Copy
Welcome to Cari's Custom Organizing's Newsletter!
twitter twitter


Cari's Corner

Organizing Ideas and Tips


October, 2014

Volunteering

Are you someone who can’t say no, and then find herself over-extended?  Do you have too many things on your plate?  I want to share a thought or two about volunteering. 

There are so many things we are all involved in these days that could not run without volunteers, and volunteering is a great thing to do.  However, it is important to know how much time you are able to give, and then not over-commit yourself.

Whether it is school, team, or kid group volunteers, or community volunteering, or even career volunteering, there are so many opportunities out there.  And they all need you, and they are all good causes.  Here is what I recommend:
  • Jot down all your commitments:  work, family, and friends.  I like to look at this for a typical week.  Now fill in your personal activities - exercise, grocery shopping, doctor appointments, etc.  What kind of time do you have left?
  • Many of us will find that we have no time left, but be realistic with your priorities and how you can adjust things to make some time.
  • Choose the number of things you can volunteer for based on the time you have available.
  • Now count up how many current volunteer positions you are holding?  Will they all fit into your free time?
  • When you commit to something, know that you can give it the time it requires.  As great as volunteering is, remember that it is not really helpful unless you can get the job done.
  • Be sure to be very clear with what each opportunity is asking of you.  You need to protect yourself and be able to fulfill your commitment.
  • Don’t be afraid to say no.  When you are giving as much as you can give, it is your responsibility to say no to anything else.
A personal note:  I myself have found that I am too overextended this school year, and have had to find a new volunteer for one of my positions.  It is difficult for me to admit that I can’t do it all, but I honestly think it is better for everyone.

So, take a step back and be sure your priorities are straight and your life is balanced in a way that you are happy with it.  You will be glad you did!

 
Great tool for volunteers!

Cari's App of the Month

SignUp Genius

I’m sure one of your volunteer positions could use this easy tool!  SignUp Genius is a web-based service for organizing volunteers and sign-ups.  It eliminates a lot of e-mail in your in-box by getting rid of the many e-mail chains that it takes when planning an event or coordinating a potluck or volunteers.  It has many themes designed, or you can upload your own, and it is very customizable.  It also sends automated reminders, which takes this burden off of you.  This is a free service.

 

About Cari:


Cari is a Residential Professional Organizer and Personal Photo Organizer in the NE Areas of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.  Cari specializes in organizing home offices and photos.  Cari also provides Daily Money Manager services.

Do you have digital photos that need organizing?  Ask about our remote digital photo organizing services.

Cari also offers maintenance services to help you keep your home office in shape, and your papers up to date.  Weekly, monthly or even quarterly sessions will help keep your paper life and bills under control. 

You can find more information about Cari and her services on our website:  Cari's Custom Organizing
.
Copyright © 2014 Cari's Custom Organizing, All rights reserved.
forward to a friend   unsubscribe from this list   update subscription preferences 
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp