Why You Need to Become a Volunteer

In a world that is driven by capitalism and a never-ending drive to monetize all your time and effort, volunteering stands out as the noblest act of kindness, done without the expectation of any financial gain.

From environmental protection to poverty eradication, volunteers are found performing unselfish acts in every field, donating their time, effort, and money to make this world a better place.

To an individual, volunteering may seem like a part-time interest or a sabbatical endeavor, but it’s much more than that. The majority of non-profit organizations rely primarily on the time, skills, and efforts of volunteers to carry out their welfare missions.

Volunteering has the power to reform a great number of lives, including the volunteers’ own. The benefits that a person can reap from volunteering for a local, national or international organization are numerous.

It gives you the opportunity to give back to the community, meet new and like-minded people, and learn career-advancing skills – all the while helping the underprivileged and making a difference in their lives.

In this article, you will find a list of 7 convincing reasons why you need to become a volunteer.

  • Make A Difference in A Pandemic-Stricken World

The public health industry has always relied on the kindness of volunteers to pursue its missions effectively. This statement has become truer in wake of the pandemic.

During the pandemic, the public health sector saw a tremendous increase in the number of volunteers who wanted to help other people in any capacity they could.

If you want to volunteer for public health projects, consider enrolling yourself in a course like the MPH degree program, to better equip yourself with the best public wellness and safety practices.

With the right knowledge, a volunteer can make a huge difference in the lives of so many people affected by Covid, either directly or indirectly.

  • Contribute To a Cause You Believe In

We all have a belief system, as well as ideas we have a strong inclination toward. Some feel strongly for the environment while others may want to do something for the underprivileged children in the world.

No matter the cause, contributing to it alongside other like-minded people will help you feel empowered and part of a greater community.

Actively participating in a cause that you feel so strongly about, that too without any financial compensation, is bound to give you a sense of achievement, unlike any other act.

  • Gain a Sense of Community

As a volunteer, you are bound to interact with people from all walks of life. Very few activities provide as much social exposure like volunteering does.

Not only will you develop emotional bonds with the community you’re helping but also with the people who are alongside you, working toward a similar goal.

Volunteering gives you an excellent chance to work with and be around a group of people who share your common beliefs, ideas, and principles. This invokes a sense of belonging even in the most introverted personalities.

The pandemic has confined a majority of people to their homes – working with a community to achieve some good in this world is bound to keep the pandemic isolation at bay, too.

  • Broaden Your Views

Majority of us are confined to our comfort zones when it comes to our work and social lives and the world views we harbor. We tend to stick to our social circles and hence develop a narrower perspective.

While volunteering, you may have to work with a completely new set of people from diverse backgrounds and social statuses. Not only does it compel you to get out of your comfort zone but it also urges you to think about other peoples’ views no matter how foreign they may seem at first.

Volunteering gives you an excellent chance to learn more about the different cultures, languages, and religions. Candid conversations with the other volunteers can provide you with deep insights into how other people live and think, thus broadening your views and making you adaptable.

  • Learn New Skills

Being involved in any volunteer project is bound to equip you with a variety of new skills – be it social, career, or personal.

Interacting with a diverse group of people will hone your social skills, like public speaking and active listening. These skills will help you by improving the quality of your social life.

Depending upon the nature of your volunteer project, you may be required to manage administrative tasks or take on frontline responsibilities. No matter the responsibility, you will acquire a hands-on organizational experience that will help you stand out among the ever-growing talent pool.

Volunteering also does wonders when it comes to boosting the self-esteem of an individual. An individual feels appreciated when they work among a like-minded group of people, and are encouraged to participate actively.

  • Improve Your Job Prospects

The work disruption, owing to the pandemic, has made the global talent pool even scarcer. Candidates are doing everything in their power to stand out while the recruiters have also updated their standards.

Data shows that volunteers have a 27% higher likelihood of being selected for a job than non-volunteers. That’s because volunteers usually come equipped with practical knowledge as well as the soft skills required to fit in perfectly in an organization.

A volunteering experience on your resume shows your interest in causes bigger than yourself, and your passion for positively impacting the world. Attributes like these will always make you stand out in pool of other candidates.

  • Gain A Sense of Purpose

We live in a world where succumbing to melancholy has become far easier than before. Amidst the chaos and depression, sometimes it becomes quite hard to find a sense of direction.

Investing your time, effort, and resources into a cause that works for the benefit of others does wonders to bring back a sense of purpose into your life.

Many people struggle to find meaning in their lives after a loss – be it a job or a loved one. Volunteering has the power to shift your perspective and help you make sense of your life.

Noble and Fruitful

The act of volunteering is as noble as it can get. It shows your kindness and selflessness – but it also shows your passion for the betterment of this world. Volunteering has the power to improve all aspects of your life – be it social, career, or personal. It broadens your views, gives you a purpose, improves your job prospects, and gives you a chance to contribute to the causes you believe in. Volunteer to improve the quality of your life while helping out other people.