Everyone knows that volunteering improves communities and helps other people, but did you know that volunteer work could actually benefit YOU? Would you like to volunteer but think you don’t have the time or means to do so? Think again!
Volunteering can be a constructive and fulfilling experience and there are opportunities available for any schedule. So what are some of the benefits of volunteering?
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Volunteering can make you happier – Volunteering can help decrease depression and increase self-confidence. One of the leading causes of depression is isolation, and volunteering is the perfect way to get out into the world and fight feelings of depression. In addition, the sense of accomplishment that community service brings will naturally boost your self-esteem, especially when you see the difference you can make for other people. Being a volunteer can also make you proud and give you a sense of identity.
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Volunteering can help you in your career – Whether you are just starting to look for jobs or you are decades into your career, volunteer work can help you give your career a boost. Volunteering will allow you to gain career experience and work skills as well as improve your interpersonal skills. There are ways to volunteer in almost every field, and the extra experience will set you apart from others. Community service provides an excellent place to practice and improve your interpersonal skills. You may even gain important leadership experience while volunteering, which will help you in many work situations.
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Volunteering can improve relationships – Whether you join a volunteer effort alone or with friends and family, you are guaranteed to become closer to the people you volunteer with. Community service brings people together so it is an excellent place to make friends, deepen existing friendships, or strengthen family bonds. If you are a parent, volunteering with your children is also an excellent opportunity to teach them compassion and the importance of caring for others.
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You can have fun volunteering – Some people think of volunteering as work without getting paid, but it is so much more than that! Volunteering is an excellent way to explore your interests. For example: If you love dogs you can spend time caring for dogs at a local animal shelter or if history is your passion volunteer as a tour guide at your local museum. Such a huge variety of opportunities are available so there is sure to be something that interests you. Volunteering in an environment that you enjoy will make the experience that much more meaningful for you.
Community service is important because it helps others but as you can see, there are other benefits of volunteering as well. Whether you donate an hour of your time each month or three hours a week, you are making a difference in your life and in the lives of others.
Volunteering is a fulfilling and fun experience so look for community service opportunities in your area! Here at Paradiso Insurance we donate and volunteer with several organizations regularly so check our Facebook page often to catch these great opportunities!