Becoming a Leader of a Volunteer Organization Volunteer for task forces, committees, or club activities where you work or where you live. Becoming a leader through a voluntary organization gives you a chance to practice management skills as well as increasing your visibility in the organization and community. For example, Dave, a technical training specialist, has volunteer work as his hobby. A runner, Dave helps American runners learn about the Soviet Union through international running events. He also is active in a company speaking club and in a mentor program for less privileged high school students.
Volunteer work can give far more benefits than imagined.
According to a 1988 study at the University of Michigan Survey Research Center, regular volunteer work, more than any other activity, dramatically increased life expectancy. Men who did not volunteer were 2.5 times more likely to have died during the study period than those who volunteered at least once a week. By competing in your field, you can increase your reputation and visibility. If you win the competition, you earn even greater respect from your peers. Likewise, you can run for public office to serve your community or your local, state, or national government.