Council Connections – April 2015
Volunteers: The Anchor of Alpha Sigma Tau
By Tiffany K. Street, Delta Mu (National President)
The spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in the United States with a reported 62 million individuals that volunteer annually. An entire week has been dedicated to recognition of these individuals, National Volunteer Week. Nonprofit organizations rely on passionate individuals to carry out the organization’s mission both nationally and in their local communities. Volunteers provide credibility, objectivity, specialized skills and knowledge, new ideas, fresh perspectives, and capacity to expand organizational services.
Alpha Sigma Tau is no different. During my volunteer service to the National Organization, I have been inspired by the number of volunteers with a strong desire to give of their time and talents to Alpha Sigma Tau. Our volunteers have unique backgrounds and skill sets that are an added resource to enhance our organizational strength. They desire to work with like-minded women to retain our current members and cultivate future members. Our volunteers serve as the visible advocates for our women.
It is imperative to better understand what motivates our members to volunteer for the National Organization. Do they volunteer out of a desire to give back and help others? Do they want to utilize their personal and professional skills in a new setting? Are they seeking to build sustaining relationships with other women? Do they wish to meet a personal challenge? Do they want to gain recognition for their abilities and work?
This is my opinion: there is no great trick to understanding motivation. It is simple. Motivation is a very individual and internal concept. A woman is driven to satisfy one or more of her personal needs. We cannot force women to do something in which they are not interested. Therefore, we must find out what women like to do, what she can do well, and then empower her to do it. The failure to perceive what a woman really wants and needs is the biggest motivational disconnect.
It is only when our volunteers and the organization are highly motivated with appropriate expectations in place that Alpha Sigma Tau can accomplish its mission, vision, and goals. In return, our volunteers will enjoy their volunteer jobs, feel a sense of responsibility, achieve their goals, and accept recognition for a job well done.
As National Volunteer Week concludes, I want to personally thank each and every volunteer. It is because of your commitment to serve and dedication to your role that will allow Alpha Sigma Tau to continue to meet our strategic goals and dream big for the future. As a volunteer, you are an anchor within Alpha Sigma Tau.