What is volunteering
Volunteers fulfill an essential role in communities. Without them, many of the services and facilities that are taken for granted would not be possible. The reasons a person might volunteer can vary greatly from person to person.
- Voluntary work is done of one’s own free will, unpaid, for the common good.
- Volunteering is a meaningful and purposeful activity.
- All motives for volunteering are valid.
Benefits to the volunteer
- Improve self-esteem and confidence.
- Gain a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
- Gain a sense of inclusion within the community.
- Establish new friendships with people of similar interests.
- Explore new challenges and interests.
- Use personal skills in a new setting, gain recognition for your abilities.
- Learn new skills and get experience.
- Work for a cause that affects you personally.
- Develop patience and compassion.
- Increase knowledge of current issues faced in your community.
Volunteering can be career-related as well:
- Learn new skills, refine existing ones.
- Gain new referees for your CV.
- Gain up-to-date, relevant work experience for your CV.
- Establish a network of contacts.
- Demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm.
- Prepare for employment after unemployment.
