I wonder if most of us recognize the impact of volunteerism on our lives. Omondi Alex, an AIMS Senegal scholar, writes that studies have shown that people who engage in volunteer work are happier, healthier, and less stressed. It provides a sense of purpose, boosts self-confidence, and helps to reduce anxiety and depression.
Why is that … ?
One reason is that the selfless act of volunteering our time and energy provides us personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Volunteering feels good! We contribute and we learn.
As a volunteer-based international organization, Toastmasters depends on volunteers to sustain its 14,000 Clubs in 148 countries around the world. Thousands of Toastmasters are developing themselves personally as they simultaneously contribute to the success of others.
Meet DTM Megan Heffernan, Area 54 Director, immediate past Division E Director, District 31’s 2021 Toastmaster of the Year and a member of two clubs, Wachusett Toastmasters and Seven Hills Advanced Club.
In 2020, when the world went online during the pandemic, Megan – who had always been interested in technology – was fascinated by the role of Zoom Master. She thought, I want to learn that!
She signed up for multiple Club Officer Trainings (COTs) and sought out the guidance of a District 31 Toastmaster who was already skilled at Zoom. But she didn’t stop there …
In true Toastmasters fashion, Megan practiced. How? She stepped up to volunteer to serve as Zoom Master to hone her new skill every chance she got. She took on the Zoom Master role at many, many COTs and CLCON and a million other online meetings, including Meet Your Match!. Today Megan is a sought-after Zoom Master, a highly skilled, count-onable teammate who is happy to serve. In fact, Megan is willing to mentor Toastmasters who wish to learn from her. That is a gift, my friends.
Want to learn a new skill? Chances are you can learn it at Toastmasters, especially if it’s at all related to the field of communication. Participate in the many varied opportunities offered by District 31 and the national organization. How about volunteering at CLCON 2024? Reach out to find out more. Make a request. Respect your mentor’s time and be a good student.
Get ready to watch your network grow, your confidence blossom and your Happy Meter rise! 🙂
The quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your contribution. When you work to improve the lives of others, your life improves automatically. — Kurek Ashley
Coffee with Caryl 
One response to “Volunteerism: It’s a Give and Get”
Happy Thankful Thursday , ready for my cup of coffee with Caryl. Thank you so much for featuring Megan. Everytime I sign up to a COT training or other District 31 online event and I see Megan I think to myself, YES we are in great hands. She is definitely a master at her craft. I will have to contact her for some tutorials as I ma most definitely Technology challenged. Two thumbs WAY up for Megan. YOU ROCK!!! as for volunteerism, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t . It is in my blood dating back to a high school student volunteering as a Candy Striper. The quote by the late great Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Life’s most pertinent and urgent question is What are you doing for others? truly resonates with me. Volunteerism is part of my being, Giving back selflessly and helping others is such a joy. I will encourage everyone to make time to help out in whatever way possible. Thank you Caryl for my Thursday cup of coffee full of wisdom and nuggets to go about my day.Megan on zoom volunteerism and coffee with Caryl..WINNING!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person