Here's How to Make the Most of Your Volunteer Time Off

In Greater Des Moines (DSM), we are fortunate to have passionate, dedicated nonprofit organizations that enrich our community and those that live within it. These organizations provide great opportunities for individuals and groups to become engaged in the community and make an impact in the lives of others.

Volunteer time off (VTO)

Many employers in the community, including my employer, Bâton Global, encourage employees to volunteer their time through different volunteer programs, including providing volunteer time off (VTO). By providing time off to volunteer, organizations allow young professionals (YPs) to further engage with nonprofits in DSM that are in need of help in various areas.

As a young professional, I would encourage you to take advantage of VTO and other employer led volunteer programs to challenge yourself professionally and personally. Take time away from your day-to-day activity at work to volunteer with nonprofits and offer support in your area of expertise. Nonprofit organizations of all sizes are in need of support in areas including accounting, finance, I.T., marketing, event planning and more. Your short time commitment with a nonprofit can lead to meaningful impact and lasting professional relationships.

Meaningful work

I personally know of peers that utilize their VTO to provide low impact, but still meaningful volunteer hours for nonprofits. Whether it be volunteering to serve dinner or providing financial guidance in helping a nonprofit develop their yearly budgets, an organization will feel the impact of the time you give to support their mission. I would encourage you, as a young professional, to make the effort to gain relevant experience through supporting a nonprofit in your area of expertise, providing support where lasting impact will be felt.

I plan on challenging myself and donating time to a nonprofit through participating in Young Professional Connection’s (YPC’s) One Des Moines event that begins on July 16.

One Des Moines is a community-wide service event hosted by YPC that focuses on providing young professionals opportunities to volunteer their services to nonprofits throughout DSM. YPs that volunteer their services not only make an impact on the organization in which they support, but they also gain relevant experience within their field.

Members and nonmembers of YPC are encouraged to use their VTO hours from their employer to utilize skills in their area of expertise. Those that participate are invited to a volunteer kick-off event and are paired with nonprofits that are in need of their expertise.

In recently joining the organization, I have found these opportunities will not only help me grow within my career, but they allow me to make an impact in the community that can be felt by many.

Challenge yourself and make a lasting impact in the community. Join me and YPs in DSM by volunteering your professional services to organizations through One Des Moines.

Young Professionals Connection (YPC) aims to attract and retain young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM) by connecting emerging leaders to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors.