There was a time in my life when I rarely said “no.” While working full-time and raising a family, I served on multiple church committees, held officer roles in more than one service club and volunteered with every organization my children were involved in. The result wasn’t sustainable. I was overextended, and the quality of my contributions began to suffer.

In my early adulthood, I said “yes” too often — even when my schedule was already packed. Over time, I learned that being intentional about service is not only possible, but also better for the causes we care about and for the people we serve alongside.

Volunteering is a family value. After retiring, my grandparents founded a nutrition center in their small town — much like a food pantry or soup kitchen — because they saw a need and chose to meet it. My mother, a gifted pianist, offered her music in churches, nursing homes, and at community events. Each of them used what they had to serve well. Their example taught me that service done thoughtfully can be both generous and sustainable.

Today, I am more selective with my commitments, and that focus allows me to give my best effort where it matters most. I once found myself responsible for the concession stand at every high school football game — a role that did not match my skills or capacity. I learned that agreeing to work outside my strengths is not truly helpful to the organization asking for help. Now, before I accept a request, I seek clarity about the role, the time required and the outcome expected. Importantly, I also ask myself whether the work aligns with my gifts and values.

Some of my most meaningful volunteering has come from that alignment. I love leading a women’s Bible study at my church. I am also deeply involved in the Graham Lions Club and Lions Clubs International, whose work includes vision screenings, providing eyeglasses and raising funds for the Texas Lions Camp — a residential summer camp for children with physical disabilities, type 1 diabetes and cancer. Families pay nothing to attend, and our club helps with transportation costs. Knowing that this work opens doors for children and their families makes every hour invested worthwhile.

I work at Bryan Insurance Agency where giving back is part of our culture. Our team has renovated a youth center and volunteered at our local food pantry.  The idea of a more formal approach to volunteering came when our staff helped feed firefighters who came from across the country to battle the Possum Kingdom Lake wildfires. It was incredibly fulfilling work, and we decided to create a program where our staff could give back to the causes that mean a lot to them. Through our Bryan Cares program, every employee receives one paid day off per quarter to volunteer at a nonprofit of their choice. This practice reflects our values and strengthens our relationships as colleagues. Not everyone can help with every project, but those who volunteer often describe feeling more connected to their coworkers after serving together.

I have also found professional fulfillment through volunteering with Applied Client Network (ACN). I became involved when our agency transitioned from Applied TAM to Applied Epic. I attended local chapter meetings, participated in Applied Net and sought out peers who understood the challenges of conversion. As I volunteered — leading a local chapter, working booths at Applied Net and serving on committees — I discovered that the more I gave, the more I learned. The experience broadened my perspective, expanded my network and enriched my leadership in ways I could not have anticipated. Today, I continue to volunteer by being a member of the Editorial Committee. Applied Client Network offers distinctive opportunities for professional volunteerism, particularly valuable for those of us in small agencies and rural communities where such avenues are often limited.

How I Decide When to Say “Yes”

To serve well without overstepping, I use a few practices:

• Seek role clarity. I make sure responsibilities, time commitments, decision-making authority and desired outcomes are clearly defined.
• Align with strengths. I choose roles that allow me to use my skills. When my strengths match the need, the organization benefits, and I can contribute at a higher level.
• Consider the season of life. Family, work and health are all factors in the decision. Even a great opportunity can be the wrong fit if the timing isn’t right.
• Be honest about capacity. If I cannot give the time and attention a role requires, I decline or offer a limited, well-defined contribution instead.

These guardrails help me say “no” when needed and “yes” when it matters. They also create space for others to step forward and use their gifts.

I believe everyone can, and should, find at least one meaningful way to serve. We have each been given something we can share. When we choose opportunities that align with our strengths and our season, our service is steadier, our impact is larger and our communities are stronger.

Let’s give thoughtfully and pass it on.

Do you want to give back to ACN? Keep an eye out for committee volunteer opportunities opening this fall!