Have you ever wanted to jump into something new, but felt the nagging voice of self-doubt hold you back? You are not alone.
Even the most seasoned professional can struggle with confidence from time to time. Imposter syndrome can cause even the most high-achieving people to doubt their skills, intellect, experience, or accomplishments.
“We understand how challenging it can be to take the first leap into skills-based volunteering. That’s where Taproot comes in!” shared Chief Program Officer Jackson Thomas. “We provide expert support to volunteers at every step of their journey and work to prepare and connect them with an organization that will greatly benefit from their skills and expertise.”
Donating your time requires putting yourself out there, which can feel nerve-wracking. But don’t let self-doubt hold you back from making a difference for a cause you care about!
We asked members of the Taproot team for their best advice on combatting feelings of imposter syndrome when approaching skills-based volunteering. Here’s what they had to say:
- “The first step is always the hardest, but applying to volunteer is a chance to explore and learn! It involves taking a little risk and might feel uncomfortable, but that’s part of the adventure. You might not find the perfect fit right away, and that’s okay—what matters is giving it a try and seeing where it leads.” —Bethany Sapp, Accounts Manager
- “Nonprofit leaders are often working across multiple areas and wearing many hats throughout their day. They may have some knowledge in the area you work in, but they rarely have the capacity or time to dive deep in the way they might want to. You will inherently approach their challenge with new eyes, and that in itself can be incredibly helpful. Even the opportunity to run ideas by someone with expertise in an area can be huge. You don’t have to be the top expert in your field to make a difference. Progress is better than perfection. Plus, I guarantee that you know more than you think you know, so dive in and give it a try!” —Abbey Hambright, Integrated Marketing Manager
- “We all have something to learn from the [pro bono] collaboration and we all have something to contribute. This will be a learning experience for both you and your nonprofit partner, and it will also be an opportunity for both parties to contribute their unique skills, knowledge, and expertise. Show up with curiosity and a learner’s mindset but don’t be afraid to share from your wisdom and expertise—we know you have something valuable to contribute!” —Bryanna Jew, Advisory Services Consultant
- “Skills-based volunteering is about sharing, learning, and growing—you’re certain to add value and gain insights along the way.” —Jeff Brady, Accounts Director
- “Believe it or not, a lot of nonprofit leaders experience imposter syndrome too! This is what can make pro bono work so collaborative and rewarding. It’s not top down but peer to peer. Even the smallest deliverable that might involve something the volunteer takes for granted can make a big change for an organization. Not every project will necessarily be a massive strategic initiative, or needs to be, to provide value at an organization.” —Joshua Groll, Nonprofit Success Coach
Regardless of which stage of the professional journey you’re in, your time and skills are incredibly valuable. The benefit of skills-based volunteering is profound, and its why Taproot receives and delivers on thousands of requests for support every year. We invite you to approach skills-based volunteering with an openness to learn from your nonprofit partner and the bravery to stretch yourself in new ways. Remember, Taproot is here to support you every step of the way!
