The intangible benefits of volunteering, such as helping others, pride, satisfaction,
and accomplishment are worthwhile reasons to serve, but there are more.
Volunteering helps you have a healthier body. Research shows that not
only will volunteering improve your social well-being, but also your physical and
mental well-being. Volunteering can prolong your life expectancy, and
decrease depression.
Volunteering builds your experience and problem solving ability. Often we have preconceived notions about how
something will turn out. Volunteering can surprise you by having experiences you
never imagined. All these experiences, whether expected or not, are beneficial
and also enhance your problem solving skills.
Volunteering your skills helps you develop a new career. Whether you’re
honing the skills you have, or developing new ones, volunteering can open up
career opportunities. Be sure to add them to your resume!
Volunteering your love makes you feel more loved. Did you ever hear the
expression “when you give love, you receive more in return?” Your rewards
might not be money or material, but increased social relationships or increased
feelings of being valued and appreciated are phenomenal benefits.
Volunteering time makes you feel like you have more time. When you volunteer
your time, you feel like your time is spent more wisely, instead of wasting it, and
therefore you feel more productive and become more productive.
(From the keynote, “Volunteering Matters” by Dr. Mimi Hull)