Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others. But did you know that volunteering can also teach you a lot about yourself?
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, over 62.6 million Americans volunteered in 2018. That’s a lot of people who are giving their time and energy to help others!
So, what does volunteering teach you? Here are just a few of the things you can learn:
Empathy
When you volunteer, you put yourself in the shoes of others. You get to see the world from their perspective and understand their needs. This can help you develop empathy for people from all walks of life.
Compassion
Volunteering can also help you develop compassion. When you see people who are struggling, you may feel inspired to help them in any way you can. This can lead to a more compassionate and caring attitude towards others.
Tolerance
Volunteering exposes you to people from all different backgrounds. This can help you learn about different cultures and perspectives. It can also help you become more tolerant of people who are different from you.
Responsibility
When you volunteer, you are responsible for your actions. You need to be reliable and accountable. This can help you develop a sense of responsibility.
Leadership
Volunteering can also teach you leadership skills. When you work with others to achieve a common goal, you can learn how to lead and motivate others.
Problem-solving
Volunteering often involves solving problems. You may need to find creative ways to help people or overcome challenges. This can help you develop your problem-solving skills.
Communication
Volunteering requires you to communicate with people from all walks of life. This can help you develop your communication skills.
Teamwork
Volunteering often involves working with others as a team. This can help you develop your teamwork skills.
Self-confidence
Volunteering can help you build self-confidence. When you help others, you see that you can make a difference in the world. This can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Humility
Volunteering can also help you develop humility. When you work with people who are less fortunate than you, you may realize that you have a lot to be grateful for. This can help you become more humble and appreciative of what you have.
These are just a few of the things you can learn from volunteering. If you are looking for a way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others, volunteering is a great option. You will not only help others, but you will also learn a lot about yourself in the process.
Benefits of Volunteering for Students
Volunteering is a great way for students to get involved in their community and make a difference. It can also help them develop important skills that will benefit them in their personal and professional lives.
According to a study by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, students who volunteer are more likely to:
- Graduate from college
- Have higher GPAs
- Be satisfied with their college experience
- Get involved in other extracurricular activities
- Have a strong sense of civic responsibility
Volunteering can also help students develop the following skills:
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Tolerance
- Responsibility
- Self-confidence
- Humility
These skills are essential for success in college and in the workplace. They can also help students become more well-rounded individuals.
How to Find Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways to find volunteer opportunities. You can start by searching online for volunteer opportunities in your area. You can also contact local non-profit organizations and ask if they need volunteers.
Here are some tips for finding volunteer opportunities:
- Think about your interests and skills. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? There are volunteer opportunities available for all interests and skills.
- Consider your time constraints. How much time do you have to volunteer? There are volunteer opportunities that require a few hours a week, a few hours a month, or even just a few hours a year.
- Look for opportunities that are close to home or work. This will make it easier for you to get to your volunteer shifts.
- Ask your friends, family, and co-workers if they know of any volunteer opportunities.
Once you have found a few volunteer opportunities that interest you, contact the organizations to learn more. Ask about the time commitment, the responsibilities involved, and the training provided.
Tips for Volunteering
Once you have found a volunteer opportunity that you are interested in, here are a few tips for making the most of your experience:
- Be on time for your shifts.
- Be prepared to work hard.
- Be respectful of the people you are working with.
- Be positive and enthusiastic.
- Have fun!
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others. It can also help you develop important skills that will benefit you in your personal and professional life.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others, volunteering is a great option. You will not only help others, but you will also learn a lot about yourself in the process.
| Skill | How Volunteering Develops It | Benefits in College and Career |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | By leading projects or teams of volunteers | Increased confidence, improved communication skills, enhanced ability to motivate others |
| Teamwork | By working with others to achieve a common goal | Stronger relationships, better problem-solving skills, increased productivity |
| Communication | By interacting with people from all walks of life | Improved verbal and written communication skills, enhanced ability to build relationships |
| Problem-solving | By finding creative ways to help people or overcome challenges | Sharpened critical thinking skills, increased creativity, improved ability to handle stress |
| Critical Thinking | By analyzing situations and developing solutions | Enhanced problem-solving skills, stronger decision-making abilities |
| Trait | How Volunteering Develops It | Benefits in Personal Life |
|---|---|---|
| Empathy | By putting yourself in the shoes of others | Increased understanding of different perspectives, greater compassion for others |
| Compassion | By seeing people who are struggling | Increased desire to help others, stronger sense of social responsibility |
| Tolerance | By exposing you to people from all different backgrounds | Greater acceptance of differences, stronger appreciation for diversity |
| Responsibility | By requiring you to be reliable and accountable | Enhanced sense of duty, increased self-discipline |
| Self-confidence | By helping you see that you can make a difference | Increased belief in your abilities, stronger sense of self-worth |
| Humility | By working with people who are less fortunate than you | Greater appreciation for what you have, reduced sense of entitlement |
| Type of Volunteer Opportunity | Skills Developed | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tutoring | Patience, communication skills, problem-solving skills | Helping students with their homework |
| Mentoring | Leadership skills, communication skills, empathy | Guiding and supporting a young person |
| Environmental conservation | Teamwork, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills | Cleaning up a local park or planting trees |
| Social services | Empathy, compassion, communication skills | Volunteering at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter |
| Disaster relief | Teamwork, problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills | Helping out after a natural disaster |
