As another busy year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on all the things inside and outside of work that bring me joy. One of those items that intersects both my work and personal life is the work I do with charitable organizations – individual nonprofits and Foundations. Service to my community has been a pillar of my life since high school and has evolved over time.

With two young kids and an endless number of demands socially and professionally, charitable work too often is the item that gets postponed – I’m 100% guilty of writing a check to a friend or colleague’s charity of choice and trying to convince myself that I’ll do more in that magical moment in life when I “have more time”.

As we head into 2024, I’d encourage you to break that cycle and consider joining a nonprofit Board as a volunteer. My work serving as a board member for the last 10+ years for various nonprofits has been instrumental to the person I’ve become. It can be daunting to get started but the benefits far outweigh that self-doubt. These are only a few of the benefits that have been personal to my journey, but there are many many more.

• Perspective- For early career professionals, it can be invaluable to get practical experience on the “other side of the table”. You’ll gain a greater appreciation for the responsibility and thought process as a Director or Trustee of an organization.
• Networking- If you ever feel like you’re in your own social bubble or recently moved to a new city, board service can be a tremendous way to meet values-aligned friends and professional peers [board service is actually what eventually led me to my time at Zenith]
• Connection to Community- In an increasingly digital world, it’s easy to lose connection to your neighbors and fellow citizens. Board service can help you foster relationships with those in your community while being at the forefront of positive change.

In a society that seems to more often promote doom and gloom, find an avenue to get involved and create a better future for yourself and generations to come. I promise you, you will not regret it and like me, maybe it will lead you to a life-changing career opportunity or relationship.

Let this reflection serve as a slight nudge if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines for the perfect “opportunity” or “time in your life”. Society needs more changemakers at all levels and board service can be a tremendous way to grow personally and support a cause you love.

-Partheev Shah

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