The Value of Volunteering
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
Volunteering is something that has always been very important to me. When I was young, I’d allocate some time to volunteer in the hospital in the summer, and to coach skating in the winter. When my children were young, I’d volunteer at the school, and as they grew I found myself volunteering for several different causes close to my heart. It’s something I’ve always prioritized when my schedule allowed, given the season of life I was in.
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I believe there are countless benefits and valuable lessons to be gained from volunteering. When you find yourself in a busy season of life, you can slow down or step away; as your schedule opens up, you can take on more. The goal isn’t perfection, but rather, your best with what you have available to you at the moment.
Today, I wanted to share with you some of the value of volunteering.
The Value of Volunteering
1. Giving Back to the Community
I believe it is so important to help the community around us. Communities often house countless services to help people (and animals!) of all different backgrounds and ages. Volunteering with a service important to you can be a great way to give back to your community and help those around you.
2. Skill Building
Volunteering is a wonderful way to build skills that could be utilized in other parts of your life. Plus, it provides us with an opportunity to learn more about the community services that are available.
3. Building Relationships
By volunteering, we can meet new people and make new friends. I have met so many amazing people through my volunteer experiences, while learning so much in the process. These people have the potential to become lifelong friends, or valuable connections later on.
4. Providing Purpose
This is especially important for retired folks. Volunteering can provide a reason to get up in the morning and contribute to society. With retirement, sometimes there can be a feeling of loneliness. Volunteering is a great way to transition away from working every day.
5. Discovering Interests
By volunteering as a teenager at the local hospital, I was able to see the value in hospital work. This was a great segue into my nursing career.
Whatever your reason for volunteering, you may find that it is a very rewarding and beneficial experience. There are often volunteer fairs that can help you determine your interests. Sometimes just sitting in silence and considering your strengths can be the motivation to volunteer.