For a lot of people, service can start with the same thought: “I have to volunteer.” It sounds like an obligation. Another thing to add to an already overwhelming to-do list.
But what if we change just one word?
What if it became “I get to volunteer.” That small shift can change everything.
When we say “I have to,” service can feel like a chore, or that something is being taken from us like our time, our energy, or our schedule. You show up, do the task, then leave.
When we say “I get to,” service can feel motivating – like it’s an opportunity. A privilege. Because it is!
Volunteering should be rooted in intention. When individuals understand their passions and strengths, giving back stops feeling forced and starts feeling fulfilling. You’re no longer just “helping” but you’re contributing to something natural to who you are. People often disengage when the work doesn’t feel meaningful. But the answer isn’t to stop – it’s simply to better align it to what matches you best. When you find the right fit, showing up feels exciting, giving your time feels energizing, and the impact feels personal, not transactional.
The next time you find yourself saying “I have to go volunteer,” rephrase it: “What if this isn’t something I have to do, but something that I get to be a part of.“
Because when it comes down to it, service isn’t just about what we give, but about what we gain.
So, are you ready to shift your mindset?
Discover how you’re meant to serve by taking the Volunteer Personality Test, and find opportunities that align with your strengths.
Passionate about turning requirements into something meaningful? Me too.
Join me in advocating for just that by signing the 8 To Graduate petition and help redefine what service can look like for the next generation.
Purpose in Service 
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