Volunteering has narrated my life for over a decade. I accredit my recent exciting career move and my unexpected boyfriend to volunteering. I first began with the rationale to gain skills for my career prospects and University applications. Over time I softened and volunteered without the vested interest to strengthen my CV. My life has been painted with the memories of colourful communities and vibrant volunteers, as well as the beautiful and vast locations.
I would like to influence you with 10 reasons to volunteer:
1. The People: An intense bond briskly forms between the people you volunteer FOR and WITH. Without the exchange of money, there is a distinct supportive relationship unlike a client or colleague. You encounter individuals who seem different from you, yet so similar as you collaborate towards the common cause. Friendships form for life.
2. Altruism Paradox: As humbly selfish as it sounds, volunteering and helping others brings purpose and self-fulfillment, which greatly benefits YOU. Volunteering can unexpectedly improve your mental health, and develop patience and perspective. Often volunteers suffer from the side-effects of becoming a wiser, kinder, happier human being. How selfish?
3. Career Boost: Volunteering shapes your CVs with a variety of skills, as well as providing opportunity for responsibilities earlier than in your career. I also suspect that employers sub-consciously classify volunteers as more reliable employees. Overall, volunteering can be a stepping-stone to your next promotion or career change.
4. Sustainable Development Goals: As seen in the picture below, the United Nations set 17 goals for all countries to achieve by 2030. I believe we have the best chances of reaching those goals if we work collectively from the bottom-up. Therefore I encourage everyone to educate themselves on these goals and how to take action to become an “Active Citizen”.
5. Spice of Life: The varieties of causes to volunteer for are endless, with many charities supporting animals, the environment, refugees, health, and the unlimited list goes on. The volunteer location can range from the comfort of your home, to social issues in your city, to exotic ventures abroad. Volunteering caters to each individual’s unique interests.
6. Life Lottery: Everyone is born into a life lottery, where it is pure luck that you are born into a certain location, period of time or circumstance. How different would your life be if you were born 100 years ago? We should appreciate our privileges, and support causes that currently need our help. There is always someone worse off than you in the world.
7. Volunteer Pension: Life tends to throw wild cards at you and suddenly your circumstances could dramatically change for the worst. You never know when you might need aid in the future. Therefore I encourage everyone to volunteer at least once in their life, as a way to pay forward to society (and your unknown future).
8. Donate time: Although I’m not discouraging donating to charity, it is important to research how the money directly funds the cause. I prefer to volunteer my time rather than donate money as I have more control and visibility over how my contribution directly impacts. Personally, donating time creates greater connection to the charity, cause and people.
9. Unpredictable Governments: With an unstable government in the UK and in many countries across the world, we can’t rely on a top down approach to protect the rights and well-being of our people and planet. Therefore it is up to us to take action together from the bottom-up, by volunteering our time to support causes to make the world a better place.
10. To help: Finally, most people volunteer as they want to support a cause that they believe in. Actions speak louder than words, and if you want to actively contribute, volunteering can be the most useful form of aid. There are countless examples of how volunteers have molded and shaped the world, what impact can you make?
If you would like any advice about starting volunteering, please get in touch.
My favourite quote:
“People need chances not charity. “ (Unknown)
Useful links:
https://www.vsointernational.org/volunteering/ICS-youth-volunteering
Dr Daniella Watson 
Fantastic xxxxxx
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
LikeLike