The Remarkable Benefits of Volunteering
Time is quite literally our most valuable asset in this life. We don’t know how much of it we have, but we do know that it will not last forever. I find it incredibly fascinating how different individuals choose to spend their infinite time on this planet whether for good, bad, or indifferent.
The world as I know it, especially in the United States, is a fast paced, ‘get on board or get left behind’ kind of life. My memories consist of a series of setting goals, accomplishing them, and starting over with more goals and more accomplishments. I was (and still am) always pushing to do more and be better. Although having a similar mindset can make an incredibly productive person, it did not allow for much down time to do some self-reflection (which I’ve now found to be incredibly valuable).
It’s so easy to think that I’m out here just living my life that no one cares about when in reality, everything I do has an impact. It’s so easy to overlook the profound influence I can have on my community and and the impact my community can have on me.
I did not grow up wealthy, and I was taught at an early age that the kindness of others can quite literally change your life. My mom worked incredibly hard and whenever someone reached out to help us in any way, she made sure we were thankful and that those kindnesses did not go unappreciated.
She taught me to value communities and genuine people. We started giving back to our community any way we could as often as we could. Throughout my younger years, high school, and college years, I maintained that commitment to giving back by volunteering time, money, supplies, or whatever it was I had to give at that time in my life.
In this post, I want to remind each of you of the remarkable benefits of volunteering.
1. Personal Growth and Skill Development:
Volunteering offers a unique platform for personal growth and skill enhancement. Many times, when we’re volunteering, we’re participating in something we wouldn’t typically be doing in our day-to-day lives.
- I’ve volunteered to do trail restoration on the Appalachian trail with Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, and I’ve never actually hiked much of the trail.
- I’ve volunteered at multiple food banks sorting foods and bagging home delivery kits. That’s something I don’t have to do when I go to the grocery store.
By stepping outside our comfort zones and engaging in new and unfamiliar tasks, we can develop a range of valuable skills such as compassion, communication, relationship building, and teamwork to name a few. These skills, honed through volunteer work, often translate into our personal and professional lives.
2. Promoting Empathy and Compassion:
Engaging in volunteer work allows us to take a step back and see life through the eyes of others, which one can only do with empathy and compassion. It helps us recognize the challenges that different individuals and communities face, encouraging us to be more understanding and considerate in our interactions. From my point of view, this is the biggest take away from volunteer activities.
- I’ve purchased, wrapped, and anonymously given out Christmas gifts to families who couldn’t have provided gifts to their children.
- I’ve worked with injured, homeless, and emotionally unstable animals at multiple animal shelters.
- Nova (pictured) was my first foster dog. She was just skin and bones when I took her in. She had worms and a skin condition and I got her back to health and adopted into an amazing family!
- I’ve helped clean up streets with a lot of drug users and directed addicts to places they can get clean, hygienic needles and wound care.
Each experience made me FEEL something while learning about how others are living and dealing with life’s challenges. That ‘something‘ that I feel, is what helps me be a better person.
3. Expanding Social Horizons:
Volunteering opens doors to new social connections and friendships. It brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences who share a common goal of making a positive impact. These connections not only enrich our social circles but also expose us to different perspectives and cultures, broadening our understanding of the world.
- There’s a saying that goes something like “You are who your friends are” and I like to think that I surround myself with people who are caring, compassionate, empathetic, and willing to make a positive impact in their community whenever they have the chance to do so.
4. Building Stronger Communities:
Not only are you expanding your social horizons when you get out and volunteer, but you’re helping to build a stronger community around you by showing you care enough to donate time, money, etc. to whatever the cause community is needing to bring attention to. One person can make an impact on their community, but when large groups within communities reach other communities and everyone comes together to dedicate their time and skills to make the world a better place, change WILL happen.
- Facebook groups are actually excellent for building communities interested in volunteering locally. I’m part of a local volunteer group for my city and I’ve inspired other to sign up for events and programs that needed extra volunteers just by sharing that I’m volunteering!
Whether it’s through organizing local events, providing support for vulnerable populations, or participating in neighborhood clean-ups, volunteers play an integral role in building and maintaining the fabric of society.
5. Enhancing Emotional Well-being:
The act of giving back has a remarkable impact on our emotional well-being. Research has shown that volunteering is associated with lower levels of stress, decreased feelings of isolation, and increased overall happiness. The sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes from making a positive difference can lead to a greater sense of purpose and a more positive outlook on life.
6. Professional Benefits:
Volunteering can also have a positive impact on your professional life. It provides an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and potential mentors, potentially leading to new career prospects. Volunteering can be an impressive addition to your resume, showcasing your commitment, leadership skills, and ability to contribute to a larger cause.
7. Leaving a Lasting Legacy:
Volunteering is a way to leave a lasting positive impact on the world. Whether you’re working on environmental conservation, education, healthcare, or any other cause, your contributions can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and perpetuate the cycle of kindness.
I truly believe that we should be instilling kindness in our children, young adults, and even college students. We should be encouraging them to get out, volunteer whenever and whatever they can, and help build, maintain, and improve communities.
We may live in a society that emphasizes individual success and achievement, but by volunteering, we are reinforcing the value of shared humanity and the importance of giving back to your community.
The benefits of volunteering expand far beyond the actual act itself, but the act of volunteering selflessly can enrich our lives in incredible and remarkable ways.
It’s never too soon to start volunteering and it’s never too late either.
If you’re interested in my volunteer experiences further, look forward to my upcoming post about my time with Alternative Spring Break programs throughout my undergraduate years.
Katelynn is a Texas-based writer and travel enthusiast who makes the most of her time exploring new destinations while balancing a full-time 9-5 job. She has visited 12 countries and 27 U.S. states. She describes herself as a weekend warrior and shares her passion for travel, outdoor adventures, and solo journeys on her blog, KatelynnOutLoud.
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