For yourself, the community, and the environment
As we all move through our busy lives, our time dominated by work, classes, social commitments, family commitments, not to mention much-needed rest, it can be difficult to see how volunteering fits into our juggling act of a schedule. But what if I told you that volunteering just might be the key to making your schedule feel less like a hectic juggling act and more like an effortless flow? Indeed, volunteering has several benefits that stretch beyond just helping and supporting worthwhile causes in the community.
Signing up for volunteer opportunities that interest you can help you to find new friends, connect to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Volunteering can also protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.
The best part is that all levels of volunteering can see these benefits. Below are four of my favorite reasons I volunteer:
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Volunteering connects you to your community.
Volunteering can be just as beneficial to you as the cause you choose to help. It can help you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun, fulfilling activities.
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Volunteering is good for your mental and physical health.
Through meaningful connections to others, volunteering can relieve stress. Volunteering regularly keeps you connected to people with whom you can build a solid support system. Not to mention that there is a uniquely resilient joy that comes from giving back to others. Oftentimes you can get a sense of accomplishment, pride, and identity through volunteer experiences. Taking your mind off of other worries through mentally stimulating tasks with others may just be the perfect zest you need in your life.
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Volunteering can advance your career.
Volunteering allows you to explore areas of interest and meet people in the field without the pressure of a job. It’s also a free environment to practice teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project planning, task management, and other work-related skills. This practice may just give you the confidence to test these skills in your current or future career.
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Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.
It can be a great addition to your career aspirations or provide balance to your life and goals. If you work in an office all day, volunteering once in a while outside at a community garden or football recycling initiative can provide balance and new hobbies outside of work.
Take some time and think about how you spend your time, whether it feels out of control or mundane and monotonous. Check your screen time on your phone or your online calendar. Does the way you spend your time reflect your values and goals? Could volunteering your time enhance your well-being? I encourage you to consider what volunteering your time could mean for yourself, others, and the environment. Whether it is to advance your career or connect to your community, volunteering is so much more than just giving back to your community.
Stay up-to-date on how you can volunteer your time with the UM Office of Sustainability by visiting our Givepulse page or contact us directly to learn about more ways to get involved in the community!
-Story by OOS Project Manager Kathryn Kidd