WHY VOLUNTEER?

Volunteering is important for numerous reasons that benefit both the community and the volunteer themselves. When someone donates a handful of time, the difference made is tremendous and it shapes a community for the better while the experience improves the person who donated the time.

Volunteering is what makes a community because it brings people together to work on a goal. Whether it is a fundraiser for the research to cure a disease that affects the whole world, or to help a local family who has fallen in a time of calamity, volunteers make it happen. Community life is improved by aiding others and lending a helping hand to get a job done more effectively. More people working equals less work for each person and less time for the project. So when it comes to getting the job done, like a community clean up, the more the merrier.

When a person donates their time, they give hope to someone who needs it. If a local family's house burnt down and a group of people hosted a benefit for them, that family's faith would be revived when they realized that people care. Although that family lost their house and their belongings, seeing how their own community wants to help would bring joy and show them that money isn't everything.

A volunteer also benefits themselves because they get to see how their contribution has made a difference. This experience contributes to personal development especially in areas such as self-fulfillment, self-confidence, and self-esteem which often flourish in the midst of volunteering experiences. The selfless act of volunteering provides a spiritual enhancement as well. Knowing that you made a positive impact on someone is an emotionally uplifting experience that can never be matched by money or fame.

Donating time now will also aid in the future. Volunteering strengthens present skills and also shows an employer that an effort has been made to make an improvement. Such skills include communication skills, ability to work with others, ability to take direction and lead others, dedication and time management. Employers realize that as a volunteer you must be able to prioritize your schedule in order to devote time for activities that benefit others. When employers see active volunteer work on a resume, they are much more likely to hire said person rather than someone who doesn't volunteer. Employers are aware that most people who offer their time are conscientious, honest and hard working individuals.

These are just a few reasons why volunteering is important. Not only does it bring hope and happiness to people, but it also leads to spiritual and personal growth. It is an experience that cannot be bought with any amount of money.

Author: Jami Cock