Volunteering is important because it rewards others, as well as yourself. Volunteering is freely giving of yourself with no expectation of a cash reward for doing so.  It can force changes in the world and make the world a better place. 

The Rewards of Volunteering For Those it Helps

There are many volunteer opportunities available from working for organized charities to those areas of need you find yourself and fulfill, such as shoveling an elderly neighbor’s driveway and sidewalk. You can very easily find a volunteer position where you are helping somebody who needs it terribly. This can be a child, adult, or even an abandoned cat.

When you volunteer your services, time, and talents, you truly make a difference in the lives of others. As humans we supposedly have evolved to a point where we feel compassion for each other. While this may not be true of everyone, if you care, you can step up and help those less fortunate than yourself. The only cost to you, is your time.

The Rewards of Volunteering for the Volunteer

Quite simply volunteering feels good. For many it is an eye opening experience that may make a person appreciate their own life that much better and realize that their own hardships really may not be that hard. Volunteering is something that can have selfish side effects, although those effects are not bad.

Volunteering looks great on a resume or scholarship request. Such an example would be if a person were volunteering at an animal shelter with dreams of becoming a veterinarian. The display of compassion comes through and may make that person a more likely candidate for acceptance. Additionally the person will have picked up some skills and knowledge through their experience as a volunteer.

Volunteering Builds a Positive Future

Not only does volunteering set an example for others to do so, but in some cases it can change the future. If there is a cause you believe in, a social change you would like to see happen, by volunteering for an activist group working towards the same goal may see results.

How to Become a Volunteer

The best way to start volunteering is to find something you believe in and look to areas that offer that as a volunteer opportunity, or as in the example of shoveling a neighbor;s sidewalk and driveway, just get out and do it. If you are not sure of an area of opportunity look in your phone book. Your local Chamber of Commerce or Business Center may know of charity organizations. If you have a school aged child and education is important to you, they may have volunteer opportunities as well. Start slowly rather than getting in to the point that you become overwhelmed.