Community + Contribution

Community + Contribution

Many of us find helping others a source of joy and connection - and as business owners, it can be hard to balance that time outside of our professional lives.

There’s a process to assist in planning this out as a part of your business development. It may seem weird to build this aspect out like you would as a standard business task - but it really helps make it happen if you do.

When we balance out this energy and fill our cups in this way, it helps maintain our overall selves in so many ways.

With the holiday season and new year right around the corner, it is a great time to start exploring this.

Tip - A great organization to help, if you need an idea, is the WESN | West End Seniors Network - They have many roles that are less than 30 minutes/week, some that can even be done from home, that help them with the vast amount of seniors they help daily within the community.

*Please see the framework/template below - copy & paste to blank document if needed

Getting Started

Consider what issues/causes/communities/organizations/etc. that you would like to learn more about and support.

Some Examples -

People - 

• LGTBQIA2S+ Rights & Causes

• Anti-racism 

• BIPOC Rights & Causes

• Addiction 

• Disabilities

• Mental Health

• People without Housing 

• Human Rights

• Food Insecurity 

• Senior Causes & Issues

• Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness

• Child Welfare & Issues 

• Health 

• Education 

• Clean Drinking Water

• Violence Against Women

• Etc.

Animals - 

• Rights & Causes

• Sanctuaries & Rescues

• Not for Profit Vet Services 

• Food Security 

• Ocean Life

• Wildlife Rights & Issues

• Wild Horses

• Etc.

Environment - 

• Indigenous Land/Water Protection & Rights 

• Water Protection

• Climate Change

• Old Growth Logging 

• Pollution

• Farms 

• Etc.

Next, open a new blank document -

Section 1 - Information Gathering

• make a list of your top priorities/passions/etc. 

• Under each of them, make notes of different - ways, people, organizations, events, etc that you want to learn more about or contact 

***If you’re not sure where to start, search different avenues to identify people, causes, organizations, events, groups, etc that align with the specific causes/issues you would like to sponsor, volunteer, raise awareness, fundraise for - Etc. 

You can check hashtags, search social media accounts and groups, ask your network, google issues/causes - local/global, contact local organizations you have seen in your neighbourhood, etc.

Next,

Section 2 - Information Organizing and Establishing Priorities 

Organize the information you have in order of priority

• what cause/organization/person/etc. you want to start with

• list the options/opportunities on ways to get involved and help

• how you are able to contribute (time, expertise, monetary, etc.) 

• how/who you contact to start

Send out applications, emails, etc. to start the process

• make notes as you hear back and set reminders in your calendar to complete any tasks from their end they send to you 

Ex - WESN does a phone screening interview, then sends a link for a free criminal record check, etc

Next,

Section 3 - Planning + Executing

The most important thing here is to ensure you have the ability to schedule, have the energy, etc. to be consistent in what you choose 

• each organization will have a range of opportunities available, that will vary in time, and even location (some options you can complete from home using a cell phone Ex friendly check-in calls for the WESN

• once they send you a list of their needs, look at your schedule, and be realistic about what you can take on (you can always add to what you are doing once you get going)

Tips + Notes 

• Some clients change the organizations they work with per quarter. Do what works for you!

• If you have a hard time deciding, you don’t have to limit yourself. Devote a couple of hours a week to your top passions and priorities 

• Have this as a part of your business development so it isn’t missed during your annual/quarter goal planning

• To get started it can take as little time as 15-30 minutes to set up

• It’s not just about money, time and effort are equally as important - Raising awareness is just as important as fundraising - don’t limit yourself, get creative!

• Share some of your experiences on social media or with friends to help them get started!

Connection and building up/contributing to the communities around us is everything. Enjoy the process.

If you have any questions, email me and I will help guide you however I can!