Christian Fanning of Eastern Washington Football is currently seeking a starting job on the Eastern Washington University football team, hoping to one day be EWU’s starting place kicker and to play an important role in the team’s quest for a Big Sky Conference championship. Though he is committed to putting in the hard work and training necessary to become a part of the squad, he is also committed to serving his local community, and has made significant contributions of time and energy to local causes that have made a positive impact on people’s lives.

Christian Fanning of Eastern Washington Football, long-time volunteer in the Teen Volunteers in Action, or TVIA, understands the importance of community service, and hopes to share several helpful tips for making your next volunteering experience as rewarding and memorable as possible.

Determine What’s Important to You
Local communities offer a variety of service opportunities, making it crucial for volunteers to first identify the causes, issues and organizations they feel strongly and passionately about. It’s helpful, says Christian Fanning of Eastern Washington Football, to begin your foray into volunteering by making a list of the things you truly value, issues and/or causes you can genuinely support or get behind. Identifying not only the issues, but also the segments of the population you want to help, is a great starting point to begin your community service career.

List Your Skills
Volunteering can be far more fun, and even useful, if the opportunity provides you the chance to capitalize on any special skills, talents, hobbies, interests, etc. you might have. Determine what you’re good at, or what you’re interested in, says Christian Fanning of Eastern Washington Football, and do your best to match your skillset and or interests with an opportunity that will allow you to become a truly effective asset to the organization.

What Do Want to Learn?
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to try? Any skills you want to improve or learn about? Christian Fanning of Eastern Washington Football knows that often times the most rewarding experiences are those that actually teach you something, or at least one that allows you to pursue a topic, job or interest you’re sincerely enthusiastic about.

Career Goals
Community service always looks good on a professional resume or CV, says Christian Fanning of Eastern Washington Football, so why not pursue an opportunity that will help you meet or achieve your career or professional objectives? Seek out something that falls in line with your career interests, one which provides you experience or knowledge in a task or subject that has actual career relevance. Not only are you helping the community, he says, but you are also active in an opportunity that will help you move forward in the professional world.

Pick an Opportunity that Fits Within Your Schedule
Never overcommit to a volunteering or community service opportunity, says Christian Fanning of Eastern Washington Football. Be careful to commit only the time you can actually give to the organization. Carefully assess your career, academic and personal priorities, and figure out how much spare time you are capable of contributing to the event, cause or issue.