Why You Should Volunteer.

Volunteering is often described as offering pro bono services to organizations, social groups or society at large in different aspects. The baseline of volunteering is the impact one creates without bagging financial or social gains. One thing you perhaps didn’t know is that volunteering has immense research-evidenced benefits to an individual both career-and-healthwise.?

Usually, volunteering can have different modes as either full-time, part-time, on-site, remote and/or hybrid. For young graduates, volunteering provides them a platform to showcase their talents, learn new skills that will shape their professional scope in the future and get opportunities and scholarships. Established professionals on the contrary, can derive satisfaction by helping communities better their livelihoods, mentor young fellows and build social ventures that ensure wellbeing.? Here are key reasons to why you should consider volunteering:

1. Reduce the risk of stress, anxiety and depression.

Research conducted by different institutions such as John Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic among others, have indicated that volunteering reduces the risk of stress and depression hence boosting mental and physical health. Through volunteering, people tend to develop relations and support systems that count at their lowest moments. The human reward that comes with helping other people breeds psychosocial wellness among volunteers hence boosting their mental and physical health.

2. Build social worth.

More often, people talk about their net worth as a status of classification in society. But do you know that your social worth is as important as your net worth? Social worth refers to interpersonal relations, social acceptance and networks associated with an individual. Volunteering especially in diverse fields is a sure way of accruing valuable networks and connections which build on one’s social worth. For young professionals, such? networks serve as referrals and sources of opportunities in the future.

3. Increase the sense of purpose and satisfaction.

The art of humanity crafts one to find satisfaction through the impact created by their work. For instance, providing mentorship to children in schools and helping shape their career trajectory is very fulfilling. Success of such efforts brings a sense of ownership and intentionality.?

4. Boost self-esteem.

Volunteering has been proved to escalate one’s sense of belonging, pride and identity through the service and accomplishments of their work in the society. It also gives one a chance to get involved in affairs that concern other people.?

5. Learn new skills and competencies.

The current corporate world is mapped with demand for ‘generalists’ compared to ‘specialists.’ To ensure employability and relevance, professionals are encouraged to learn new skills and adapt to new trends. Through volunteering, it’s easy for one to learn new skills needed by just setting aside time to engage in volunteer work. Some organizations provide volunteers with training and capacity building opportunities that are very key for learning.?

For professionals who want to pursue career transition but are unsure of the move to be taken, volunteering can help them figure out the pros and cons of the field in question and reconsider their decision. Thus, volunteering is a key litmus test.

6. Develop the art of leadership, public speaking and public relations.

Mastering the art of leadership, public speaking and public relations is among the most important skills any professional requires. Volunteering in specific roles such as Board of Directors, Project Implementation Teams, Advisory Committees e.t.c. is a key way to develop these skills which can later be applied in diverse ways. A wealth of leadership experience from volunteering tickets one for career change and high profile roles in organizations and the corporate world in general.

In conclusion, it’s evident that volunteering is a significant consideration for both young and seasoned professionals. The impact created by solving community challenges and lifting others through your expertise is a clear justification of why you should volunteer. There will be no enough time to volunteer, just the little time you have is enough.?

Author: Luke Barasa [The Street Scientist]