Volunteer Dawgs

• The Volunteer Dawgs program identifies non-profit organizations in need of help and solicits students to donate their time and skills in a variety of ways. Students can assist organizations while gaining valuable business experience, such as creating a marketing strategy or a business plan, or working with disadvantaged children, local schools, city libraries, and elderly adults. The intent is to increase awareness among MBA students of the importance of volunteering and to build a foundation for a volunteering spirit that MBA graduates will carry with them through their lifetime.
• The program is part of the Center for Non-Profit MGMT, directed by Dr. Archie Carroll and funded by the J.B. Fuqua Foundation, Inc.
• Terry MBA students are required to complete a minimum of 4 hours of community service per semester.

• Volunteer work can be done as a part of a group effort (special events for which we round up volunteers), or on your own. I send out email updates on a regular basis to inform you of current/new volunteer opportunities (special events), but it is your responsibility to make the contact to volunteer for the project of your choice. When making contact, always introduce yourself as a Volunteer Dawg.
• We are a large group from very different backgrounds, with diverse skills and experience. The idea of this program is to do something productive with our skills and energy, and the possibilities are limitless. I've presented just a sampling of the opportunities to lend a hand in Athens, but I can't stress enough the need to be creative and proactive in looking for volunteer work. If you are already involved in an activity, don't feel like you have to use one of these agencies presented to volunteer your time. If you find something on your own, that's wonderful too!
• Don't be afraid of a time commitment. Just explain your availability, even if only 1hour/month, and you will be welcomed with open arms. Nobody turns away an offer to help!
• Most agencies are also in desperate need of administrative/organizational assistance as well (but rarely publicize it) if that interests you more (i.e. Website development, accounting, marketing). If for some reason you feel underutilized or unsatisfied, speak up and make some suggestions, as the organization of the volunteer effort sometimes can be scattered.
• Upon completing any community service, volunteers must fill out a short Volunteer Work Report Form and give to Mary Ann Barrett, who will log the hours. (She also has extra copies.) This is the only way you'll get your hours acknowledged, and it gives me feedback on the agency and work experience.

Whenever you give of yourself, you almost always walk away from the experience feeling you've gained more. It should be an enjoyable experience. If for some reason you're not getting that out of your volunteer work, you're probably not in the right place or doing the right thing. I'd like to help you make that match. If you're still unsure of how you can best offer your help, please let me know. I'd be happy to help you make a connection.

Thank you in advance for your interest and enthusiasm in this very important and rewarding program. I look forward to joining you in several fun projects this semester!

Stephen Windsor
Coordinator, Volunteer Dawgs
Center for Non-Profit Management, University of Georgia
Email: swindsor@terry.uga.edu
Tel: 542-3750
Check out current info, photos, and volunteer opportunities on our website: http://www.terry.uga.edu/management/non_profit/volunteer_dawgs/opportunities.html

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." —Winston Churchill