Making Volunteerism F.U.N.

Entry Details

Our chapter embraced the message from last year’s Leadership/Legislative Conference (LLC), emphasizing the importance of making volunteerism “FUN” (Friends, United, Nurture). Inspired by this concept, we focused on micro-volunteerism, providing members who do not currently serve on the board of directors or a committee with small, flexible, and enjoyable opportunities to get involved. This approach transformed volunteerism into a lighthearted and social experience, encouraging participation by lowering barriers and making it accessible to everyone. The result has been a more engaged membership base that feels connected, appreciated, and motivated to contribute in ways that fit their schedules and interests. This initiative has enhanced our chapter by fostering a positive and inclusive culture where volunteer contributions, no matter the size, are valued and celebrated.

Implementation

Guided by our Chair Ann Luck’s vision of F.U.N., the chapter intentionally integrated micro-volunteerism into many events and activities throughout the year. Members participated in approachable roles such as greeting attendees at professional development meetings, selling raffle tickets at our golf outing, introducing speakers at various functions, and even interviewing a celebrity chef. These manageable tasks allowed for wide participation across professionals, students, and members who otherwise might have found traditional volunteering too demanding. We regularly celebrated these efforts by posting “micro” shout-outs on LinkedIn, further reinforcing appreciation and visibility. The general reaction from our chapter members has been overwhelmingly positive; many volunteers have shared feedback saying, “Ask me again, any time. That was FUN!” This enthusiasm highlights how the initiative has turned volunteerism into a source of enjoyment, camaraderie, and meaningful engagement for our entire chapter.