The world needs people who put others first instead of last. The world needs people who give something while expecting nothing in return. It needs people willing to give time, money, goods, skills, and sometimes their lives. The world desperately needs volunteers of all ages.
There are many different ways that you could volunteer.
You could volunteer occasionally or on a regular schedule. You could join an established activity or start a new one. You could sign up and show up or just jump in when you see something that needs doing.
What does volunteering accomplish? The list is endless.
Research has shown that volunteering is demonstrably good for your physical and mental health.
Volunteers feed, teach, transport, entertain, provide shelter, provide emotional support, provide medical help, provide care, etc.
You name it. Volunteers do it.
Volunteering cements the sense of community among people who share your passions and it creates connections withpeople who might initially seem very different from yourself.
Volunteers save money for organizations and free up paid labor for other tasks.
Volunteering is at its heart an individual undertaking. If it doesn’t fit you, you will not continue it.
Here are some things that you should consider when choosing your volunteer activity:
- Does the volunteer activity fit in your schedule and interest you?
- Do you have the necessary stamina and skills?
- Do you enjoy being with the other volunteers?
How did I find my mix of volunteer activities?
I learned to pause before agreeing to participate. The activity has to hold my interest and match my skill set. Sometimes I step up to volunteer so that an established activity can continue. Sometimes I start my own activity. Always I look for ways to help others.
There are so many other volunteer activities that are valuable and interest me, but there are only so many hours in my day. There are volunteering activities I have done at various stages of my life that I have continued for decades and others that I have dropped in favor of replacements. Looking back, I can recognize themes. From preschool children to senior citizens. I can usually be found teaching somebody something. I started doing this in junior high school, helping my classmates understand homework assignments. I am still helping others. You learn about yourself and others thru volunteering. If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am a teacher, I like to help others and I like to lead by example.
That is one of the reasons I volunteered, when asked, to do this commentary. I want you to join me and the legions of other volunteers. Being a volunteer is good for your chosen community which could be local or as large as the world. Volunteering is good for your personal physical, mental, and emotional health. It helps others. Volunteering is a win-win.
Now is the time for you to find your own volunteer activity.
You might find your volunteer spot at a school, church, community service organization or somewhere else. You might get involved in sports, music, politics, the arts, the environment, fundraising, education or something else. Find something that suits you and just do it. If your first choice doesn’t make your heart sing, try something different. Eventually you will find your spot or spots and never leave them.
You will not regret volunteering, and both you and the world will be better because of your involvement. Join me and the many other volunteers here and around the world. We make a difference.
Pam McLean says her new career is volunteering.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of TSPR or its license holder, Western Illinois University.
Diverse viewpoints are welcomed and encouraged.