5 smart ways for professionals to join National Volunteer Week

Volunteering isn't just good for a warm fuzzy feeling - companies reap the benefits of community involvement with increased employee satisfaction and better customer relations. It's also a golden opportunity for local outreach, which goes hand-in-hand with your online marketing and building a genuine brand. Here are 5 smart ways to participate in National Volunteer Week as a professional.

1. Chat with a local non-profit or volunteer center.

Not sure where to start? Try next door. Networking with a local non-profit gives you the scoop on close by activities that fit your professional identity. Take this week to refresh your contact with a local United Way or volunteer center and update your professional interests.

Here is Seattle's United Way and HandsOn Network affiliate (shout out to AmeriCorps alums).

2. Take an afternoon to volunteer (as a team or as a professional).

Whether serving in your neighborhood or participating in a fundraiser event, volunteering works as team/networking time, professional enhancement, and a great public relations moment all in one - on top of the good you do.

Check on upcoming neighborhood events (such as from your Chamber of Commerce) or those where your skills would be appreciated. Don't forget pictures for your social media, blog or newsletter.

3. Recognize the volunteer work of your employees/partners.

Now is the perfect time to highlight or re-highlight volunteerism in your network. Recognizing an employee, a peer, or a valued partner or customer reinforces your positive connections and your corporate values.

If you have a Volunteer webpage or a blog, it's even easier to collect stories and share the link back to your own website.

4. Take a community partnership to the next level.

Sponsorships put your name next to your most important community partners. Volunteering puts a face to a name. Consider causes you may already be involved in. Could you earn a higher sponsorship level with a volunteer commitment? Are there volunteer leadership needs on the committee or board? If your plate is full, these can be great professional development opportunities to share.

5. Shout out to a cause close to your values - or volunteerism itself.

Recognizing a local group, cause, or the value of volunteerism can be as easy as sharing an article with your kudos. You can also tap a local expert, and get a great topic for your next blog post at the same time. Punctuate your shout-out with a call-to-action.

See how my company, IlluminAge helps a client highlight volunteerism and the senior care connection: National Volunteer Week: The Alden Network (blog content by IlluminAge)

Interested in learning more for your health care online marketing? I consult for businesses who help seniors and people with disabilities. Have a great National Volunteer Week!