Volunteering might not be a paid position, but this does not mean volunteers work without any benefits. Volunteering is a great way to serve the community and help those who need assistance. Those who volunteer get to enjoy all sorts of perks.
Make New Friends and Contacts
One of the most common reasons people give for volunteering is, “I just wanted to get out of the house.” Essentially, volunteering can be a great way to broaden one’s social circle. Those who feel isolated and alone can significantly benefit from volunteering. They get the chance to spend time with others and build positive relationships.
Get Valuable Industry Experience
Depending on where a person volunteers, they may be able to gain beneficial work experience. Volunteering can be a way to learn the basics of a certain job. In some cases, volunteers who excel might even get an invitation to interview for a paid position at the organization. Even those not volunteering in a field they want a job in can still benefit from volunteering. It teaches skills like working in a team, managing time, and delegating to others. All of these skills can give people the tools they need to succeed later in life.
Improve Mental Health
Being connected to one’s community can have a massive impact on a person’s mental health. By volunteering, people get to feel like they are helping others and making a major difference. This can boost self-confidence and help to reduce depression. It also helps people to feel more generally positive. For example, one study found that people who volunteer every two to four weeks had a 12% increase in overall happiness.
Explore Passions and Interests
For many people, volunteering is a way to participate in their favorite hobbies. The great thing about volunteering is that it usually does not require any specialized knowledge. Instead, anyone who is willing to follow directions and work can volunteer. This provides all sorts of interesting opportunities. For example, music enthusiasts who volunteer at charity concerts might get to meet favorite artists, or volunteers at a museum might get to handle artifacts they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.