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Around the world, people volunteer for many reasons, such as eradicating poverty, enhancing essential health and education, addressing environmental issues and climate change, reducing the risk of disasters, preventing social exclusion and violent conflict, or providing a safe water supply and adequate sanitation. The power of volunteerism contributes uniquely to each of these areas by improving the lives of individuals and their communities, and it serves as one of the practical steps toward a more altruistic life.

Volunteerism is also the foundation of numerous civil society groups, national and international non-governmental organizations, and social and political movements. It exists in the public sector and is becoming more prevalent in the private sector. Because of this, there are many organizations and charities to choose from when you want to volunteer your time to help others.

How Did Organized Volunteerism Start?

Although the concept of assisting others probably predates humankind, the earliest volunteer groups date back to the Middle Ages in Britain, when volunteers administered more than 500 hospitals to aid the sick and impoverished.

Organized volunteerism began to gain popularity in the 19th century. One example is the YMCA, which was founded in London in 1844. Numerous further volunteer organizations dedicated to having a beneficial impact were founded in the 20th century. As an illustration, consider the Rotary Club, which was established to provide a forum for individuals from many cultures, origins, and beliefs to interact, share ideas, form bonds, and effect change.

The Power of Volunteerism for the Volunteers

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There are many personal benefits to volunteering frequently. These consist of the following:

Wellness and health

Through programs like litter collection and social media posts, volunteering gives diversity, creative chances, and assistance for skill development. It also dramatically enhances participants’ feelings of purpose and physical and emotional health.

Increases Confidence

Volunteering is a journey of self-discovery. It pushes you to venture beyond your comfort zone, fostering self-assurance and a feeling of self. Additionally, the power of volunteerism allows you to get a deeper grasp of the world and insightful knowledge about your own life.

Enhancers of Skills

In addition to fostering community development and improving volunteers’ social, mental, and physical well-being, practicing organized volunteerism is essential for high school students and job seekers since it improves skills, dedication, college applications, and work opportunities. It also helps you make new friends.

Creating Relationships

One of the best ways to meet new people is by volunteering. Participating in a shared activity improves interpersonal relationships and introduces you to new people who share your interests. The power of volunteerism is manifested when people develop empathy, which draws a lot of new contacts and provides an opportunity to engage with new people, especially those unfamiliar with a new place.

Career Enhancement

Volunteering experience is excellent for career progress. Potential employers consider volunteers responsible, proactive, and driven. As mentioned earlier, connections made from volunteering could also help you land jobs.

Extending One’s Viewpoints

Volunteers are granted exclusive access to athletic events, festivals, and concerts, which gives them the chance to visit new places, interact with people from different cultures, and improve the lives of others.

The Power of Volunteerism for the Community

Volunteering is a vital component of building a community, which brings together people dedicated to improving their area for everyone. The following justifies its necessity for the community:

Assistance with Natural Disasters

Volunteers assist with insurance claims, cleaning, housing, counseling, spiritual care, emergency response management, and rehabilitation after natural disasters. They also provide advice on government funding and services.

Services and Social Welfare

Communities gain from volunteering because it allows groups to offer necessary services, particularly in underfunded areas where volunteers carry out crucial duties like delivering meals.

Profitable from an economic standpoint

Volunteering increases output, creativity, and innovation by developing a skilled workforce and imparting valuable skills like information technology, carpentry, and landscaping.

Overall, the power of volunteering holds so much value for both volunteers and the community. However, this is just one way to give and share our blessings and resources with others. There are still many ways for us to lend a hand to others without breaking the bank. Want to get some ideas? Read Giving Is Not Just For The Very Rich: A How-to Guide for Giving and Philanthropy by Susan Aurelia Gitelson. Purchasing a copy of this book will be helpful not only to you but also to others since part of the proceeds of this book will help uplift charity, and every book sold will help homeless people in San Diego, California. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone!