Getting involved in your community is one tried-and-true way of making meaningful connections. If you’re a businessperson, volunteering gives you a chance to meet and work with other like-minded community leaders toward a common goal. It may even lead to a new piece of business.
Join a Group That Makes Sense
Two years ago I joined the Kiwanis Club of Friendly Duluth. Kiwanis is an international civic organization dedicated to supporting programs and events that benefit children. I love that mission.
The meeting time also fits into my weekly schedule. The club meets at the Radisson Hotel in Duluth on Wednesdays at noon. Each week we get the chance to connect with other members, enjoy lunch, and learn more about our community through the featured guest speaker.
Get Involved Beyond Lunch
This week is a little different. Wednesday is our final planning meeting for the 42nd annual Kiwanis TV Auction. The auction will be held LIVE on WDIO-TV on Saturday, April 24. In this one night of fast-paced bidding, our club hopes to raise $30,000+. This is the money our club can distribute to deserving groups that help children over the next year.
We have generous sponsors who support the air time and businesses who donate items to auction off. The auction starts at 6 pm and features dozens of amazing prizes, from a 30-minute plane ride in Japanese Zero airplane donated by the Duluth Airshow, to a week-long fishing adventure at Lac Des Mille Lodge in Canada, to private goalie training lessons at the Goalcrease.
We’ve been working on this for several months and members aren’t “required” to help out. However, many club members do step up and volunteer their talents and many extra hours to make this auction possible.
I’ve gotten to better know people like Pat Sherman, chair of this year’s auction, and owner of The Woman Today magazine. As much as I enjoyed the magazine before, I value it even more now because I realize his commitment to our community and giving back.
While getting involved in these extra efforts is more “work,” it’s also more rewarding. You make lasting friendships and yes, possibly, even generate some sales leads or referral sources. But truly, those are beautiful side effects and not really the point.
What will you join?
I’m involved because I believe in the Kiwanis mission, I have something to offer, and it’s fun. Spend some time this week and check out opportunities for involvement in your community. If you have found or find something that makes sense, let me know!
