Do You Get Paid For That?

I am the newly appointed Area E3 Governor for Toastmasters in District 35. I have to say, I am honored to be entrusted with a role that requires me to be the "go to" person for six clubs! Not only am I honored, I am excited!

Before I get to far on my personal feelings there, I want to share the answer to one of the first questions I was asked after learning that I was nominated and appointed, "Do you get paid for that?" Simply put, no. At least, that's what some people would say. I wish that weren't the answer I gave at that moment because it really isn't true. In fact, it is far from truth! The answer is a resounding, "YES!" However, for the time being, I do not collect any personal financial benefit. That is what was being asked of me. Yet, I need to share the reasons why I love this volunteer job.

First and foremost, as Area Governor, I am able to help the six clubs I oversee. That means, if there are any troubles, I step in and help to the best of my ability. If there are things I don't know, I have people above me to reach out to. At the same time, I am a resource contact. If someone is looking to go further with their Toastmaster experience or if clubs are looking for ideas, I can help them. How can each club better itself? How can I help them reach their goals?  How can they grow? There is such a vast array of information that fits right here, that I get excited thinking about the possibilities!

Secondly, serving and helping others helps me to feel good. Have you ever experienced the joy that sweeps across a person's face when they were struggling and suddenly a light is turned on? Perhaps it isn't even so much a struggle, but a lapse in understanding. Oh. My. Goodness. The joy found in helping people in ways that can help them grow is phenomenal! Simply calling the clubs to set up visits was fun! They were happy to hear they had someone to help them. Perhaps volunteering is an all-around natural anti-depressant. I find joy in helping. Other's find joy in knowing they have someone to help them. Win-win!

As if anti-depressant isn't enough, I feel good about myself when I help other people. This is where it gets slightly tricky because I know I need to be careful to set up boundaries. When people like me tend to say, "Yes," other people like to ask them to do things. I know I need to set time aside for my family and me. I've learned a lot about setting those boundaries in the past few years. Now that I know my boundaries (or at least a rough estimate thereof), I can serve with a full sense of self-confidence. Ka-ching!

Much like any other job, learning comes along with time in service. Because I am newer than others in the club and because I want to do the best job possible, I have spent hour upon hour reading all that I can to learn about various programs, dates, and resources that are available to all of us. It is my pleasure to learn all I can to provide a good service. Yet, at the same time, I am learning valuable skills that can be used in many places in life. Volunteering could help me to advance my career. Not only do I get to learn through service, but also through reading, networking, and watching video clips. All of that time and effort could really help me out in many different areas of life - whether that be at home, at work, or in the community. Ka-pow!

And to bring this to a near close - can you imagine the networking opportunities that exist as a direct result of working with 6 clubs from Marquette, MI down to DePere, WI? That, in and of itself, is hundreds of people! When you factor in the meetings that I will have outside of those six groups, the number increases exponentially! Those meetings will be with people throughout the state of WI who hold higher leadership levels than I do. Combined, there is a lot of opportunity! Ba-da-boom!

If you haven't sensed it already, I view volunteerism as a great way to have fun and the perfect place to learn. Already, Toastmasters has provided me with some really fantastic friends. I am thrilled to get to know some of the other Toastmasters. While having fun, I will gain a sense of fulfillment as I am able to pursue my passions with some great supporters.

What do you think? How do you view volunteerism? After reading what I had to say, do you agree that volunteers (in most, if not all volunteer agencies) really do get paid even if it isn't in the financial realm? It wouldn't be right if I didn't close this writing before asking... "Would any of you like to attend a Toastmasters Club with me?" There are several meetings in the area that we could plan to go to and I'd love to have you as my guest!!!