Benefits of Community Service

1. Volunteering Connects You to Others

Impact on the Community: Volunteering plays a crucial role in strengthening communities. Unpaid volunteers often act as the glue that holds communities together, connecting various parts of society and fostering a sense of unity. Whether it's organizing local events, supporting community projects, or helping individuals in need, volunteers contribute significantly to the wellbeing of their communities. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 77 million Americans volunteered in 2018, contributing approximately 6.9 billion hours of service valued at $167 billion.

Personal Benefits: Volunteering benefits both the community and the volunteer. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and improve your social skills. It also provides opportunities to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area, and strengthens your ties to the community by exposing you to people with similar interests and local resources. A report by the United Way suggests that volunteers are 27% more likely to find a job after being out of work than non-volunteers, highlighting the importance of these connections.

Family Volunteering: Volunteering as a family can be especially rewarding. It teaches children the importance of giving back and helps them understand the positive impact of helping others. Additionally, it allows families to spend quality time together and discover local resources and activities. Studies indicate that family volunteering can improve family cohesion and communication. The Points of Light Foundation found that family volunteers tend to continue volunteering for longer periods, creating a lasting impact on both the community and the family unit.

2. Volunteering is Good for Your Mind and Body

Boosting Self-Confidence: Volunteering can enhance your self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction. Knowing that you are making a positive impact on others can provide a natural sense of accomplishment and pride. This boost in self-worth can translate to other areas of life, leading to greater personal and professional fulfillment.

Combating Depression: One of the key benefits of volunteering is its ability to reduce the risk of depression. Social isolation is a significant risk factor for depression, and volunteering helps combat this by keeping you engaged with others and building a strong support system. Working with animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress. According to a study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, those who volunteer have lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Physical Health Benefits: Volunteering is beneficial for your health at any age. Studies show that volunteers have lower mortality rates compared to non-volunteers, and it can also help reduce symptoms of chronic pain and heart disease. A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that adults over 50 who volunteered on a regular basis were less likely to develop high blood pressure than non-volunteers. Regular physical activity involved in many volunteer roles can also contribute to better overall health.

Accessibility: For those with limited mobility or other constraints, there are many opportunities to volunteer from home via phone or computer. Tasks like writing, graphic design, and managing emails or websites can be done remotely. Organizations like Catchafire and VolunteerMatch offer virtual volunteering opportunities that allow you to contribute without leaving your home.

3. Volunteering Can Advance Your Career

Gaining Experience: Volunteering allows you to gain experience in a new field without making a long-term commitment. It can also provide valuable insights and contacts within a particular industry. For example, if you are interested in nursing, volunteering at a hospital can provide firsthand experience and networking opportunities. According to the Harvard Business Review, 63% of hiring managers say that volunteer work is viewed as relevant experience when evaluating job candidates.

Developing Skills: Volunteering helps you develop and refine skills that are useful in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project planning, and organization. These experiences can make you more confident and effective in your professional life. The Deloitte Volunteer IMPACT Survey found that 92% of respondents agree that volunteering is an effective way to improve leadership skills.

Training and Skill Building: Many volunteer positions offer extensive training, allowing you to gain expertise in areas like crisis counseling or art history. Volunteering can also help you build on existing skills and use them to benefit the community. For instance, if you have a background in marketing, you could help a nonprofit develop its communication strategy, further honing your skills while contributing to a good cause.

4. Volunteering Brings Fun and Fulfillment to Your Life

Exploring Interests: Volunteering is a great way to explore interests and passions outside of work or school. It can provide a relaxing, energizing escape from daily routines and renew your creativity and motivation. Engaging in activities you are passionate about can also lead to discovering new interests and hobbies.

Hobby Time: Volunteering can also be a way to engage in hobbies you enjoy. For example, if you have a desk job and love the outdoors, you might volunteer to help plant a community garden, walk dogs at an animal shelter, or assist at a children’s camp. These activities can provide a welcome change of pace and allow you to pursue your passions.

The Happiness Effect: Helping others increases happiness. Studies show that the more people volunteer, the happier they are. According to research from the London School of Economics, people who volunteer regularly are significantly happier than those who don't, with happiness levels comparable to a substantial increase in income. The study found that the odds of being "very happy" increased by 7% among those who volunteer monthly and by 12% for people who volunteer every two to four weeks.

By engaging in community service, you can make a positive impact on the world while also enriching your own life in numerous ways. Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to connect with others, improve your mental and physical health, advance your career, and find personal fulfillment.