“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.”

~Erma Bombeck

While the author, Erma Bombeck, may be known for her humor and quick wit, her quote about volunteers shows that she also understands the value of helping others. Volunteering is definitely a reflection of these traits and much more.

If you’re thinking about volunteering this year, there are many organizations who will appreciate your time and talents. And not only will the organization your helping benefit, but you will, too. Here are just a few of the benefits that can come when you give of your time or talent.

• Connects You With Others: In a world where everyone seems to be connected digitally – via texts and emails or social media – volunteering can help you connect with others in person. You can find yourself developing meaningful relationships with the people you are helping or with your fellow volunteers. 
• Can Help Advance Your Career: You may not think of volunteering as a means to advance your career, but it can have some benefits when it comes to your career path. Volunteering is an excellent addition to any resume, as it shows that you are willing and able to give your time to help others. Additionally, you never know who you may meet while volunteering and how those connections can help down the road. 
• Is Fun: If you find the right place to volunteer, volunteering can be extremely fun! After all, places want to keep you coming back – so they try hard to make the tasks you do and the people you work with enjoyable. 
• Allows You to Make a Difference: When it comes to volunteering, making a difference is what it’s all about. Find an organization that you are passionate about and reach out to them to see if they need volunteers. If you’re not sure what kind of volunteer work you’d like to do, check out local organizations and see what kind of help they need. While most groups need people who can give of their time, some may require specific help that fits your skill set.
• Is Good for Your Mind and Body: Studies have shown that people who volunteer are happier and have less stress. Additionally, they are less likely to suffer from depression and have more self-confidence. This proves that volunteering is definitely good for your mind and body. 
  • Depending on what tasks you perform while volunteering, research has shown that you may also find that it helps with other areas of your health, too. You could find yourself losing weight, improving your physical fitness, decreasing your blood pressure, and lessening the symptoms that you may experience if you suffer from chronic pain.
• Learn Something New: The great thing about volunteering is that you often need no skills whatsoever to help. Lots of places will teach you the skills you need in order to assist. And that means you can learn something new in the process. This keeps your mind sharp and can help develop your skills for other things, too.

Are you ready to volunteer this year? Reach out to some local organizations and get out there! You and the organization will benefit significantly!