While looking for a new job can be challenging, there are local opportunities for job networking that also offer the reward of giving back to your community. We often forget that networking does not always need to happen at a job fair or business event. Civic organizations and nonprofit boards are great places to make connections.
What Are Civic Organizations?
Civic organizations seek to improve their neighborhoods and overall community through volunteer work by members or by fundraising for certain programs or efforts. Civic organizations within your community allow job networking while meeting like-minded volunteers from the area.
Connecting with other community members though civic organizations can be a way to form friendships and bonds. These connections can be valuable networking tools and volunteerism also looks great on a resume or job application.
In addition, for employers, contributing to the community where your employees work or live is a creative way to boost employee engagement and create a sense of cooperation for a cause.
Where to Find Job Networking Connections
Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders who “provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.” There are about 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 30,000 Rotary clubs throughout the world.
Keene has several Rotary clubs for those interested in making a difference while job networking. The Rotary Club of Keene and the Keene Elm City Rotary. Both clubs are active in the community and members live the Rotary ideal of “Service Over Self.”
They support a variety of community initiatives and raise funds through popular events. For instance, the Clarence DeMar Marathon and an annual lobster feast raffle. The Greater Keene Rotaract Club is a service-oriented social club sponsored by Rotary International for ages 18-35 who assist the community through service and charitable giving.
The Kiwanis Club of Keene is a service organization with a child-centric objective. The majority of its efforts benefit local children. The club holds fundraising activities, including a popular annual golf tournament, to support for children’ programs. Members also give of their time and skills. The club sponsors three youth clubs: the Builders’ Club at St. Joseph School in Keene, and the Key Clubs at Keene High School and Monadnock Regional High School.
The Keene Lions Club is part of Lions Club International and serves the needs of the less fortunate in the Monadnock Region. Eyesight preservation is the primary focus of its charitable giving, although the club offers support in many other ways. The club collects used eyeglasses and recycles them into service for the needy. It also provides camp scholarships for youth. Its annual musical production is a well-attended fundraising event.
Give Back through Nonprofit Volunteerism
Those with special community interests or favorite charities can give back by serving on a nonprofit board of directors or volunteering. The Monadnock United Way provides funding for necessary service organizations in the region and collaborates with partners to address human service needs. Another option is Monadnock Habitat for Humanity, a local chapter of the national nonprofit that builds safe and affordable homes for families in the Monadnock Region.
Choose a nonprofit that matches up with your interests and past charitable giving. Do you have a passion for animals? The Monadnock Humane Society is an animal shelter providing services for homeless dogs, cats, and small animals. It has a range of volunteer opportunities available, from caring for the animals to helping with fundraising events.
Assisting a nonprofit is another rewarding way to make job networking connections while being of service to others. You can find a comprehensive list of area nonprofits and civic organizations on the Greater Keene and Peterborough Chamber of Commerce website.
We’re proud to say that our employees are members of civic organizations in the Keene community and support area nonprofits. It’s our mission to connect employers to qualified temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire candidates. Contact Masiello Employment Services to learn more about our specialties and available candidates.