Ask a volunteer why they give back; chances are, it’s not for the accolades or to fill time. Volunteers often say they get back more than they give.
The non-profit world counts on volunteers of all ages to raise up their communities and meet their mission. Young volunteers learn about responsibility, reaching goals, and earning the positive rewards of serving their community. Promoting the importance of serving others often leads to a lifetime of contributing to positive changes in the world.
“Volunteering helps me in so many ways,” says Doug Cotta, spiritual care coordinator, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. “Spiritually, it allows me to connect on a deeper level to a source of goodness. I want to help because I see that our world needs more giving back, and it’s truly the right thing to do.”
Volunteers can use their wealth of knowledge and skills on projects that mean something to them. Whether it's joining a committee, serving on a board of directors, or helping shape the future of your favorite non-profit organization, there are lots of reasons and ways to volunteer. And we’d say the number one reason is: it’s good for you. Here are seven benefits of giving back:
Nice to Meet You – One of the greatest epidemics in our country is loneliness. But here’s an antidote for that! You can decrease your alone time by joining a committee or working on a group project. This will give you something to look forward to, help you fill out your social calendar, increase your socialization, and help you feel more fulfilled.
Make the Connection – Volunteering helps you make connections in your community. When you see what one organization is doing, you may make a referral for resources to help a friend in need. Word of mouth is a powerful endorser, and you might be the best person to promote your favorite non-profit.
Brain and Body Bonus – Volunteering motivates you to get up and move around. Some volunteer work, like Habitat for Humanity for example, requires different levels of labor—they’re literally building houses. There are also ways to log more steps by delivering for non-profits or helping coordinate and support local fund-raising walks. Studies show physical exercise also helps your brain, so volunteering is good for your brain and your body.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – Sometimes doing new things can be scary, no matter how old you are. If you nudge yourself a little out of your groove, you may be inspired to do even more than you thought you could. By broadening your horizon through volunteer work, you may find yourself learning more about those around you. This can be personally fulfilling and open new ways to think and be. Feeling more fulfilled builds resilience.
Hit that Empathy Button – When you know more about someone else’s struggles, you feel more compassion toward them. Whether it’s due to substance use, low literacy, poverty, or lack of resources, non-profit work seeks to fill the gap carved by social determinants of health and help people live better lives.
Fun Is Contagious – Volunteering to help organize events and activities can be a source of joy in your life. It feels good to make a difference! When you pick a cause that means something to you, you’ll be enjoying yourself and feeling so fulfilled you may not even realize it’s work.
Your New Passion is in Fashion – If you want to learn more about a topic, find an organization that addresses your own personal interest. It may lead you to study the topic even further, and who knows—you may find your next new career.
Helen Keller said, “Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.”
For volunteer opportunities at Northern Light Health, please reach out to your local member organization. Please share this article with friends and family interested in the benefits of volunteering.