“I Have Learned So Many Great Skills”

Can you learn some great skills?

Certainly, you might have the opportunity to learn great skills. At least one. They could be honed in service to a non-profit society like Handy Circle. We hire volunteers, particularly during tax time, when we shine. Those volunteers work from home with diverse computer skills, limited personal knowledge of tax breaks and credits, and data input. Volunteering allows a person to learn or improve diverse trades. Most places that host Volunteers likely have a computer that needs data input. Forms to fill, for funds to host programs. If you have a basic knowledge of financial procedures, money needs to be accounted for. That’s common. Internet Research, another skill set to put on a resume great for organizations that build community and sporting events. Networking: building connections. Microsoft Office is commonly used in diverse offices besides accounting programs. Collaboration. Blogging. Customer service, basic SEO. So many hard skills have been freely earned and honed. Soft skills like teamwork and more make a great cup of coffee and inspire. I had an education in Internet Business Development and Web Design, which finished with WordPress for business, thanks to Make a Change Canada. That skill is honed in the blog posts I write on multiple sites, including here. Mostly volunteer. I’m now Marketing Manager for Handy Circle, presently volunteering and learning a new skill.

What else have you done?

I helped a few non-profit organizations grow and manage their website. Warned them about the dangers of an HTTP website. Both Volunteer Prince George and, more recently, the Carefree Society went to HTTPS. A year or so later, VPG secured a substantial community grant from the Vancouver Foundation, largely due to the efforts of staff and office volunteers in grant writing and cheque signing, as well as driving programs. They support volunteerism in the community. It did not hurt the organization to have a website and the domain secured. Carefree is seeking funding to support hiring and active program development. Handy Circle did too; they changed to HTTPS just before March of last year. We’ll have to see if it makes money, perhaps with your donations here! It may only exist until the domain expires, and only the Facebook page will be available to request volunteers during tax season. We will continue that work at the very least of what we do until you can do it independently, that is. Help us continue to empower you when you need it.