Volunteering is not only beneficial for the organization but can also be rewarding and fulfilling for you, the volunteer. This is especially true if looking for a new sense of purpose or simply helping out. Outlined below are some of the reasons and benefits of volunteering.
- It’s an opportunity to give back to society.
You don’t necessarily have to donate large chunks of money to support the community. Simply using your time, skill, and energy to volunteer at a local community centre, a non-profit, or a charitable organization is enough.
- It promotes good health
According to research, taking part in community events and volunteering can have a significant effect on your overall mental health and physical fitness. It can be a healthy distraction for anyone going through something tough in their lives. Volunteering thus makes it easier to beat social isolation and depression.
- Experience something new
Leading the same lifestyle and routine can make your life boring and uneventful. Nevertheless, volunteering introduces you to new people, opportunities, and experiences on a daily basis. No day is the same for every volunteer.
- Get another perspective
Most volunteers leave more optimistic and positive than they came. This is most prevalent when you have to help someone faced with a difficult situation or less fortunate. Simply interacting with these individuals makes it easier to see life with a new set of eyes, allowing you to appreciate whatever you have.
- It is Inspiring
The best part about volunteer work is that there are unlimited chances of meeting someone with a unique perspective of life and work, with an amazing story, and one willing to share good/bad experiences. You can be a source of inspiration to them, or who knows, be inspired in return. As cliché as it may sound, everyone has a unique story. Yours could impact/inspire a fellow volunteer in the group. Sharing stories and experiences can be a source of inspiration for many.
- It can be fun
Many non-profit and charitable organisations are always looking for volunteers. With the vast opportunities in these organisations, you get to choose to do what you are most comfortable or best at. You can volunteer for anything from the things you are passionate about, to amateur dramatics, as well as help people attain their potential. This is what makes every day in these centres fun and worth coming back to.
There are some residential college for special needs who are seeking volunteers for their organizations. You can join them.
- It’s an opportunity to expand your social circle
Hundreds of people volunteer in various organisations per day. Taking it on thus gives you an opportunity to meet new people, potentially make friends and grow your social network. It is considerably better than meeting people online.
- Learn how to be part of a team
Volunteering gives you an excellent opportunity to be part of a team. It rarely is a one-man show, meaning you have to collaborate to get things going. That said, you can choose to volunteer to learn how to be part of a team and make the most out of it.
- Learn new skills
Volunteering also provides an excellent opportunity to learn new skills or perfect those you already have. This is especially important if you recently got a new role and looking to learn more about the same. In addition to this, it will be good for your CV and career in the long run. Many people use the skills and experience acquired from these centres in their workplaces, enabling them to perform better than they did before.
- A chance to explore a hobby or interest
Do you hold a senior role at work but miss the action and hands-on experience? Taking up a volunteer position can help fill this void. You can also use this as an opportunity to grow or learn a new hobby. A hands-on experience in the field, and interacting with a common interest, is more fulfilling than sitting in an office alone, or barking orders to your juniors.
Volunteer work is one of the most enjoyable, rewarding, and fulfilling experiences anyone can experience. The chance to meet new people, interact with them, and even grow your social circle is something no one should pass.
