As a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Arizona employee, it’s part of Sarah Jacobsen’s role to keep clients healthy, but she also works hard to keep her coworkers happy through the spirit of volunteerism.

Here’s three ways you can, too:

1. Join A Volunteer Group Or Committee: Two years ago, Sarah joined the Cares Club Board as a co-chair of the internal volunteer committee. In a large organization with more than 1,400 employees, she knew it would be a great opportunity to connect colleagues across departments and levels who might not otherwise get to know each other. She also discovered for herself that volunteering is a lot of fun.

“There’s nothing better than going out there and putting your hands on the project. You can see and feel your impact.”

2. Lead By Example: Sarah said that, before she joined the Cares Club Board, she had only an idea of what it might be like to live in poverty. Once she got out there to volunteer, the need is what resonated most.

“If someone has a passion for helping others, they should have an outlet to volunteer. My role is to encourage people to get out there and try it at least once. I try to lead by example.”

Sarah makes sure the Cares Club Board offers a variety of opportunities: from working at community centers and animal shelters to assembling United Way’s School Readiness Kits and WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks. No matter what the project, you’ll always find Sarah rolling up her sleeves and getting her hands dirty.

In just two years, Sarah and her team raised the company’s total volunteer hours from 80 to 1,230.

3. Love the Work: During this year’s local Super Bowl, United Way partnered with the NFL to build a fitness trail at the Phoenix Armory for the men and women of the Arizona National Guard. This project really hit home for Sarah, who has family members and friends who serve in the military.

“It was an honor to give back to the people who give their lives to protect us.”

Volunteer with United Way and share the love of volunteering with your coworkers, too.