I love all the graphics we use to capture the members’ attention to our need for volunteers, but one specifically is so very true. You (U) are missing, and do you know what’s more important? We’re all missing out. You’re missing the opportunity to network with sitters that come from a variety of backgrounds, business types and geographics. NAPPS is missing your experience and talents. Without our volunteers NAPPS would not exist, this has been true since NAPPS became a non-profit organization some 30 plus years ago and continues to be the case. Other than our Executive Director, NAPPS committees, programs and the Board of Directors are all volunteers.

In my almost 20 years as a NAPPS member I’ve heard a lot of excuses as to why someone “can’t” volunteer. Not enough time, nothing to offer, no one will listen to my ideas and on and on. None of those are true. I began volunteering with NAPPS my first year that I became a member. I was building my business, working part-time as a consultant while I built it and was newly married. All that takes time, but I managed to sit in on monthly meetings, usually in my car between walks, sits or appointments. I was able to volunteer for tasks that fit my schedule and skill set. I always felt like a valuable part of a team during meetings and discussions and one of the best things, I had built in friends when I went to conference every year. The other thing I enjoyed was seeing one of our committee initiatives come to fruition or how much everyone enjoyed the Conference that worked so hard to together for our fellow members. I gained so much more than I gave, and I truly feel that volunteering helped me keep my sanity while I built up my business. I had cheerleaders on my committees that pushed me on when the going got rough or when I doubted myself or my abilities to make a living at pet sitting. I had mentors that walked through the questions I had as many of them had been there and done that and I built long standing friendships many of which are still friends today.

NAPPS has so many different committees and all of them can use the talents and ideas of new volunteers to keep NAPPS running, governed, and growing. Committees generally meet once a month for an hour some don’t meet quite as often and then there is often a task force which is set up to work on an initiative or program then it will disband so you may be busy with it for a short period of time then you’re finished. I believe there’s actually one forming soon so be on the lookout for the next communication from NAPPS.

As a passionate NAPPS volunteer I ask you to consider volunteering some time when you see the next Volunteer Blast come out or take the time to contact Cathe Delaney and she’ll point you to an appropriate committee, you’ll feel more fulfilled than you can imagine, and they’ll be no more fear of missing out.

Yvette Gonzales, As You Wish, LLC

NAPPS Past President / Current Marketing Committee Chair