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“Helping others.” Typically, when we think about volunteering, we immediately conjure up thoughts about the good that can be done by helping others. Pitching in to make a difference and supporting a worthy cause in need of help. And, while this is true – and the most obvious benefit of volunteering, there at least two other important outcomes that occur when you get involved and volunteer.
One of these derives from the people you meet – especially your fellow volunteers. You’re joining into a group effort – centered around a worthy cause and largely working alongside volunteers who share your core values. You get to meet them, interact, become friends, and who knows? Good things just seem to happen as a result.
Meanwhile, beyond the impact you have in helping others and the untold benefits that derive from interacting with like-minded volunteers, there is perhaps the most important outcome of all. It’s how the volunteering experience makes you feel about yourself. It just makes you feel good, knowing that you are making a positive contribution the world. You’re active. You’re making a difference!
As I’ve actually experienced, volunteering is a noble act that not only benefits the communities and causes it serves but also has a profound impact on the lives of individuals who choose to give their time and skills to help others. One of the most compelling reasons to volunteer is the sense of fulfillment and purpose it brings. When we engage in acts of kindness and selflessness, we experience a deep satisfaction that often eludes us in our daily routines. Volunteering offers an opportunity to make a positive difference in the world, and it is this sense of contributing to something larger than ourselves that can lead to a profound transformation in our own lives.
In speaking with a friend, here was her personal experience that illustrates how volunteering is a testament to the transformative power of giving. Several years ago, she began volunteering at a local animal shelter. She had always loved animals, but had never realized how much joy and fulfillment they could bring to her life until she started dedicating her time to their care. The shelter was home to countless dogs and cats in need of love and attention, and as she spent time with them, she witnessed their resilience and capacity to trust, even after experiencing difficult circumstances. She recounts how this experience not only deepened her love for animals but also taught her valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the importance of nurturing the vulnerable in our society.
Another significant benefit of volunteering is the opportunity it provides for personal growth and skill development. Volunteering often requires individuals to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges. It allows them to hone existing skills and acquire new ones, from communication and leadership to problem-solving and teamwork. In the case of my friend, volunteering at the animal shelter improved her ability to connect with others, both human and animal, and taught her patience, perseverance, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Volunteering can also be a gateway to new friendships and a sense of community. When individuals come together to work toward a common goal, they form strong bonds that extend beyond their volunteering activities. I, too, have forged lasting friendships with fellow volunteers and experienced a sense of belonging and shared purpose that have enriched my life in unexpected ways. These friendships have provided a support network in times of need and have expanded my social circle in meaningful ways. And, I suspect you may have had similar experiences as you have engaged in volunteering efforts.
We at the Sunshine Initiative are huge proponents of volunteering, as I’m sure you can tell. The benefits of are numerous and far-reaching. The fulfillment, personal growth, and sense of community that volunteering offers are invaluable. I wholeheartedly encourage us all to embark on our own volunteer journeys to experience these benefits firsthand. It’s an uplifting and energizing experience for all involved!
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