Chanakya Advisors’ Post

Volunteering in Tennis Clubs: The Power of Community and Responsibility Volunteering is more than just a good deed—it is a cornerstone of our society and an expression of solidarity in action. People who dedicate their time voluntarily to the club achieve great things: They coach young talents, promote team spirit, preserve nature, or offer support in challenging times. They are the unsung heroes who strengthen social cohesion and form the heart of our clubs. I especially want to encourage the younger generation to step into these roles. Volunteering not only teaches responsibility but also empathy and the value of togetherness. By serving others, we experience what it truly means to be part of a community—an invaluable experience that stays with us for life. But volunteering also comes with its challenges. That’s why it’s crucial to create professional structures, such as Club Managers, to relieve the volunteers. Only through a balanced interaction between voluntary work and professional support can we secure the future of our tennis clubs—and those evolving into multi-racket sports clubs. Together, we build a strong foundation for the next generation, fostering not just sports but also a sense of belonging and trust. Let’s have the courage to take responsibility and carry the power of community forward! #VolunteeringMatters #CommunityLeadership #PowerOfService #YouthEmpowerment #TennisClubs #FutureOfSports #SocialCohesion #TeamSpirit #VolunteerHeroes #ProfessionalSupport #TogetherWeGrow #StrengthInUnity #InspiringGenerations #BuildingTheFuture #SportsForAll #RacketSportsRevolution

It's no secret, I am passionate about ice hockey. Over the past couple months I have been volunteering with the local ice rink organizing a "Girls Try Hockey for Free" event. It was an absolute blast! We had a record-breaking turnout with 61 enthusiastic girls and women ready to hit the ice for the first time, and an amazing crew of 15 volunteers to support them. HUGE thank you to everyone that took part in the guerilla marketing campaign too! But the real win wasn't the saves I made (or the ones that got past me!), it was the smiles on those girls' faces. Let's talk about why volunteering is more than just a good deed: 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Seeing them experience the thrill of hockey for the first time was pure magic. Knowing we played a part in introducing them to a sport we love is a truly rewarding feeling. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐤:  The camaraderie among the volunteers was fantastic. We all came together with a common goal—sharing our passion for hockey. It reminded me that volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s also about connecting with like-minded people and building lasting relationships. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐲: Organizing and coordinating an event outside of my usual niche was a learning experience. From logistics to on-ice coaching, every aspect helped me grow personally and professionally. Plus, playing goalie against a bunch of excited first-timers kept me on my toes and reminded me why I call myself the #WorldsOkayestGoalie! 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧: There's something undeniably special about being on the ice, surrounded by the energy of new players discovering a love for the game. It was infectious, and impossible not to have a blast. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠? If you've ever considered volunteering, but haven't taken the plunge, I urge you to do it! It's a fantastic way to give back to your community, meet like-minded people, and develop valuable skills. Whether it's sports, animal shelters, or a cause close to your heart, the joy and personal growth you get from volunteering are unmatched. #Volunteering #HockeyLife #GivingBack #WorldsOkayestGoalie #CommunicationsCoach

Justin Adams reporting on the importance of the Daniels Fund Youth Sports Giving Day online fundraiser for organizations like Athletics & Beyond featured in the story is NFL/Denver Bronco veteran Ryan Harris. Since 2005, Athletics & Beyond has been a dedicated advocate for breaking down the barriers that limit access to sports, education, careers, and other opportunities, particularly those rooted in socioeconomic factors. We believe that all children should have an equal opportunity to participate in sports, to learn and grow, to connect with others, and to discover and pursue their dreams. * All children deserve to enjoy the lifetime benefits of being physically active and playing sports. * Youth sports participation is lower than it should be, especially for kids in low-income families and communities of color. Youth Sports Giving Day is a way for Coloradans to come together and strike out inequality. * Playing sports can give every kid a winning chance at life. Donate and help level the playing field. * * Research shows positive sports experiences as a young person can develop the whole child and contribute to success as an adult. By giving today, we can help all Colorado youth experience the joys and benefits of playing sports. Every kid in Colorado deserves a shot at success. Playing sports with trained coaches who are focused on the right goals sets kids up to not only beat the odds, but also to change the odds for others. How can you help? Search Athletics & Beyond to make a difference in a child's life https://lnkd.in/giUVCKvX News story: https://lnkd.in/gaDxg3XD

🪖Two weeks ago I put on a new hat! 🪖 Fundraising manager. NEVER something I’ve done before or wanted to do. I don’t think of myself as very salesy but I absolutely love this project so surely people will buy into the vision? The things I’ve learnt in my first two weeks of this new and voluntary role… 💰It is really exciting when the money starts rolling in! 👯♀️Without amazing friends, you’d be nowhere. 📖Most people don’t read stuff. Which is hard when you’ve tried to be clear, open and transparent. ❓Answering questions and not getting annoyed about the people who don’t read stuff is key. See the answers as another opportunity to get your point across. ☹️Not everyone you expected to help will help even when they absolutely should. 🏝️You can’t do it all on your own so be honest and ask for help. What am I going on about? 🏐I am doing community fundraising for my local park project to regenerate netball and basketball courts. I was asked (by my mum) what I’ll do if I don’t get the money… my answer was “I will get the money” I truely believe that. It will happen, so please come and be part of the journey, donate what you can because even if this project isn’t near you, if it works it could be replicated near you one day. #netball #fundraising #localpark #basketball #victoriapark https://lnkd.in/eTACZ8Xk

Read more and sign up to Break the Cycle 2024 on the link below!

When it comes to volunteer management for a sporting event, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Here are some thoughts to help you with the process: 1. Define volunteer roles: Clearly outline the different roles volunteers will be fulfilling during the event. This could include ticketing, ushering, hospitality, crowd control, and more. Be specific about the tasks involved in each role to ensure volunteers understand their responsibilities. 2. Recruit volunteers: Advertise volunteer opportunities through various channels such as social media, local community organizations, schools, and online platforms for volunteer recruitment. Provide a simple and convenient registration process for volunteers to sign up. 3. Training and orientation: Conduct training sessions to familiarize volunteers with their roles and responsibilities. This should include information about the event, emergency procedures, customer service skills, and any specific instructions or protocols they need to follow. 4. Communication and coordination: Establish effective communication channels with volunteers to keep them informed before, during, and after the event. Use email, WhatsApp groups, or a dedicated volunteer management software to share updates, changes, and important information. 5. Recognition and appreciation: Show gratitude towards your volunteers by recognizing their efforts. This could include providing them with volunteer T-shirts or badges, offering refreshments during the event, or organizing a thank-you event afterward. Small gestures can go a long way in making volunteers feel valued. 6. Feedback and evaluation: After the event, collect feedback from volunteers to improve the volunteer management process for future events. This will help you learn from their experiences and make necessary adjustments. Remember that effective volunteer management is crucial for the success of your sporting event. By carefully considering these suggestions, you can create a positive experience for both volunteers and attendees. Good luck!

How can I contribute to the gym's community or culture? Contributing to your martial arts school's community or culture can enhance the training environment for everyone, whether through volunteering, organizing events, or simply supporting fellow students. What ways have you found to contribute to your school's community, and what impact do you think your involvement has had? Sharing ideas and experiences of community involvement can encourage others to actively participate in creating a positive and supportive martial arts culture. #groundstandard #communitycontribution #gymculture #activeparticipation #positiveimpact

"Mentorship can seem daunting. But without question, the benefits outweigh the commitment and our youth need positive role models more than ever. I know I sure did when I was young. The work SOS is doing is life-changing and I’m grateful to be a part of it." - SOS Mentor, Hope Marasco Hope shared some beautiful words on the impact of mentorship - go check it out on Smartwool's blog!

Time for a little distraction? The Olympics is a distraction, but also an inspiration, for everyone, not just the physical elite. The news has been full of the amazing accomplishments of medal-winning athletes for the past couple of weeks. But we hear little about all the support staff taking part in the event. For example, the judges, adjudicators, umpires and referees who help make this a fair and even playing field by enforcing the rules in the pools, courts arenas, and on the pitch and track. These people are also at the peak of their careers. They demonstrate commitment to their sport and model many of the same qualities as the athletes. Soccer referees and hockey umpires also need physical fitness and stamina to chase the ball and players around the pitch! Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, 1908 said “The most important thing is not winning but taking part.” I like to think this includes everyone. If like me, you aren't a 'doing sports' person but enjoy getting involved you could find other ways to take part. Perhaps you could train to referee for a sport played locally or volunteer to marshall at races. I have recently joined the volunteer team at Norwich City Community Sports Foundation using my non-educator skills in my local community. It's a great way to feel part of something and help out in small ways. If you want to see what I do on my non-educator days, check out the news link below to which I contributed some photographs. https://lnkd.in/eT-Jh7Wt For me it will never be about winning, but all about taking part - how about you? #Olympics #CommunityService #Volunteer #NorwichCityCommunitySportsFoundation

Volunteerism: A Mindset Shift for Life and Business I used to think volunteering was all about "what’s in it for me?"—like maybe I’d magically gain superpowers or get a free t-shirt. Spoiler alert: neither happened. Instead, I realized I was missing the point entirely. Turns out, helping others isn’t about tallying up what you’re getting back (though a good t-shirt is always appreciated). Over time, I’ve learned the real magic comes when you step up simply because it’s needed, and that’s where the true value lies—not just for others, but for yourself. This weekend, I’ll be volunteering at the Toughman Race series in Stoney Point, NY, and racing on Sunday. I’m excited to bring someone along with me, to mentor and (hopefully) inspire them to get involved with the sport of triathlon. Volunteerism gives us purpose. It enriches our lives while positively impacting the lives of others. It’s similar to business—when you focus on helping others and solving problems, you become a trusted resource, adding real value. Humility, service, and the desire to help as much as possible not only improve our outlook but also build meaningful connections. Even coaching your kids' rec soccer team or giving a few minutes of your time here and there can make a big difference. Giving back—whether in the community or the workplace—can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose. I encourage everyone to get involved where they can. It will change your perspective, both personally and professionally. #volunteerism #leadership #mentorship #community #businesswithpurpose #triathlon