WHY VOLUNTEER? HOW VOLUNTEERING BENEFITS THE VOLUNTEER

Volunteering your time, skills, and resources is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference and to help others. But how beneficial is volunteering to the volunteer? Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Here are five ways volunteering can impact you positively:

Volunteering Connects You to Others & Your Community

Volunteering provides a unique opportunity: it connects people with very specific shared values. It's a great way to reach out to your community and meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. When you're working with others to complete a common goal, you naturally will start to form bonds and relationships with others. Not only do these volunteers care about the same social issues as you, but, they have chosen to do something about it. Like you, they want to make the world a better place – and that’s a great place to start a friendship. Volunteering can also bring people into your social network you otherwise wouldn’t get to meet and you get to learn from others and the skills they have.

Volunteering Teaches You New Skills & Talents

Volunteering does not only improve your social skills, but many other skills that you can apply in other settings and your day to day life. You will benefit greatly by learning leadership skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, time management skills, communication skills, and organizational skills. Volunteering also enables you to better work and cooperate with others, be more creative, have stronger work ethic, and boost your professionalism. You may not be getting paid while volunteering, but the skills and lessons you learn through volunteering are definitely priceless.

Volunteering Can Help Advance Your Academics & Career

Volunteering will offer you skills that can be used throughout your academic and professional careers. If you are wanting to explore a new career, volunteering in that new field can help you develop the skills and knowledge you will need. When you have a volunteering experience to add to your resume, you stand out over job candidates who don’t take the time to give back to society. Volunteering highlights your character, passion, and determination. Anything you learn while volunteering can be applied to your personal, professional, or academic life and will help you stand out and advance over others.

Volunteering Gives You a Sense of Purpose & Makes You Happier

Volunteering has been shown to give you a sense of accomplishment and increases feelings of happiness. Volunteering will enrich your life and give you a broader purpose and can give you a boost of motivation. Even the smallest amount of help can make the biggest difference. Giving back to causes you are most passionate about not only meets their needs, but will satisfy your needs of belonging and purpose as well. Every moment that you’re contributing to the greater good will lead to a life full of more joy and fulfillment. Find the cause that speaks to you and start giving back today.

Volunteering Gives You a Fun Experience to Enjoy

While it can be important to be professional and respectful while volunteering, it's supposed to be fun and exciting for you! Volunteering is a great, impactful, and positive way to have some fun and make new memories. You can volunteer by yourself, with family, and/or with friends and have an unforgettable experience together, all while giving back. Especially when volunteering at places you are most passionate about or that are tied to your personal interests, you won't even feel like you are doing any volunteer work, you'll just be having fun! You can find organizations that match your interests and their contact informations on our Organizations page.

When you find the right fit, you’ll enrich the lives of others and your life will be made better by the experience! Your efforts that go towards making society better will make us we all feel better. Volunteering benefits all parties involved in the process. Volunteering is important and the benefits are clear, but it's important to have fun and enjoy it too! Happy Volunteering!