Volunteering is essential to a healthy society and should not merely be listed on a résumé or college application. With a cascading effect that starts with the volunteer and nonprofit organisation and spreads beyond the greater community, volunteering has a wide-ranging positive impact that helps everyone in its wake. By reading this guide, you’ll discover more about the value of volunteering, how to identify volunteer opportunities, and how to switch from volunteering to a career in a charity.
The Benefits of Volunteering for Your Communities and Yourself
You are also taking care of yourself by doing this. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of volunteering for mental health. For example, a VolunteerMatch study conducted in 2017 in partnership with UnitedHealthcare found that volunteering with:
93% said their mood has improved.
79% say they feel less stressed
88% claim to have higher self-esteem
Then how do you decide how to start making a difference? Start with an area of interest. You’ll discover that you’ll find happiness for yourself and others. After that, select how you want to help your community. It might have to do with your interests, abilities, or areas where you want to expand. Last, consider your schedule and decide how much time you can devote to volunteering.
Some folks have more free time than others. Regarding your time, be practical. To make it feel effortless to do daily, start small, see how it works into your schedule, and then develop from there.
How can you give back now that you have a clear strategy for what you want to achieve and how it will fit into your life?
Here are some ways to make a difference through volunteering
1. Volunteer Virtually
The ability to work from home remotely, usually with a computer and an internet connection or by phone, has led to a rise in interest in virtual volunteering as more people practise physical distance. Over 630,000 virtual volunteers are needed, a significant shift that VolunteerMatch has observed.
Our March study revealed that 32% of NGOs began developing new online options. With so many options, you will likely discover something that supports a cause you are enthusiastic about.
2. Volunteer in Person
It might not come to mind when you first think of volunteering in person because we are still practising physical distance. However, since some types of volunteer work may only be done in person, communities need your assistance more than ever.
3. Cultural awareness
It’s one thing to view a new region of the world from a tour bus or cruise ship, but quite another to see a nation through the perspectives of its citizens. Global volunteers help other cultures thrive while coexisting with them and learning from them.
4. Finding your volunteer focus
It can be challenging to decide where to direct your time and abilities. Consider your values, beliefs, and interests to choose where you fit best. You can also learn about the many volunteer opportunities. People with a stronger emotional connection to their causes and specialising in a particular industry can make a more significant difference in the world through their work.
Conclusion:
There are many different ways to give back. Everything starts with your passion. Not only are you helping others, but you are also taking care of yourself. We can overcome the difficulties we’re facing and forge stronger bonds if we all work together now.