IBM Community Grant, and look for ways to connect with other IBM volunteers. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
16 Tips for success Like other important endeavors, volunteering is more successful when you set goals. Think about your goals: Will you help make the not-for-profit more efficient by bringing technology to it? Will you help a student improve math grades? Make sure to set realistic expectations for your time and energy. You may be very excited about your volunteer position and not realize how much time it will take. Factor in any commuting time to and from the location. You might have wonderful ideas and be creative and enthusiastic, but the organization you want to help might not need what you have to offer. A good volunteer relationship requires that the organization needs the help you offer, while you offer something that is needed. Make sure there s a person in the organization you can contact whenever you need to. Other tips for success: Be willing to start out by doing less appealing tasks: learn the ropes before you offer to take on leadership roles. Conduct yourself professionally. Follow through on commitments. Keep a record of your volunteer experience and accomplishments. Track your hours in On Demand Community. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps
17 Next steps Now you have an idea of what it takes to be a volunteer, or perhaps you ve learned more to support your existing volunteer activities. Make sure you leverage the resources available via On Demand Community, which enables you to: Search for volunteer activities in your geography and/or by your area of interest. Download materials for use in classrooms, community centers, and organizations. Find answers to frequently asked questions. Find other offerings to help your volunteer efforts. You might want to know whether you can take time off from your job to volunteer. Or maybe you are curious about IBM-sponsored volunteer programs and what they offer that s different from volunteering on your own. You ll find answers to these and many other questions on the home page of the On Demand Community website, under Frequently Asked Questions. The Volunteer Engagement Agreement will also help clarify some of these questions. Last, your time is valuable make sure you make it count by tracking your volunteer time on the On Demand Community site. Stan Litow, president of IBM s International Foundation and vice president of IBM Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs said: Our employees not only contribute, they lead, serving on the boards of literally thousands and thousands of voluntary agencies, local schools, and school districts. We re helping to strengthen the fabric of the communities where we live and work. That s our commitment and that s our responsibility. Being a volunteer is indeed a privilege and a responsibility. We are fortunate to have much in our lives and to be skilled, talented and intelligent. Through volunteering, we share our good fortune by shoring up those in our communities who are in need. Overview Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Tips Next steps