# 16 – Find an organization I want to volunteer with on a long-term basis

(Me and Erin after being sworn in as VP of Membership and VP of Programming)

I realize that I’ve posted about Gamma Phi a lot in this blog, but here’s another one J  When I thought of this to add to my list, I wasn’t thinking of Gamma Phi.  I was thinking that I would find another organization to contribute my time to.  I care deeply about veterans issues so I thought I would find an organization along those lines to volunteer with.  And while I did participate in a service project this spring with The Mission Continues, I haven’t had the chance to do more than that. 

A friend pointed out that I contribute a lot of my time and efforts to the alumnae chapter.  It hadn’t even dawned on me!  Maybe because I consider it something that’s such a big part of my life, I didn’t look at it as “volunteering” but it’s very true that I do. 

I currently hold 2 positions within the chapter: VP of Membership and Assistant Treasurer.  I’ve been the Assistant Treasurer since I joined the chapter 5 years ago.  It was my way “in”.  After I met all of the women I asked if there was a position on the executive board that needed to be filled.  They’d never had an Assistant Treasurer before so they suggested it to the Treasurer and she was happy to have me.  Joanne is amazing at what she does and I’m so glad that I’ve been able to work with her all of these years. 

I’ve been the VP of Membership since the spring this year.  Before that I was chairperson of the Moms and Kids group.  VP of Membership has been especially rewarding for me.  I get to reach out to and welcome new members to the group!  I get to tell women about how great of a chapter we are and follow up with them after they’ve attended their first event.  It’s been a lot of fun.  And while I do plan to continue volunteering with other organizations, I know that I’ll be with Gamma Phi and the alumnae chapter for the rest of my life.  That’s pretty long-term to me J