Introduction
National Volunteer Week starts on April 16th. We at iPlume understand the importance of volunteerism within our communities and the non-profit sector; many of our non-profit clients rely on volunteers to help make their services accessible to underserved communities. Volunteering is beneficial not only to non-profits and community members; but to those who choose to volunteer as well!
Here are some of the benefits of volunteering:
1. You will connect with others
Volunteering is a great way to broaden your social circle and make new friends. If you struggle with connecting with others, volunteering may give you the push you need to put yourself out there.
As a volunteer, you will get to talk to people from many different walks of life, making it an excellent opportunity to get to know people within your community. You may meet another volunteer with the same interests and philanthropic values as yourself!
The connections you make while volunteering can also aid your professional development. You may volunteer for an organization or school and make strong professional connections, leading to employment opportunities or great references.
2. You will gain more professional experience
Need some padding for your resume? Volunteering is a great way to test the waters of a field you are interested in but don’t want to commit to yet fully. As mentioned earlier, the connections you form while volunteering can open many doors in the professional world.
You may be interested in a specific job or career path but have no idea where to start. Volunteering could give you the knowledge and experience you need to get started.
For example, if you want to become a teacher, you could start reading to children at an elementary school; if you’re pursuing a career as a veterinary assistant, you could start by walking dogs at an animal shelter.
As a volunteer, you will constantly be learning new skills. You will encounter many situations that test your ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve on the fly, and you will need to communicate with many different people and work as a team. The number of skills you will gain while volunteering is endless, so why not give it a try?
3. Benefits: You will feel good.
If you ask a volunteer why they do what they do, their biggest motivator is helping others. As a volunteer, it feels good to know you are making a difference in someone’s life. Helping others not only makes them feel good, but you feel good as well!
Volunteering has proven to have a profound effect on both physical and mental well-being. If you suffer from depression or chronic stress, volunteering has shown to be an effective way to alleviate symptoms. Contributing to a cause bigger than yourself allows you to separate yourself from the things causing stress in your life. The connections you make with fellow volunteers will help you build a robust support system, and your work will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your day-to-day life.
Volunteering is a great way to reduce stress and benefit your physical health. Being physically active and managing stress in your daily life are key factors in lowering the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Volunteers are also less likely to have sedentary lifestyles. If you can’t find the motivation to go to the gym, try volunteering somewhere that keeps you moving; it is a great way to accomplish your goals, stay healthy, and help others!
Conclusion
Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with others in your community, build long-lasting friendships, and make professional connections. You can test out the waters of a new career without long-term commitment and gain professional skills in an open environment. Volunteering has proven to improve self-esteem, lift your mood, and keep you physically active, promoting overall health and wellness.
As a volunteer, you will add value to people’s lives–and your own! The benefits outweigh the risks, and there are so many possibilities. When picking somewhere to volunteer, be sure it is something you are passionate about and aligns with your values. Wherever you choose to volunteer, remember to have fun and be yourself!
Resources
Looking to volunteer but have no idea where to start? Here are some resources to get you started!
