The Benefits Of Volunteering

Those who volunteer will more than likely do so to give back to their community and the citizens in a positive manner, or they want to be able to help those who are less fortunate. Volunteering provides many benefits to the people who are served; however, many do not realize that volunteering can also provide benefits to the volunteers themselves. The actions of volunteering benefit the mental health, physical health, and social interactions of the volunteers. Although most people volunteer to give back to the community and people, many do not realize that volunteering can help give back to the volunteers by contributing positively to their mental health, physical health, and social network. Volunteering contributes positively to the mental

Dedicating time to volunteering can one practice social skills with others (“Helping People, Changing Lives”). Volunteering can help volunteers meet new people and create new connections with others who share a common interest. Volunteering can also strengthen connections to one’s community. Communicating with like-minded people performing the same activity can help form new bonds and friendships. A person who is shy has the chance to develop or strengthen his or her social skills as he or she, and others, communicate with those with which they may share something in common. The more one socializes, the easier it is to branch out to other people and organizations. Volunteering can open opportunities to travel abroad (“Health Benefits of Volunteering”). If someone was a regular volunteer, they could find volunteer opportunities abroad and connect with communities of different cultures in different countries. If one is interested in a certain career field, volunteering could help him or her gain experience. Volunteering gives volunteers the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, project planning, task management, problem solving, and organization (“Benefits of Community Service”). By experiencing these skills frequently, a volunteer can show them off when searching for a career. Volunteers can gain connections if they happen to volunteer with others who work in a career that is interesting to them. Volunteering expands social networks and connections as one communicates with people with which he or she shares common interests and career goals while they perform the same activity for, sometimes, the same