There are a couple of denotations for the word volunteering. It can be defined as “freely offering to do something,” or “offer (help).” However, there is so much more to volunteering than what meets the eye. Volunteering is actively being a part of your community by helping to make it a better place. It is recognizing that you can be a part of changing the world for the better. Lastly, volunteering can make you a better person and teach you valuable life lessons.
While it is excellent to start serving your community from a young age, you can volunteer at any age. Personally, I learned about the opportunities around me to serve at the age of 11. I started off small by making lunches for the homeless community every month. Then, I became passionate about not only ending hunger but early literacy. I began making reading videos, serving lunches to the homeless in person and searching for other opportunities that would interest me and help society. The journey from then to now has been incredible, and today I want to discuss the benefits of undertaking a journey similar to mine.
Boosts Confidence
Volunteering can help you gain and/or boost confidence, which can help you in your day-to-day life. For example, it teaches you to interact with people who you have never met, which is a social skill that is crucial for your academic and professional life. The confidence you gain can help you with presentations, group projects, and so much more. It also teaches you to step out of your comfort zone. In my experience, I once had to guide a family through a haunted house, but I had never been in one myself. We had gone through but was nervous that I would lose my way. I was out of my comfort zone, but that night taught me a lot about believing in myself, and I made some great memories as well.
Helps You Meet New People
Volunteering allows you to meet people of all ages. Whether it is the people you serve or the people you serve with, volunteering connects you to people with the same interests, hobbies, or passions. This is another benefit that can strengthen your social skills. The people you meet can even turn out to be your best friends for life or your most supportive mentors.
The network that volunteering builds can also open up doors for you professionally. If you meet anyone that works in the same field that you are interested in, you can call on them for any support or advice that you may need.
Teaches You Vital Skills
Volunteering teaches you more than just how to interact with people, it teaches you collaboration, problem-solving, time management, and leadership skills.
Problem Solving/Collaboration- It is common that things will not go exactly as they were supposed to while you volunteer. For example, I once showed up to a volunteer shift at 9:45 AM, since it was supposed to begin at 10 AM. However, I and the other volunteers did not see anyone there to delegate tasks to us. We had to use our problem-solving skills to find the appropriate people, help each other, and start our shift.
Time Management- All of us have busy lives, whether you are a high school student or a working professional. Volunteering teaches you to schedule around all of your commitments and show up to your shifts on time, which are crucial skills that you can apply to almost anything.
Leadership- While volunteering, there may come a time when someone needs to step up and take charge. If you take the initiative, you can use that experience to help during other events.
Good for Your Physical/Mental Health
Volunteering has been scientifically proven to be good for your physical and mental health.
A 2013 study showed that adults that were 50+ and volunteered regularly were less likely to develop hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure contributes to other health conditions as well including stroke and heart disease, so it is very important to physical health.
Volunteering has also been proven to counteract the effects of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Many students use it as an outlet to relieve stress in a positive way.
References
Why is Volunteering Important- Happiness.com
Benefits of Volunteering- York University
Benefits of Volunteering for College Students-Campus Groups
Benefits of Volunteering- Volunteer Scotland
Volunteering and It’s Surprising Benefits- Help Guide
The Power of Volunteerism- UNV
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