Marketing Your Faculty: Skill-Based Volunteering

Last week, we discussed the numerous benefits of making volunteering opportunities available to your faculty, staff, and even your students. I want to emphasize the value of skill-based volunteering because PA programs employ and educate individuals with medical skills, which are in high demand and are greatly appreciated.

The Benefits of Skill-Based Volunteering

Skill-based volunteering goes beyond traditional hands-on tasks. It involves leveraging one's professional skills and expertise to address specific and more challenging needs faced by non-profit organizations and community initiatives. Such volunteers bring their knowledge to make a meaningful impact. In the case of PA programs, medical skills, and know-how are the obvious choice. 

Skill-based volunteering offers vital benefits to both volunteers and the organizations they support:

Amplified Impact. Volunteers can deliver targeted, rather than general, solutions by utilizing their specialized skills. This support allows non-profits to reach their goals more efficiently. In a study conducted by True Impact, 85% of non-profits reported that skill-based volunteers helped them increase their capacity and effectiveness.

Professional Development. Skill-based volunteers enhance interpersonal skills like leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Moreover, working on diverse projects and collaborating with people from different backgrounds creates natural networking opportunities. 

Broadened Perspectives. Skill-based volunteers meet new perspectives and challenges outside of their comfort zone. Volunteers gain a deeper appreciation for people's diverse realities and develop a more empathetic outlook. 

Strengthened Reputation. Programs demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and community engagement by actively engaging in skill-based volunteering. 

How to get involved

If you're interested in getting involved in skill-based volunteering:

• Identify non-profit organizations whose causes align with your values and interests. Research their missions, programs, and areas where they may benefit from your specific skills and expertise.

• Reach out to those organizations you're interested in and express your desire to volunteer your skills. Inquire about any ongoing projects or specific areas where they may need assistance.

• Offer your expertise and propose ways you could contribute, which could involve providing strategic guidance, executing specific projects, or mentoring individuals within the organization.

• Consider teaming up with colleagues who share similar skills or interests. By working together, you can amplify your impact and tackle more significant challenges faced by non-profits.

What opportunities are out there?

You may utilize online platforms and volunteer-matching websites to find skill-based volunteering opportunities. These platforms connect volunteers with non-profits seeking specific skills, making it easier to discover the right fit.

Some of the many areas where PA skills are appreciated include:

1. Emergency response organizations. Access this exciting opportunity through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) at https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/Become-a-Volunteer.aspx. 

2. The American Red Cross. The Red Cross often needs health volunteers for disaster areas but may also have local opportunities. One can apply online to be a Red Cross volunteer.

3. Telehealth. Underserved communities nationwide are reaping the benefits of telehealth consultations. Telehealth is a desirable option because it can be done from home, and the hours are flexible. Your area hospitals will have information on their telehealth needs.

4. Public health organizations. Donating time at a free clinic or teaching health education classes are some ways medically skilled volunteers can help.

5. National Patient Advocate Foundation. This service allows medical professionals to share their opinions with policymakers regarding patient rights and protections to " put patients and caregivers at the center of health care." See https://www.npaf.org/get-involved/. The foundation has networks in each state.

Skill-based volunteering for others 

Not everyone in your program may have medical skills or training. If other members of your program would like to engage in skill-based volunteering, it can take many forms, depending on the specific skills and expertise volunteers bring. Here are some examples of skill-based volunteering opportunities:

1. Marketing and communications. Volunteers can help non-profits raise awareness, create eye-catching campaigns, and spread their message like wildfire. 

2. Financial management. Volunteers can assist non-profits in managing their budgets, planning for the future, and making every dollar count. 

3. Technology and IT support. Volunteers with technical skills can support non-profits with computer skills tutoring, website development, or database management. 

4. Teaching languages. Volunteers can offer language teaching services to individuals or communities in need. This can involve teaching basic language skills, providing conversational practice, or even teaching sign language to promote inclusivity.

Conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this series on innovative ways to market your program and faculty. We have discussed writing, public speaking, and volunteering activities that can give your program’s members the chance to promote themselves in ways that are not just enjoyable but could lead to personal growth and career development. I aimed to get your creativity flowing. Leverage the power of online communications and your faculty's expertise to create dynamic marketing that sets you apart from other PA programs.

Join me next time when we begin a new series. Massey & Associates Consulting is proud to continue presenting blogs that provide value to PA professionals and program administrators.