Volunteer Matters, Vol I Ed I, 2023

Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering is an incredible experience
that not only helps other
people and communities but
offers many benefits to the volunteers
themselves. By simply giving some time
and energy, you will reap incredible rewards.
Here’s what to expect when you
volunteer.
You Get a Sense of Purpose
& Fulfillment
When you volunteer, you’re not just
giving your time; you’re giving yourself
a sense of purpose, especially if you’re
volunteering with a cause close to your
heart and values. It’s very rewarding to
know that your actions are making a positive
impact in the lives of others. This
tends to result in a deep sense of belonging
and meaning.
You Develop New Skills
Volunteering is an incredible opportunity
to grow and learn new skills. The
skills you acquire while you volunteer
can prove invaluable in various aspects
of your life. Trying out new roles and
tasks broadens the skills you already
have; plus helps you learn many new
ones. These often include organization,
communications, leadership, and problem-solving
skills. These skills are invaluable
for both personal development
and potential career paths.
You Create Wonderful
Social Connections
One of the best things about volunteering
is that it connects you with people
who share your passion for making a
difference. These connections often lead
to long-lasting friendships and help you
to develop new network connections.
You’re not just volunteering alongside
others; you’re forming a close-knit community
driven by a common purpose.
You Can Create a Ripple
Effect of Generosity
Your volunteer efforts likely have a
larger impact than you might realize.
Witnessing acts of kindness tend to
inspire others to take action by volunteering
too, creating a ripple effect of
positivity and helpfulness. This sense of
giving has the potential to bring about
positive changes on a wider scale, transforming
both local communities, as well
as the world at large.
Your Mental Well-being
Increases
Acts of kindness and service trigger
the release of endorphins, those natural
‘feel-good’ chemicals in your brain. Plus,
the feeling of community increases your
sense of inclusion. And over time, the
habit of volunteering can take you out of
your comfort zone which also builds your
confidence and lessens anxiety, therefore
fostering stronger mental resilience.
Plus, being exposed to different types of
communities and people from all walks
of life can help to approach opportunities
with resilience and an open mind.
You May Gain Physical
Health Benefits Too
Volunteering is not only good for your
mind; it’s good for your body too. Studies
show that volunteers tend to have lower
stress levels and a reduced risk of heart
disease. Plus, many volunteer activities
involve physical movement, even if it’s
simply walking around or handing out
food, and this helps to contribute to better
overall fitness.
You’ll Aid in Community
Building
When you volunteer, you’re contributing
to building a stronger and better
community. By investing your time and
energy, you’re not only improving the
lives of individuals but also enriching the
collective well-being of your community.
You’ll Gain Better
Understanding & Empathy
Volunteering puts you in direct contact
with people from all different walks
of life. This exposure to diverse cultures
and different perspectives fosters understanding
and empathy. It helps to debunk
stereotypes and prejudices, which encourages
the growth of a more inclusive
and open society.
Volunteer Matters 2023 5