Where Do You Volunteer

I’ve always been the kind of guy to eschew the well traveled road. In fact, I had a sign over my door in the dorms at Iowa State that said “Nevermind the Mainstream.”

A large number of my choices, and directions in life have followed this calling and lead to my years of involvement with bicycle racing in the metro. A handful of friends in our 20’s decided that if we weren’t going to move somewhere with a vibrant bike racing culture, we’d just build it ourselves.

Race promotion should be less like selling tickets to a Miley Cyrus concert and more like putting together an elaborate pig roast for your 200 closest friends. – Velonews

To this day, I don’t know how we did it, nor how stupid we were for thinking we could pull it off, but it worked and lives on. We didn’t want to be the biggest or the best. We just wanted something to be there. We saw a need and we built something to fill that void by leading and volunteering. Thankfully, others have stepped in and stepped up their commitment over the years to foster a great community.

I’m still amazed this is eight years old. I have a framed one behind me.

When the Greater Des Moines Partnership spawned the Downtown Chamber, I quickly got on board with the law firm and started volunteering. The time was well spent creating some very cool events and building great relationships. I can say the same with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Technology Association of Iowa, StartupCity Des Moines, and now Westminster Presbyterian Church.

I’m interested in the disparity between “what’s in it for me” and “where can I help.” Often the answer lies in the good feeling after pitching in. Then doing it again.

Now go do it.