Volunteering is one of the great secrets of our society. Those who do it believe in it wholeheartedly and intend – as long as time is available and health permits – to continue doing it. Yet, for those who do not do it, volunteering is a little mysterious and almost other-worldly.
The truth is that volunteering is more than meets the eye.
It is not an innocuous yet praiseworthy activity for those who have nothing better to do. It is, rather, a way to help transform the society you live in.
So what we have decided to do is put together a list of the 5 best reasons we can think of, with the help of the guys over at AmanziTravel, to why you should get involved in that transformation that can improve your life and others.
1. Volunteering makes a difference in other people’s lives.
Whether you are serving lunch at a soup kitchen or tutoring a child, comforting hospice patients or helping ex-convicts reintegrate into society, your efforts can make a crucial difference in the lives of others. For the person(s) benefiting from your services, you are more than a friendly helper – you are a lifeline, a reason for hope.
2. Volunteering promotes good mental health.
It is difficult to be depressed or overly anxious when you are actively contributing to the lives of others. Also, seeing and helping to fulfill others’ needs gives volunteers a valuable perspective on their own lives. So what you are seeing here is a win-win siutation, your getting that pride in helping others which in effect is helping you.
3. Volunteering supports skill development.
Depending on the match between your skill set and the volunteering opportunities available, it may be possible to develop skills that will be useful in your career. This happens either as a result of training received in preparation for your volunteer work or through doing the actual volunteer tasks.
4. Volunteering contributes to networking.
By becoming involved in an organization that deploys volunteers, you meet a whole new group of people. Often they are – like you! – engaged, aware, concerned members of the community. These connections can be invaluable in developing career options, finding collaborators, or even discovering prospective clients.
5. Volunteering allows you to take part in a huge endeavor.
Volunterring help you build a caring society, one that works for everyone. Volunteers understand that it isn’t government alone that develops the programs and institutions and services to meet the myriad needs of individuals. Other members of the society must play a role also. Playing that role is both a privilege and a challenge.
Our Final Thought On Volunteering
Volunteering is about more than giving a couple of hours a week to a good cause. It is about engaging in society on your terms and making your presence felt. Those who have tried it see it as a gift. For those who have not yet tried it, that gift waits to be unwrapped. So do something special today, get motivated by the wonderful world of volunteering.
