Guest blog: #MyGivingStory - Courtney, Specialty Lines Underwriter

With busy lives and even busier schedules, it can sometimes be hard to find time to give back to your community. However, the benefits of volunteering can be hugely rewarding. Besides being able to help others in need, volunteering can help improve skills in areas such as finance, event planning, fundraising, etc. It can also help build your network and build new friendships. 

Why do I volunteer?

I am so fortunate to work for a company like SECURA that encourages its associates to give back to the communities they serve. There are so many people that are not as fortunate as the rest of us. Regardless, they're working hard to improve their lives and their families' lives but unfortunately, that means sometimes they may fall short, or go without. If I have the ability to help ease their burden even a little, I want to be able to help. Knowing that a family has food for the next week, or gifts for their kids on Christmas makes it all worth it. 

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Getting involved is easy. 

It's important to find a cause that you are passionate about. With my team at SECURA, we've volunteered locally with Feed My Starving Children, St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, and the Arizona Humane Society. Additionally, I am a part of the Junior League of Phoenix where we host events like Kids in the Kitchen, Rummage (the largest indoor rummage sale in Arizona!), and Healthfest to name a few. 

To find the best volunteer opportunity that fits with your interests, ask yourself the following questions: 

• Would you prefer to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely from home?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• How much time are you willing to commit?
• What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to you?

From there, you can narrow down the best fit for you however, not all are one size fits all. Try to visit different organizations to get a feel for what they are like and if you click with their staff and other volunteers. 

No matter where you volunteer, donating your time and talents to help others is something to be proud of.