Here are five ways you can make a big difference in your
community without spending a ton of time or money. Volunteerism is what you
make of it; find a cause that’s right for you.
With a deep level of neighborhood knowledge and a loyal
community presence, it’s a natural fit for real estate professionals to become
volunteers for local causes. Getting involved is not only a great way to give
back, it’s also an opportunity to connect with local residents and business
owners while rallying behind the community you’re a part of.
However, getting involved can be intimidating, especially
for busy real estate professionals who may be low on time or tight on funds.
Here are five tips for starting out.
1. Find a charity or cause that’s right for you. Passion is
key to making a difference in your community, so choose something you care
about deeply. There are plenty of online resources available to aid your
search. Find volunteer opportunities by location and type on sites such as
VolunteerMatch, Charity Navigator, and GuideStar. Both Charity Navigator and
GuideStar also publish ratings as well as the nonprofits’ financial
information, so you can verify that your time and money will be well spent.
2. If your time is limited, choose a short-term project.
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, for example, partners with the city
of San Francisco’s Parks and Recreation Department to host a park
beautification on the last Saturday of every month. “This event is a great way
to spend a morning making a real difference in a neighborhood,” says Kristine
Leja, senior director of development and communications at Habitat for Humanity
Greater San Francisco. “It offers a wide variety of activities for all skill
levels, from weeding to building benches to planting a vegetable garden.”
3. A little can go a long way. If you’re looking to make a
monetary donation, it’s best to be consistent. Many charities have monthly
donor clubs. Leja says $5 or $10 per month makes a big difference for Habitat:
“Our sustainer donors are some of our most important donors because the gift is
a reliable, steady stream of revenue that fuels our day-to-day building efforts
and ensures that we are able to build more homes in the Bay Area.”
If you don’t want to give monthly, think about donating
based on your sales. Shay Hata, an agent with Koenig & Strey Lincoln Park
in Chicago, is an avid animal lover who donates 10 percent of each commission
to a local animal rescue of her clients’ choice. If they don’t choose a
favorite, Hata gives to Illinois-based Starfish Animal Rescue. “I think people
like knowing that their agent is a caring and compassionate person who gives
back to the community,” she says.
4. Spread the word. Sometimes your sphere can be the best
gift for a charity in a crowded media field. The simple act of talking about or
posting links to your charity of choice on Facebook or Twitter can go a long
way toward informing the people you know about causes or fundraising events.
“We are always building our online community and looking for ways to engage in
thoughtful conversations about affordable housing,” Leja said.
5. Use your skills. Maybe you play an instrument or have an
artistic hobby – try volunteering at a museum, art gallery, or with a community
band or choir. Are you a great listener? You might be a good fit in a retirement
home, shelter, or drug rehabilitation center. If you are a history buff
(community knowledge included), there might be a historical society or national
park that’s perfect for you. Love kids? Try out a day care, sports team, or
after school program. Whatever differentiates you as a volunteer can also help
separate you from a crowded group in the business world. Hata agrees that her
devotion to a cause helps her stand out.
“It helps me win business as it differentiates me from a lot
of the competition. A love of animals is something I have in common with a lot
of my clients. I get that when you have dogs, having a yard or being close to a
park may be a bigger priority than the perfect kitchen,” she says. “I would
encourage other agents to find their passion and tie that into their business
mission.
Realtor Mag
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