The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteers are the backbone for good in this world. They transform communities, are the lifeblood of many non-profits, provide opportunities to work and interact with people from different walks of life, provide the perfect conduit for developing a new skill or discovering a new talent, provide valuable lessons in group dynamics, leadership, teamwork and commitment to something above and beyond our daily existence,
improve one's overall health, offer the satisfaction of incorporating service into ones life and making a difference in the environment, community or country. Sometimes it's only until one welcomes the servicing of others into their lives, that he or she understands there's just as much to be gained as there is to be given. Volunteering has a meaningful, positive and real impact all over the world and is a powerful experience just waiting to happen!
“If our hopes of building a better and safe world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” ~
Kofi Annan, World Organizing Nobel Peace
The need for volunteers is urgent. A spirit of selfless service is now crucial in a world with so many in need and so much at stake. The essential role that volunteers play in moving communities and nations forward in their development can be strengthened and widened by highlighting not only the many opportunities available, but also the many benefits one receives through the experience of volunteering:
Learn or Develop a New Skill
Volunteering is the perfect experience bound to help you discover a passion you never knew you had or help you develop a talent or new skill. No matter your age, it is never too late to embark on a journey to learn something about yourself you may have never really known and make that difference you always wanted to. Learning and developing are life-long endeavors perhaps explored to the greatest depths through serving and volunteering. In the midst of following your heart, dreams and passion, you will learn a great deal about yourself and the world around you while making strong connections that can last for a lifetime.
Create Leadership
Putting yourself in a volunteer environment allows you to learn strategic thinking and conflict resolution skills in a setting that offers you opportunities to lead by persuasion, show your innovation and share your ideas and values. Learning about your community or a cause, about people, resources, trends and concerns all help you develop your leadership potential. The simple act of watching those around you engage in noble activities, leading in their own ways, allows you to identify leadership qualities that you most appreciate and can develop yourself. Leadership skills are essential to anyone looking to make a difference. Volunteering is a great place to start!
Be Part of your Community
No man or woman is an island. People and societies co-depend on each other for survival the same way wildlife and wild places do. Communities are bound to suffer with disengaged citizens, but we can come together and bridge that gap through volunteering. In an experience that is sure to make you new friends, provide you with unique experiences and with a feeling of belonging to your community, volunteering is ultimately about helping others and making a positive impact in your community.
Boost Your Career Options
A survey carried out by TimeBank
through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses:
- 73%of employers would employ a candidate with volunteering experience over one without.
- 94%of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills.
- 58%say that voluntary work experience can actually be more valuable than experience gained in paid employment.
- 94%of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted.
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." ~ Albert Schweitzer, Humanitarian Nobel Peace
No matter your religion, background or ethnicity, we all share the same miracle - the more we share, the more we have. By harnessing the power of the people, we can tap into one of the greatest natural resources on Earth - the power of the volunteer. Whether it's volunteering for an organization or volunteering to care for something greater than yourself, the power of the volunteer exists in all of us in a seemingly endless abundance of will power just waiting to change the world for the better."Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.Health Benefits of Volunteering
| "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." ~ Oscar Wilde
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- Nearly half of all volunteers (47%) say volunteering has improved their physical health and fitness.
- 25% of people who volunteer more than five times a year say volunteering has helped them lose weight (20% overall).
- 22% of 18 to 24-year-olds say volunteering helps them cut down on alcohol. 20% of people who have volunteered for over two years and 19% of those who volunteer once a month or more say volunteering helps them drink less alcohol.
- 63% of 25 to 34-year-olds say volunteering helps them feel less stressed. 62% of over 65's say volunteering reduces stress.
- 9% of men and 8% of women said that volunteering has improved their sex life. This compares with 17% of volunteers aged 18 to 24-years-old.
- Half of people (48%) who have volunteered for more than two years say volunteering makes them less depressed. 71% of volunteers who offer their professional skills and experience say volunteering helps combat depression.
- Nearly a third (30%) of 18 to 24-year-old smokers say volunteering helps them smoke less. 21% of smokers who have volunteered for over two years say that volunteering helps them smoke less.
- Almost 1 in 3 (31%) 18 - 24 year olds say they have taken less time off work since volunteering.
"You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man." ~ Seth Parker
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." ~ Albert Pike
Personal Rewards and Sense of Achievement
Volunteering is about generously donating your time, skills and energy. This desire and enthusiasm to service a cause conveys a sense of motivation and achievement which is enjoyable, fulfilling and revitalizing. Volunteering builds confidence, lowers stress, helps relieve tension, fosters a deeper sense of belonging and can improve your overall well-being. Sometimes it's only until one welcomes the servicing of others into their lives, that he or she understands there's just as much to be gained as there is to be given.
Meet a Diverse Range of People
Volunteering can put you in a setting with a diverse range of people from all walks of life. Both your fellow volunteers and the recipients of your volunteer efforts can be a valuable source of inspiration and a great way to expand your interpersonal skills. Volunteering also offers an incredible networking opportunity and the chance to develop lasting personal and professional relationships with people from all walks of life, enjoy different environments and explore new industries. With volunteering, you never know who you will meet, what they may teach you and what you may teach them.
"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart." ~ Elizabeth Andrew
"Have you had a kindness shown?
Pass it on;
'Twas not given for thee alone,
Pass it on;
Let it travel down the years,
Let it wipe another's tears,
'Til in Heaven the deed appears -
Pass it on."
~ Henry Burton
"If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life."
~Author Unknown
~Author Unknown
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