Volunteering can be a one time thing or an ongoing commitment, either way it can be a rewarding experience. Giving the gift of your time to a cause is good for the recipient and it is good for you. Many volunteers gain a sense satisfaction from helping others. There are other reasons to volunteer that are not all about altruism, but still serve a good purpose.
Here are reasons how volunteering can help YOU while you help someone else!
- Improve existing or learn new job skills. Volunteering can introduce you to a new role, sector, or industry
- Find purpose. Sometimes we lose our way or maybe never had a path of our own choosing. Volunteering for a cause or establishing your own cause is a way to reinvent yourself and give your life direction.
- Gain leadership skills. Are you looking to advance your career? Step up and take charge of the jobs nobody wants, sometimes these may be the organizational or coordinator positions. You will learn some leadership skills, to work under pressure and how it feels when you are not so appreciated for lending a hand.
- Networking. Meet new business contacts.
- Learn. Working with a nonprofit can teach you new skills that you can use in your personal life. e.g. Habitat for Humanity can teach you home repair.
- Socialize and meet new people. Volunteering causes you to mingle with new friends who care about the same things you do. Opportunities to cross paths, create, and maintain friendships are everywhere.
- Promotes personal growth & self-esteem. Learn to feel good about yourself!