by Michelle Nunn, CEO, Points of Light Institute and Co-Founder, HandsOn Network

My work with HandsOn Network is to help people begin their service journey.

I have led orientations for thousands of individuals who have decided to take the first step to make a difference.

Their specific reasons for wanting to serve are extremely varied, but common themes emerge at every orientation.

“I want to do something that is larger than myself, to make the community better, to find something that is truly meaningful in my life.”

“I want to get to know others in the community who share my values for giving back.  I want to feel like I’m part of the community.”

Sometimes volunteers are motivated by a specific event.

When I talked to volunteer responding in the wake of 2005′s Hurricane Katrina, they often said things like,

“I just knew I had to be apart of this.”

When they saw images of people suffering, they felt that they must act.

Many acted on impulse, driving hundreds or thousands of miles into an unknown situation to find a way to serve.

Everyone that I spoke with expressed passion and gratitude that they took that first stip.

While your service journey may begin with uncertainty, you will find confidence and fulfillment as you proceed.

As one volunteer once said to me,

“I am always glad I came.”

Take the first step…

M.N.