You’re a mid-career professional in Lean Manufacturing. What volunteer opportunities can you find?

1 Local non-profits

Many non-profit organizations can benefit from your Lean Manufacturing skills, especially if they have limited resources, complex processes, or multiple stakeholders. You can help them improve their efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction by applying Lean principles and tools to their operations. For example, you can volunteer to conduct a value stream mapping, identify and eliminate waste, or implement a kaizen event. You can also mentor and train their staff and volunteers on Lean concepts and practices. To find local non-profits that need your help, you can search online platforms like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or Catchafire, or contact them directly and offer your services.

2 Professional associations

Another way to volunteer your Lean Manufacturing skills is to join or support a professional association related to your field or industry. Professional associations are groups that promote the interests, standards, and development of their members and their profession. They often organize events, publications, certifications, and networking opportunities for their members and the public. You can volunteer to plan, host, or speak at these events, contribute to their publications, or serve on their committees or boards. You can also help them improve their own processes and systems by applying Lean techniques. To find a professional association that suits your goals, you can check online directories like CareerOneStop or Associations Now, or ask your colleagues or peers for recommendations.

3 Online platforms

If you prefer to volunteer remotely or flexibly, you can also use online platforms that connect skilled volunteers with organizations that need them. Online platforms are websites or apps that allow you to create a profile, browse and apply for projects, and communicate and collaborate with the organizations you choose. You can find projects that match your Lean Manufacturing skills, such as process improvement, data analysis, project management, or quality control. You can also learn new skills or explore new domains by taking on different types of projects. Some examples of online platforms that offer skilled volunteering opportunities are Taproot Plus, Skills for Change, or Volunteer World.

4 Educational institutions

Another option for volunteering your Lean Manufacturing skills is to partner with an educational institution, such as a school, college, or university. Educational institutions are always looking for ways to enhance their curriculum, engage their students, and bridge the gap between theory and practice. You can volunteer to teach a course, workshop, or seminar on Lean Manufacturing, or to mentor, coach, or tutor students who are interested in learning more about it. You can also help them improve their own educational processes and outcomes by applying Lean methods and tools. To find an educational institution that welcomes your contribution, you can contact them directly, or use online platforms like Teach for America, DonorsChoose, or EdSurge.

5 Social enterprises

A final idea for volunteering your Lean Manufacturing skills is to work with a social enterprise. A social enterprise is a business that has a social or environmental mission, as well as a financial one. They use market-based strategies to create positive change in the world, while also generating revenue and profit. You can help them achieve their dual goals by applying Lean principles and tools to their business model, operations, and impact measurement. You can also learn from their innovative and sustainable practices, and expand your network and perspective. To find a social enterprise that aligns with your values and vision, you can search online platforms like Social Enterprise Alliance, B Lab, or Ashoka, or look for local or regional directories or networks.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?