An article on volunteerism by Rosalind P. D. Eaton, CVA

There is so much going on at All Souls! Did you know we have four broad categories of programming and ministry at the church? If you’ve been with us a while, you know that Spiritual practices, Governance, Social Justice, and Community building are the cornerstones of our activity. Within those categories we have upwards of 50 lay groups, community groups, activities, and committees.
Ministry means a lot of things to different people. One of those meanings includes volunteerism and acts of service to the church and to others. All Souls encourages our new and existing congregants to explore what ministry means to you and exploring meaningful ways to engage yourself and/or your family that meets your needs and spiritual practices.

Want to become a church leader? Talk to the Leadership Nominating Committee. Want to work on reproductive rights? Talk to the Reproductive Freedom group. Want to cook for the congregation with others? Join the Sunday Luncheon Committee. Want to be a friendly face and help everyone on Sunday mornings? Become a Greeter or an Usher! Like counting money? Become one of our Sunday Plate Collection counters! Love plants? Come garden with us once a month!
I could keep going… Instead, I’m going to tell you about a twice a year opportunity that gives you a chance to talk to someone from MANY of our activities! The Find Your Ministry Fair is held in late September/early October and in January. There, you’ll see the various ministries represented with people ready and willing to talk to you and let you know about the activities they carry out, and to see how you can get involved!

And for those of you who are joining us virtually, we have a virtual Find Your Ministry Fair available year-round on our website! There you will find videos made by lay leaders on a variety of our activities, talking about all the amazing and interesting things they do, and a signup form for each to put you in contact with a real person to get more information.

There is literally something for everyone! But if nothing quite speaks to your soul…we’re always open to helping you start something new. Want to save the whales? Looking for other people who enjoy rollerblading? Want to learn underwater basket weaving? We have NONE of those things, but if you’re interested, we can put the word out and see if there’s a new ministry waiting to be formed by you and other enthused folx! Use the Not Quite Right? Form to get in touch.

We are also working on ensuring there are more virtual opportunities available for our congregants joining us from across the globe. The church wants to help you be as engaged as you want to be, and volunteering with your home church whenever and wherever you want to be of service. If you don’t see a virtual opportunity, brainstorm ways that you might be able to create one and reach out to that ministry with your idea! If it’s feasible, it might be doable! Your creative energy just might be what the ministry has needed to become a successful hybrid group, utilizing technology and volunteers near and far.

For our lay leaders –

It’s time to update your Ministry Fair videos for the new church year. Talk about the purpose of your ministry, why it’s important to you and to the church, and what you get from volunteering. Share the ministry’s goals for the coming church year and what new participants can expect to see from you, and what help you need to accomplish your goals. Your videos should be less than two minutes in length, and if you need help, ask! I’m always happy to help.

Be sure to brainstorm your volunteer needs prior to the Fair and submit them to be added to the website. Include a description of the service, why it needs doing, what benefits volunteers will get from volunteering, how many people you need, and when they’re needed. If it’s an opportunity that can be in person or virtual, be sure to include that as well (see my article on Hybrid Opportunities and Why You Should Have Some). Be upfront about what is needed, what can be expected, and how often this role will be needed.

When we actively make space for virtual volunteers, we all benefit! Part of having these opportunities available is ministry. When we engage people to become volunteers, we are also ministering to them, as well as the population you are trying to serve. It’s important to consider all the ways your opportunity spiritually nourishes your volunteers as well as the effort itself.
Also consider opportunities that might benefit from some younger volunteers. Look for ways that we can meaningfully engage our younger souls. Are there things that families could do together? That teenagers could do? What are the ways we can help them participate that help teach the value of volunteering, the importance of the work, and meet them where their strengths are? While simultaneously meeting their schedules around school, after school activities, part-time jobs, etc.?

Last year, the Reeb Voting Rights project engaged in a Get the Vote out campaign that utilized text messaging to spread the word. Several of our middle school and high school students participated and rolled out record breaking numbers of messages sent! Our youth were excited to be engaged and extremely successful as volunteers. This need was a perfect virtual opportunity for these teens, along with the many adults who also participated.

Our ministry areas are changing as we move further from the pandemic and the lockdown. Our normal is new and includes changes that we never would have considered prior to March of 2020. Take some time this summer to contemplate these changes with your lay group, committee, and/or ministry. Ensure your efforts are still meeting the most needs; for the population you’re helping, for your volunteers, and for yourself. Consider adjustments as needed. Ask staff for assistance if you get stuck, we’re always happy to help!

I can’t wait to see what this new church year brings, see you in September!