Volunteering as an Artist
Arts in small communities rely on the charity and work of volunteers. Most programs, activities, plays, events, and shows that involve the arts are worked for behind the scenes in someone’s basement.
However, no one is denying it, sometimes volunteering can be frustrating. It can take your time, money, and more. However, giving back is vital. Most people would have little to no access to the world of creativity without volunteers.
There are hundreds of reasons to give back. One can be the opportunity to meet new people, new friends and even to network. It can also give you a creative outlet from the everyday stress of work. Volunteering also provides the opportunity to learn new skills and discover new interests and talents. Most importantly, it helps others in all the same ways it can help you.
How to Find Places to Volunteer
Giving back to the community all starts with finding what you want to do, and if you can do it. Evaluate your skills and talents, what are you best at and what do you love to do? Knowing what you have to offer is the first step for programs to find the perfect place to put you.
Be realistic about your availability. There is no use in putting yourself or an organization through unkept promises and an overbuilt schedule. Look for places that let you interview before committing. A conversation with a nonprofit honcho can give you a sense of the group’s agenda and needs so you can see if you think it’s a good fit. Conversely, the talk lets the group decide if it thinks you’ll be right for them.
The best way to actually find these organizations is friends, the internet, and reaching out to alumni associations and faith-based networks. Getting these referrals from pillars in your community is the best way to find the best place for you.
How to Avoid Volunteer Burnout
The number one way to stop volunteering burnout is to not overload and to connect to your purpose. If you give yourself too much to do as a volunteer, you will inevitably dropout or even just do a poor job. Delegate and schedule to avoid this. Plan things down to minutes and hours. Don’t put tasks before your basic needs and responsibilities.
Another way to stop burnout is to connect to why you started. Understanding our purpose as artists are vital to the message and to us. Why did you start volunteering in the first place? Connect to your roots to ground yourself.
What now?
So get out there!
See what your community has to offer, and what you have to offer your community!
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