Five benefits of volunteering in your community

Volunteering gives people the opportunity to donate their time and talents to people and organizations throughout their communities. Many not-for-profit and charitable organizations lack sufficient funding to pay their staff members a salary. 

These organizations could not meet the needs of those they serve without the generosity and support of their volunteers. The week of April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week to celebrate it, here are five benefits of volunteering, though this article only scratches the surface.

It builds connections.

If you’re new to an area, volunteering helps you connect with people, whose interests are similar to yours. Together you and your new friends can participate in fun and worthwhile activities for important community-wide causes.

It boosts your confidence.

Volunteering boosts your confidence, raises your self-esteem and helps you develop your social skills. If you feel comfortable around other people and you like participating in community-wide events, you may find donating your time and skills to be an essential part of your life. 

However, if you’re an introvert, being around large numbers of people may make you feel uncomfortable. Participating in activities with the same group of people consistently gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills. Volunteering also allows you to meet new people and grow your social network.

It teaches the importance of giving back.

Family volunteering teaches children the importance of giving back while adding value to their lives and the lives of those they serve. Volunteering as a family also connects parents with organizations that provide child-friendly activities in their communities.

It helps meet the needs of people in your community.

If you are a visually impaired volunteer, you can benefit from volunteering your time and skills to help meet the needs of people and organizations in your community. Even during this time of social distancing, you can still help your community from the comfort of your own home. 

With today’s technological enhancements, many people who are visually impaired volunteer over the phone or online. For example, some organizations may need content for emails, blogs, websites and other materials. Other organizations need people to make or answer phone calls from a remote location. 

Make sure your organization has a staff person available to answer any questions. Even though you’re volunteering at home, you can still make connections through social media and other online platforms.

It helps your career.

Volunteering provides opportunities to advance your career or start a new one.  You can learn new skills and enhance those you already have, connect with organizations that provide internships and meet potential employers.

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2020), Outlook Enrichment would like to take this time to thank all of our volunteers for their service in our community. Although there are no events happening at this time, preparations are underway for future events. Sign up for one of our volunteer opportunities here. 

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