When I was in high school, each student was required to complete a certain number of hours of community service before he or she could be promoted to the next grade. The idea behind this requirement was that we could each learn something from those we were able to help. Some students volunteered at hospitals, some participated in races for charities and some worked at the local rescue mission. Many, if not most, students exceeded their required number of hours before completing the job for which they had volunteered. By continuing to work and finish their jobs, the students accomplished the ultimate goal of the community service plan: they gave freely of themselves, thinking no longer of their hour requirements. Instead, they worked because they understood the importance of their contribution to their community.

As an adult, I see the infrequent requests for volunteers for programs like Big Brother/Big Sister - but the push to be involved in “community service” through volunteerism just isn't there. About the only time community service is mentioned is when someone is punished for a crime and sentenced to probation and community service.

Because there are so many organizations that need volunteers to continue to function, there is no shortage of ways in which you can involve your shop, your technicians and even yourself. The benefits - both tangible and intangible - are numerous and can mean a lot to your employees, your customers and the community.

It is important for you to develop a community service philosophy that directs your involvement. This philosophy will help you determine what type of group you and your employees would target to help. Rick Allison, the shop manager of AAMCO Transmissions in Eugene, Ore., says, “We as business leaders have to give back to our community, if we want our communities to grow and prosper. If everyone got more involved in community activities they would be rewarded personally and professionally.”

Using the Resources You Have

Many times, finding time to volunteer is difficult because you think you're too busy - and because you think volunteering means spending hundreds of hours with a certain project. In fact, there are lengthy projects that may require a large amount of time, but not every project is the same, and if time is a major concern, consider volunteering for only a small amount of time. In any case, an organization in need of volunteers will welcome the help - no matter for how long or short a period of time.

There are community outreach projects that you and your employees can complete as a team - perhaps by taking half a day or a Saturday to make a difference. If there aren't any organizations in your area that are in need of volunteers, think creatively. Look around your community and ask yourself, “How could my team make a difference?” The goal is not to promote your business - but to use the talents and uniqueness of your employees to benefit others in need of your help.

Jerry Burns, president of Automotive Impressions Inc., says, “We use our resources to help out in the community as the need arises. While we are always willing to serve on committees and participate in the community, we tend to focus on youth-centered activities. We recognize the mutual benefit of being an active part of the community rather than just a business in the community.”

Benefits of Volunteerism

Of course, community service benefits those who volunteer because it gives them a chance to see beyond themselves, and perhaps volunteering allows them to come into contact with people who otherwise would go unnoticed. Volunteering benefits the organization with which you work because many of these groups depend upon volunteers to stay afloat. Monetary gifts and manpower contribution are the two lifelines for these organizations. Not everyone can donate money, but many of those same people can donate time. And, those who are unable to give of their time to help an organization are often able to make a monetary contribution. The key to volunteerism and community service is understanding that not everyone can do everything - but when many people work together, an organization that benefits the community can be made successful.

However, the benefits of reaching into the community do not stop there. Indeed, there is a reward for those who give of themselves to help others. First, volunteering as a group (you and your employees) gives you a chance to make new friends and meet new business contacts - people who most likely own automobiles that will need a reputable repair shop at some point. Because you and your employees will work as a group, perhaps dressed similarly, you will be recognized more easily by those you help and those who see you helping others. The positive exposure your business receives from your volunteerism can bring respect and more customers to your door.

Greg Mendoza, owner of Superior Automotive in Palms, Calif., is the president of his local Chamber of Commerce. He says, “Being involved in community is far and away the best way to attract quality customers.”

Lastly, the image of the automotive industry is one that has been a concern to those within the industry for many years. Public perception of your shop and the automotive industry as a whole can be affected by your actions, whether they are positive or negative. The positive exposure you may receive as volunteers can affect customer trust. Furthermore, the exposure could affect your ability to recruit qualified technicians or managers who, in addition to providing quality work for your shop, want to work with fellow employees who enjoy making a difference.

How to Get Involved

There are hundreds of organizations nationwide that depend on volunteers to operate. There are even more groups and organizations that have special areas of their business where people can volunteer. Your first consideration when deciding how to get involved is whether or not you want to be involved with a local organization or one that may not be located near you. Find an organization whose causes interest you or are important to you. You may want to ask your customers who are involved in charitable organizations about their groups, or check the Internet for Web sites of groups in which you are interested. These sites should provide a mission statement, lay out their goals and give you an opportunity to contact group representatives.

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