Why and How to Volunteer

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many as possible work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, allowing them to reach their full potential, thereby making them happy and fulfilled adults.

However, while you study for GCSEs, university or take up work experience or an internship to reach that potential, reach your perfect job, one of the options you have to help fulfil your passion and purpose is volunteering.

Volunteering is often described as the act of giving back to the community, but it’s so much more than that. More than just giving your time and making the effort. It’s a selfless contribution that serves not only the community but will also have a profound benefit for the volunteer.

Whether it's supporting a cause, helping people in need, or contributing to local or global initiatives, volunteering has a transformative effect on both you and society.

Let’s explore why volunteering is so important, its benefits, and then how you can get involved.

Why volunteering matters…

At its core, volunteering is about making a difference. The collective efforts of volunteers are crucial to many organisations, nonprofits, and communities around the world.

Here are some key reasons why volunteering is so vital:

Supporting essential causes and services: many nonprofit organisations and charities rely on volunteers to deliver their services. From food banks and shelters to environmental conservation projects and educational programmes, volunteers often fill critical roles.

Without their time and effort, many of these initiatives would struggle to function or even survive.

Strengthening communities: volunteering fosters a sense of community.

When people come together to work toward a common goal, they help create stronger, more resilient societies. By addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges at the local level, volunteers help build more cohesive communities where people support each other.

I believe it’s part of the ‘pass it on’ or ‘knock on’ effect. When someone does something nice for or to you, be it give you an unexpected smile, or holding the door open for you, you are more inclined to pass that feeling on.

Since the invention of the internet and mobile phones, the world has speeded up and generally people are less inclined to wait a few days for a reply as was the case before email took over from posting a letter to a company and waiting for a reply. Mobile phones are also expected to be answered making us on almost 24-hour call.

Volunteering to help others, meanwhile, reminds us of the vulnerability of life and can slow down time for at least a while.

Creating positive social change: volunteering is one of the most effective ways to drive social change.

Whether you're advocating for human rights, tackling climate change, or providing education to underserved populations, volunteering allows you to play a part in making the world a better place.

Many of the global movements and initiatives are fuelled by the efforts of volunteers.

Advocating for the marginalised: volunteers often work with vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, refugees, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

By giving your time and attention, you’ll help amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked, offering them the resources and support needed to improve their quality of life.

The benefits of volunteering for you…

While volunteering has a profound impact on communities and society, it also offers numerous personal benefits.

Here are some reasons why you should consider volunteering:

Personal fulfilment and purpose: volunteering provides a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. Helping others or contributing to a meaningful cause brings a sense of purpose and often enhances your emotional well-being.

Many volunteers report feeling more connected to their community, giving them the chance to feel happier overall in themselves.

Skill development and career opportunities: volunteering is a great way to develop new skills or improve existing ones. Whether it's communication, leadership, problem-solving, or project management, volunteering offers hands-on experience that can benefit personal growth.

For students, volunteering can also open doors to new career opportunities, providing networking and industry connections.

Building empathy and understanding: volunteering often places you in environments where you work with people from different backgrounds and walks of life. This exposure helps build empathy, cultural understanding, and tolerance.

You can gain new perspectives on the challenges others face, which, again, can lead to personal growth and broadened horizons.

Mental and physical health benefits: studies show that volunteering has measurable benefits for mental and physical health.

Regular volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, and increase overall life satisfaction. Engaging in physical activities, such as environmental cleanup or community building projects, can also improve physical health by promoting movement and outdoor activity.

Strengthening social connections: volunteering is an excellent way to meet new people and expand your social network.

You’ll often work alongside others who share your values and passions, creating a sense of camaraderie and friendship. These connections can be invaluable for personal support and expanding your understanding of the world.

Getting involved…

Getting involved in volunteering is often easier than you might think.

There are countless organisations, both locally and globally, looking for volunteers to contribute their time, skills, and passion. Truly, they rely on volunteers and your offer to help will be greatly appreciated.

So, how do we do it? Here’s how to start.tw

Identify causes that matter to you…

The first step is to figure out what you're passionate about. For instance, which of the following pulls at you:

education

animal welfare

the environment

humanitarian aid?

Identifying a cause you care about will make the experience more meaningful and enjoyable and you’ll get more back.

Find local or global opportunities…

Once you know where your interests lie, look for organisations or initiatives that align with your values.

You can find opportunities through local community centers, schools, hospitals, environmental groups, or online platforms that connect volunteers with causes. Websites like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and even local government portals often list volunteering opportunities across various fields.tw

Commit to a schedule…

Whether you're able to volunteer once a week or only on weekends, it's important to find a schedule that works for you.

Many organisations offer flexible volunteer opportunities, ranging from occasional participation to long-term commitments. Being realistic about your availability helps ensure that you stay engaged and avoid burnout.

Use your skills or learn new ones…

If you have specific skills—such as graphic design, marketing, teaching, or medical expertise—there are many organisations that would greatly benefit. Conversely, if you're looking to learn something new, volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience in unfamiliar fields.

Join or create volunteer groups…

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a solo activity. You can join volunteer groups, such as community cleanups or fundraising teams, or even organise your own initiatives.

Bringing people together around a shared cause can amplify your impact and help build a community of like-minded individuals. Also, you could volunteer with a friend, encouraging each other and making yourself responsible to another can keep you motivated.

Challenges…

While volunteering is generally a positive experience, it's important to be aware of potential challenges. Volunteers should be prepared to approach their roles with sensitivity and bear in mind the following:

Cultural sensitivity: when volunteering in diverse communities or abroad, it’s important to respect the cultural norms and practices of the people you’re working with. Being open-minded and willing to learn is crucial to creating meaningful relationships.

Commitment: volunteering often requires a significant time commitment. Be sure to evaluate your schedule and ensure that you can consistently show up and contribute. Organisations rely on volunteers, and consistency is key to making a lasting impact.

Volunteer burnout: it’s possible to overextend yourself, especially if you're juggling many responsibilities. Recognise your limits and ensure you're taking care of your well-being to avoid burnout.

Conclusion…

Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to society while enriching your own life.

Whether you’re passionate about making a difference in your community, gaining new skills, or meeting new people, volunteering offers numerous opportunities for personal growth and social impact.

By contributing your time, energy, and talents, you can help create a more compassionate, sustainable, and connected world. Whether you're looking to make a local or global difference, there’s always a place for dedicated volunteers willing to make a positive change.

And the sense of achievement you’ll get back will more than make it worthwhile.

I hope you found this article useful and I’d love to hear your experiences from volunteering if you have a chance to email me.

In the meantime, keep well,