From the first volunteer fire department, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1736, through the establishment of the American Red Cross in the 1880s, to the development of Vista and the Peace Corps in the 1960s, to national service legislation recently signed by President Obama, Americans have long demonstrated a willingness to volunteer.

But why is volunteering important? With many families struggling due to lack of time, lack of financial resources or both, can we, as Americans, really afford to give away our time and talents without compensation? Can we afford not to?

The recent recession has increased the need for willing volunteers tremendously, especially for organizations dedicated to helping the needy. With unemployment rising and more people in need of services, the demand upon local charities continues to increase. Corporations which might have engaged in philanthropic efforts in the past are struggling now to stay afloat. This has affected not only their own charitable giving but also contributes to the growing need as former employees of these businesses face economic hardships themselves after having been downsized.

Some might argue that with all of the economic stress and uncertainty in our country today, how can we realistically expect anyone to be willing to volunteer? This probably stems from the rather outdated perception that only bored, wealthy housewives and retirees engage in volunteerism or “charity work.” But actually, volunteers can and should come from all walks of life, economic backgrounds and age ranges. Once we consider all of the tangible benefits that the volunteers themselves can receive from their charitable efforts I believe that it makes perfect sense for the unemployed and even the disadvantaged to get involved by volunteering.

Developing Marketable Skills

Participating in volunteer activities can be a great way to develop skills and experiences that can round out a resume and be transferrable to any number of paid occupations. Clerical duties, computer data entry work and website development are just some of the practical skills and experiences that a person can perfect while working as a volunteer that may also benefit them as they continue to seek employment. Even youngsters, who may have limited opportunities to gain varied experiences in the world of work, can use volunteer activities to build their skill sets and secure a stable of solid references. For example, take the student who volunteers at a local animal shelter; he later lists this experience on an application for work in a pet store provides the animal shelter director as his reference. Not surprisingly, he is hired when other students without such related volunteer experiences are not.

Preventing Resume Gaps

Experienced workers who fall victim to lay-offs or downsizing during a recession and remain out of work for months or even years often find themselves at a distinct disadvantage when the attempt to re-enter the job market. Employers tend to regard large gaps in employment with suspicion, concerned that the individual may represent “damaged goods.” However, filling those gaps with meaningful volunteer opportunities sends the powerful message to potential employers that the person, although perhaps jobless for an extended period of time is not simply an unmotivated “slacker.”

Gaining Networking Opportunities

For the unemployed job-seeker there is nothing more crucial to a successful job search than networking. The right volunteer opportunities can increase a job seeker’s exposure and provide beneficial networking opportunities. Choosing volunteer opportunities that are related to the type of work that you eventually want to do can provide access to important contacts that may be able to help you in reaching your employment goals. An employer who knows your face, your name and the quality of your work through your volunteer activities may be more likely to consider for any paid positions that might become available or be more willing to recommend you to friends or colleagues in related fields.

Preventing Depression

Losing a job can be stressful and individuals facing ongoing unemployment can easily become depressed. Depression, combined with increasing financial worries can make the prospect of job hunting all the more difficult. However, volunteer opportunities can help the displaced worker retain a sense of purpose and value. Having a reason to get out of bed in the morning and being able to help others will definitely raise confidence and self-esteem, which are just the qualities needed to land a great new job.

Finally, volunteering is really, quite simply just the “right thing to do.” It usually doesn’t require a huge time commitment; it can help us build lasting connections; it gives us an opportunity to make a real difference and mostly, it just feels good. Why should you volunteer? The real question is, “Why wouldn’t you?”

References:

“Volunteer Centers: A History in America,” Points of Light Foundation. http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:kEyZhlKE8xwJ:64.236.54.83/downloads/doc/centers/resources/HistoryRevised22206.doc+history+of+volunteering+in+america&cd=19&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us