There are a plethora of reasons for why volunteering is valuable to each person’s life. I’m going to talk to you know about why you should volunteer, what you can do, and how to get started. Plus with the beginning of the holiday season, as well as the blustery winter season – now is definitely a much-needed time to volunteer.
Currently I volunteer for three different organizations; a school related reading service, an environmental group, and a local NPR (National Public Radio) group. All three of these causes have a special value to me. And I am glad that my flexible work schedule allows me to support these groups with my time, because unfortunately I can’t make the financial contributions, to each of the three, which I would like to.
Another perk, is that for me, since I spend each day working from home I don’t socialize as much as my outgoing personality would like. So having someone to interact with, besides for my dogs (sorry pooches) is a great bonus too. I’m very much a social and outgoing person and volunteering gives me the chance to do that.
I also have found that volunteering is full of career advancement opportunities. I’ve built work contacts while helping out organizations I believe in. Actually, I wrote a previous article discussing how volunteering is a great way to spruce up your resume. (http://educationshortlist.com/2009/10/top-6-steps-to-take-in-sprucing-up-your-resume/) I wrote how giving some of your free time is way to spend time boosting your resume. And it is. People should always be open to an opportunity since you don’t really know when it is going to happen. For me, through some common interests and social networking, I am now selling my games through an organization I volunteer at.
Outside of the immediate personal gratification that is part of the volunteering experience; there’s the part of you that knows that helping out non-profits is about helping out the better part of humanity. I know that this year since I am unable to make financial donations that I would have liked to, I am doing the next best thing, which is to donate my time.
In order to start volunteering, you need to think about what you are passionate about. The environment? The homeless? Homeless families or children?
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So, to take this beyond the scope of me and my experiences; let’s think about you.
Why, should you get involved and volunteer your time, skills, or resources? Well, the number one reason should be because it is needed. If you think about groups or causes that are important to you, it will be easy to see where the need is. And, if you are not in a financial position to give monetary funds – your time is just as valued and desired. Also, you will get the chance to really understand all of the details & complexities that make your cause so special. When you take the time to volunteer, you will be able to socialize, make new friends and acquaintances, and build connections to other interests. Another reason to volunteer is that many organizations can not survive without the support of volunteers; which is kind of an oxymoron. In this economic downturn, more people are in need of assistance; and so they turn to non-profits for this – but, when the economy is hurting that assistance is harder to come by. And this forces the hand of those said organizations.
Depending on your interests, your available time commitment, and what you would like to do – you should be able to easily find a group to volunteer with. As I mentioned earlier, I volunteer with three groups; two are a weekly commitment, the other is more sporadic. One group is definitely specialized with my education background; whereas the others are not.
In order to start volunteering, you need to think about what you are passionate about. The environment? The arts? Homeless families or children? A simple search online should be able to provide the names of several organizations that are doing what you are looking for. And from there you should be able to find a way to support them.
It’s rather easy to find a way to give; and the need is so great; especially during the winter months. And your gift of yourself will be rewarding for you and those you help.
