Volunteering can change your life. I know it did mine.

Shortly after starting to practice law in the 1980s, I began volunteering at DOROT — a UJA-supported agency on the Upper West Side, whose mission to improve the lives of the elderly is made possible largely through strategic volunteer engagement. I signed up for one of DOROT’s hallmark initiatives, “Friendly Visiting,” going on visits to the homebound elderly, sometimes joined by my wife and then young kids.

There was a surprising dimension to our visits: we were there to provide comfort to isolated seniors but oftentimes we were the ones who walked away deeply comforted and inspired by the extraordinary, resilient people we met.

Following DOROT, I became involved in other volunteer organizations, including UJA. And while I continued to enjoy the practice of law, the communal work — becoming more committed to the mission of these organizations — was leaving its mark, leading me to question how I wanted to spend my day. Eventually (glossing over a few steps…), I became CEO of UJA.

I shared my story earlier this week at a volunteer summit hosted at UJA, sponsored by NYC Service and New York Cares. The room was filled with more than 150 people, mostly the heads of nonprofits who had come to learn more about the why and how of working with volunteers.

The need for increased volunteerism is clear, as agencies today are increasingly being forced to do more and more with less. Yet, in a national survey of nonprofits, only 11% strategically leverage volunteers. Studies reveal the impact of volunteers: nonprofits that meaningfully engage volunteers are as effective as their peers without volunteers, but at almost half the median budget. These studies also invariably prove my own experience — volunteers overwhelmingly lead more contented lives.

For all these reasons, UJA is making volunteerism a major priority. We’re devoting significant resources in developing a groundbreaking initiative called “Live With Purpose” that will make volunteering a regular and important part of our lives.

And we have an audacious goal: inspiring 20,000 Jewish New Yorkers to perform 1 million hours of service, using the power of volunteerism to address our region’s greatest challenges.

Right now we’re gearing up — creating a cutting edge online platform where all agencies in our network, together with synagogues, schools, and other institutions, can share volunteer opportunities. We’re also investing in training so that agencies are prepared to provide high-quality volunteer experiences. And we plan to formally launch Live With Purpose in 2017, in conjunction with our centennial year, to reflect the enduring impact of UJA as we embark on a new century.

Most important, if we get it right, we’ll immeasurably strengthen not just our community, our city, and the people who count on us for help, but also provide a gateway for Jewish New Yorkers to lead lives of even greater meaning and purpose.

Shabbat shalom