The benefits of community involvement

community involvement

As soloists we are able to give back to our communities through our ability to be flexible with our time. Community involvement keeps our society functioning as it should, through connecting with people rather than just focusing on making profits.

I was astounded when my children came home from school with details of the latest fundraising event. While I have no issue with schools raising money, I was concerned by how commercialism seemed to be driving this event.

The event was a walkathon, a great way for the kids get some exercise while raising money. But the promotion of health benefits was nowhere to be seen and the standard photocopied sponsor sheet was replaced with a glossy marketing brochure depicting the prizes that could be won based on the amount of money the children raised - half of which went to a large commercial organisation, not the school.

Following my exasperated utterings, my boys announced - in unison and of their own backs - that they would still walk and collect sponsor money, but would not take a prize for doing so. After making sure they understood that all their friends would be getting prizes, I made the necessary arrangements with the school principal.

I was happy to find that there were a few other families who also still held on to the values of helping others because it’s good to do so and not because you get something in return.

I think people are less and less willing to help, even though help would be invaluable. We seem to be turning into a ‘what’s in it for me?’ society. That’s not to say that we’re not still generous, but an automatic debit to a well-deserving child in Kenya is easy. It requires no thought and it seems to absolve us of any further responsibility for community involvement.

A common excuse seems to be that we’d help if we had the time. Well, as soloists we do have the opportunity to create time for community involvement. And because we have the opportunity, don’t we then also have the responsibility to do so?

It doesn’t matter what area you choose, but picking something that you’re passionate about definitely helps and, no matter what it is, you’re helping someone who needs you.

My particular passion is rugby union. Whilst I am not saving starving children from a future of no hope as I do with my monthly direct debit, I know that our local junior rugby club appreciates the effort and help that I give them, in many different forms.

Sport is an integral part of our lifestyle in Australia and it is vital to the health and well-being of our children. If my efforts help to give just one boy a direction, then I will have achieved something incredible. I can definitely live with that.

My community involvement means that I am now at the heart of a group of passionate and fun people and getting involved in a sport that I love. I sit on a monthly committee that works out how to keep the club running successfully, both on and off the field, giving me invaluable experience in dealing with issues as well as the confidence to put forward my ideas. After all, I am a mere mother amongst a group of ex-rugby players!

Also, if you believe in karma, I’ve had some great jobs from people involved in the club. But the best thing I get out of it is the sense of achievement and excitement each week on the rugby field seeing the kids running around and having fun. Without our junior rugby club's combined efforts, that just wouldn’t happen.

So what have been your experiences with community involvement? It’d be great to know that Australia’s soloists don’t just keep the business world going.

Karen Morris specialises in business to business communications using clear, straightforward language to deliver the right message directly to an audience.

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I've done lots of things over a lot of years, but it does seem increasingly that there are fewer givers and more takers.......or am I just getting old and grumpy? Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
I find myself on numerous committees in the local community. Ask a busy person to do something and you know it will get down. I hear what you are saying Karen, and the Me Me Me society scares me. As someone who has been roped into everything from organising community parades, to the local Christmas Carols, I would suggest to the soloist starting out, volunteering is actually a great way to broaden your horizons in many positive ways. If you are looking for some volunteer work, ask your local councillor, as they are normally one of the first people approached by organisations like the Scouts and Meals on Wheels, when they need a treasurer, or someone to help design a brochure, etc. I for one also support those I know who do volunteer in the local community - in fact I just spent about $7000 on air-conditioners at Gordon Walters Retravision in Morningside. He asked me was I looking around for other quotes? I said no - you support the local community, I know you will do the right thing by me, you are the only shop I plan to buy them from! They were beautifully installed and we are all really happy with them. Heather Smith from Brisbane
Karen,I copuldnt agree with you more.It seems that everyone you come into contact is always looking at what they can get instead of what they can give.Most havent figured out that if you give first it will always come back to you ten fold.Not always straight away(lets face it most people want instant results and if they dont appear assume it doesnt work) but it will happen.I see it all the time to know its the case.Try planting a fruit tree or equivilant.Soloists should view their business the same way.Are they in it for a quick turnover or to grow thier business? My own business relies on investing the time to educate my clients along with providing the products and services they require and as a result my success is based on this premise however I believ we shuld be giving even if its only of our time as by helping those around us we encourage others to do the same and in turn you to will be helped.I volunteer in several organisation purely for the enjoyment of heklping out and as a result have been helped by others both professionaly and personally as well as making some great freinds as well Stephen Knapper from Adelaide
Volunteering or other philanthropy is a great thing, separating that effort from a bottom line improvement in your business not! I am not advocating incorporating a direct financial return for your support. I argue that you need to factor this component into your bottom line and your marketing plan. These components do not need to be separate. The community can receive great skills and your professional life can see you branded in the community in a way that adds to your business. David Linke from Melbourne
I believe the most important any person can give a community organisation or event is their time and experience/knowledge.
Karen, you say "My community involvement means that I am now at the heart of a group of passionate and fun people..." This is great, and so true of any public association that allows its members to contribute!
Having been in both Apex-Australia and Rotoract, the one thing I found most interesting is that whilst
members didn't have money to hand over, we were all prepared to be involved, to participate and to help sell, spruik and sponsor -- either individually or as a team. This led to networking with like-minded souls and meeting many interesting people, all whom taught each other, by association, the art of open-communication.
Whilst I was in Apex, I discovered how important financial philanthropy helps a society to improve itself. We never gave money away ... we helped and taught others to raise the funds themselves, or did the work for them.
So I concur, being involved with your community, either with social groups or sports clubs, is a great way to contribute and give of yourself in a beneficial way. No society survives without skilled people. By freely contributing, we teach our offspring important values for their own future. Stephen Mitchell from Adelaide, Australia
Karen, i couldn't agree with you more, giving for the sake of giving supplies me with enough of a kick, I don't need anything else in return. I have been involved with school P&Cs, the formation of a landcare group, the organising committee of a major folk festival as well as a volunteer, member of Chambers of Commerce (which carry out a lot of community work) and I am still a a member of the RFS (though not very active at the moment). I have cut back considerably in my involvement in the last year or so due to work and family commitments but I still enjoy the work I do. I can't put into words how it makes me feel but it feels good!
I challenge all soloists out there to give it a go, the opportunities for learning new skills, meeting new people, challenging your comfort zone and yes, networking and meeting potential clients is endless! Keith Mewes from Bowral

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