Why Should I Volunteer?

Why Should I Volunteer?

Julianne Shenk

JBS Nonprofit Consulting

10 September 2015

Are you thinking about volunteering? Do it.

There are countless reasons to volunteer, but my initial reaction to anyone expressing a desire to volunteer…Do it! We need volunteers. Every nonprofit organization needs volunteers. Do it.

A common problem that plagues many nonprofits is a lack of or shortage of volunteers. In almost every blog I post, consult I do or conversation I have, the phrase “Volunteers are the backbone of a successful nonprofit” leaves my lips.

So why should you volunteer? Here are just a FEW reasons:

1.     Volunteering strengthens the community. Whether helping in a school, community garden, or homeless shelter, you are helping strengthen the community.

2.     Volunteering brings people together.

3.     Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose. You are helping others, feel good about that. Volunteering gives you a reason to get out of bed and do something good for someone in need.

4.     Volunteering helps you make new friends and establish new relationships. Volunteering helps strengthen those relationships.

5.     Volunteering helps you network.

6.     Volunteering promotes personal growth, and enhances social, personal, professional and relationship skills.

7.     Volunteering allows you to gain professional experience, learn new skills, and learn in general.

8.     Volunteering encourages civic/community responsibility. Volunteers that have worked hard take pride in their endeavor and instill pride in the community all the while gaining some pride in themselves and the work that they have done.

9.     Volunteering is good for society.

10. Volunteers save resources. Volunteers help take off some of the financial burden of the nonprofit. The estimated value of a volunteer’s time in 2014 was $23.07 per hour.[1]

11. Volunteering is good for you. Volunteering helps combat depression, helps in staying physically healthy, and increases self-confidence.[2] Volunteers live longer and are healthier; In fact volunteering later in life has significant benefits![3]

12. Volunteering allows you to give back. Many volunteers are people that have benefited from the programs and services previously. Who better to volunteer?

13. And the most important reason…You make a difference.

You make a difference.

Volunteer.

Do it.

If you are looking for volunteer opportunities in the Austin/Cedar Park/Fort Hood area, please, shoot me an email. I would love to match you up with a worthy, in need nonprofit organization.

jbsnonprofitconsulting@gmail.com

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[1] Per http://grantspace.org/tools/knowledge-base/Nonprofit-Management/Employment-Volunteering/monetary-value-of-volunteer-time

[2] Per http://www.helpguide.org

[3] http://www.nationalservice.gov/