May 12×12 – Go With (what) You Know
So not all volunteering opportunities for the MS Society can be big as the MS150. How could they be?!
I imagine that there could be people out there that have an interest in volunteering for the MS Society, but for one reason or another, can’t make a commitment to at, or a part of a big MS Society event.
Well, as that great American Philosopher Woody Allen once said, ” Ninety percent of life is just showing up.”
Now, I don’t mean just put on an orange shirt and put in some time at an event registration table. There are many other ways to pitch in.
Do you have a skill or skill-set that you use to help out others out (work, family, etc…) at your disposal? Well, then here’s a chance that there’s a way you can use it to help further the organization and mission of the MS Society.
(I know I know, I hate that sort of boiler plate PR language too, but waddya gonna do?)
For the May segment of the 12×12 project, I’ll be focusing on a way that I can help out the Society in a way that is matched to my professional experience.
Last week, I met with Gena, the Marketing & Communications Manager for the MS Society Lone Star Chapter and we talked about my experience in communications and in particular in web 2.0 environments. We brainstormed about the current successes and challenges that the Lone Star chapter and others have had working with web-based mediums to create conversation and communities.
As the talk turned to the future, I realized that there was a great opportunity for me to use my personal knowledge to help out.
Of course there are people at the Society who are very knowledgeable about these sorts of things, but life on the clock (especially at a non-profit) doesn’t always offer time to look into crystal balls. So rather than throw out a ton of ideas, (read, make more work for Gena) I offered my skills and do some research on the subject for her.
I’m happy to report that my idea was very warmly received by Gena.
My goal for May will be to be a creative second set of eyes to generate some ideas and offer some thoughts and recommendations. Here’s my tasks..
1) Take a look at what’s already working for the Lone Star Chapter
2) Check out what other chapters are doing
3) Qualify trends vs. trendy
4) Find out what users of social networking sites like to see, and hear about MS
Who knows? I might come up with some new and cool ideas.
I assure you, there will be more exciting volunteer opportunities to come. Honestly though, I’m really like this project because I get to pitch in by doing something that I love and don’t have to readjust my schedule to do it.
