At its heart, volunteering is the act of freely offering time, talent, and energy in service of others. But for me, it’s been so much more. It has shaped my identity, expanded my capabilities, and catalyzed a professional journey that continues to evolve.
A Foundation Built on Service
From my teenage years, I found purpose in giving back to my local community and the broader blind and low vision (BLV) community. Whether participating in food drives, organizing car washes to raise funds, or joining neighborhood cleanup events, I was driven by a desire to serve. Equally important, I was surrounded by others who shared that spirit, reinforcing community-centered action.
In my late teens, I started volunteering at a local community center. Staying at home wasn’t an option for me—I was too curious. I took it upon myself to learn bus and rail routes, navigating my city to find where I could contribute. That curiosity and drive eventually led me to juggle multiple part-time jobs while volunteering, at one point holding down two or three roles simultaneously by age 20.
Volunteering as a Career Catalyst
Volunteering became especially crucial when I was between jobs or transitioning careers. It helped me stay active, sharpen my skills, and expand my network. Roles such as board chair, committee member, or event planner offered opportunities to lead, speak publicly, manage projects, and learn the nuts and bolts of nonprofit operations, including budgeting and fundraising.
These experiences helped me grow and kept my resume fresh. I always recommend logging your volunteer hours and listing your contributions on LinkedIn. Don’t hesitate to request endorsements from supervisors or peers who’ve witnessed your work ethic and skills firsthand. These validations can add real weight to your profile and open doors.
From College to Career—and Beyond
By the time I graduated from college, I had cultivated a broad network of professionals who championed my growth. That support paid off: I received multiple job offers upon graduation.
As my vision continued to evolve, so did my involvement in the organized blindness movement. Volunteering on committees and nonprofit boards helped me hone leadership, advocacy, and communication skills, leading to high-impact roles outside the BLV space. These included serving as a Commissioner for the City of Oakland on Aging and Disability and as a Los Angeles International Airport ADA Advisory Committee consultant.
The takeaway? Volunteering can lead you to unexpected, transformative opportunities—well beyond what you might imagine at the outset.
How to Get Started: Volunteering with Purpose
Not sure where to begin? Start by asking yourself what causes move you. What issues or communities do you care deeply about? Then:
- Make a list of local nonprofits, community centers, or grassroots organizations.
- Explore volunteer databases and Area Volunteer Centers online.
- Connect with disability-specific organizations like the American Council of the Blind (ACB), National Federation of the Blind (NFB), and Independent Living Centers (ILCs).
- Reach out directly—many organizations rely on volunteers and welcome your involvement.
Even a few hours a month can make a difference for you and the community you serve.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Over the past 25 years, as a rehabilitation professional and youth mentor, I’ve shared this consistent message: get out there and engage. Show up with curiosity. Be present. Listen deeply. Offer your time and energy freely. You’ll gain far more in return—professionally, personally, and emotionally.
Today, I continue this practice. I serve on advisory boards, collaborate with mission-driven organizations, and support job seekers in finding their voice and purpose. These experiences give me fresh perspectives that strengthen my work with the APH ConnectCenter and beyond.
Final Thought
It’s never too early—or too late—to begin volunteering. When you offer your time, you open the door to growth, connection, and fulfillment. Volunteer. Serve. Learn. Lead. You might be surprised where it takes you.
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