Volunteering for a Cause and the Benefits of Volunteering

 

Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back to the community. It's a great way to make a difference while having fun at the same time. Volunteering for a cause can be as simple as helping out with a food drive, clothes donation, serving snacks at an event, or even helping set up for an event. The benefits of volunteering will vary depending on what you're passionate about and where your interests lie. Below, Cindy Imperato from the American Red Cross lists the main benefits of volunteering that other volunteers might not know about.

 

Volunteering connects you to others

Do you have a hobby that you enjoy helping out with but you've never had the time for? Well, now is the time to make a difference! Volunteering with a charitable organization can give you the opportunity to interact with others in a meaningful and rewarding way. The more involved you get, the more you'll enjoy it. Plus, your knowledge and skills will grow and you'll make new friends. It's one thing to pick up a few tasks here and there, but when you participate in a real-life project, you'll feel a sense of purpose. So, if you've always wanted to help out but just weren't sure where to begin, Cindy Imperato recommends that you consider volunteering with a charitable organization!

 

Volunteering is good for your mind and body

When you're not putting in the hours at the office, on-the-job training can be put on hold to focus on your new hobby. You may decide to focus on training during the week so you don't burn yourself out. Another benefit of volunteering is that it can help you develop new skills. You may become more aware of your own strength and limitations, as well as the strengths of others. You might also pick up a new skill or two that will come in handy at work.

 

Volunteering can advance your career

You never know where your future will take you, and volunteering can give you a competitive edge. Consider applying to work with a non-profit organization where you can apply your new skills and gain valuable experience. Volunteering may also help you earn a certification that you can use as a job reference when applying for other jobs. Volunteering can also help you earn a promotion, which is a nice thing to do when you're on-the-job trained and looking to move up the ranks. Bottom line, your career and self-worth may skyrocket during this time.

 

Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life

You might not think about it, but your social life can be impacted by your work. After all, you spend the majority of your day at work. If you don't like what you're doing, you won't be happy, and your coworkers will notice. Volunteering can give you an opportunity to make a difference while having some fun doing it, explains Cindy Impearto, Board Chair of Broward County Chapter’s of the American Red Cross.

There are many different types of volunteering, so make sure you find one that best matches your interests and abilities. Participate in a community project and see how you like it. If you find it fulfilling, you'll want to do more of it. Bottom line, volunteering can make your life easier, give you some badly needed alone time, and provide a sense of purpose.

 

Your life will change for the better

Some of the most amazing things in life are free. Free things can be given, received, or gained through volunteering. You may notice an increase in energy, increased focus, increased granularity of thought, or a calming effect. All of these are benefits of volunteering. Your brain is being challenged, your body is getting exercise, and your mind is being probed. Bottom line, volunteering makes you a better person and you can use the positive change in your life to show up for others in a stronger and more productive way.