Do You Volunteer?
When is the last time you volunteered? The Bureau of Labor and Statistics tracks volunteering and has seen a downward trend in the last decade. The latest study (2015) found that 62.6 million Americans, 24.9% of the population, volunteered at least once a year with an organization. There are obviously some variables that are difficult to control, but it provides a baseline for consideration. (The Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps) also has some great visuals and representations of the volunteer data.)
Today I wanted to share a few personal observations from volunteering and coordinating volunteers…
Volunteering is good for you!
Some of the happiest people I know regularly volunteer. Our church volunteers with the Read2Win program in the Fort Worth ISD, spending some one-on-one time with 1st and 2nd graders who need a little help with reading. Our volunteers have fun with the kids and come back with great stories and/or interesting observations. We can already see progress in the reading skills of the kids and know that we are making a lasting impact.
But did you know volunteering might be good for your mental and physical health?
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found a possible correlation between reduced blood pressure and volunteering for individuals 50+. A direct correlation is almost impossible to prove, but the connection is logical. Volunteers are active. Volunteers enjoy positive experiences. Volunteers enjoy positive relationships. All these things contribute to a healthier lifestyle which is good for people of all ages!
The impact on mental well being is also evident. Some of the saddest people I know can only focus on their own troubles and despair, a downward spiral. Some of the happiest people I know actively invest in others, even while facing personal struggles. Volunteering provides perspective. Volunteering gives and receives hope. Volunteering creates a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
A group of volunteers helping with the Valentine class party.
Volunteering gets easier.
There is a barrier to volunteering, for some, that is hard to identify. It is akin to the ‘fear of failure’ that so many experience. I can’t tell you how many times I have worked with a volunteer who at the end of the project said – That was so much easier than I thought it would be.
Most volunteer projects are pretty easy. You might be physically exhausted or covered in dirt at the end of the day, but in almost all cases you won’t be held to an unobtainable standard of perfection. Here’s a few examples of projects I have participated in or lead: picking up debris following a natural disaster, packing boxes/bags of food at a local food bank, facilitating class parties at an elementary school, basic lawn care for the sick or elderly, etc. None of these things requires any truly special talent, just a certain level of physical ability, interest, and some time.
But I understand the ‘fear of the unknown’ that keeps some from volunteering. Thoughts like… I don’t know anyone there. What if I don’t know what to do? What if I mess up? — I still experience some of these doubts from time to time but have learned to just set them aside. The more you volunteer the more you realize that the host organization/individual is simply happy to have a helping hand! The more you volunteer the easier it gets, so you just need to get started.
I’m too busy.
Heard this one a lot and I used to say it quite often. There are busy seasons in life where job or family concerns occupy a lot of time and energy. Most folks can eventually find a way to carve out some time and energy to give back to the community. The statistics say about 1 in 4 people will volunteer but that number has been decreasing just a little bit every year for the last decade.
I encourage you to take a look at your schedule and look for some time that can be set aside to give back. Most large employers encourage (and sometimes reward) employees for volunteering. Families can find ways to volunteer together. Growing up my parents often found ways for our family to volunteer and I believe that effort positively influenced my life and the choices that I make.
Sometimes volunteering is a big effort and other times it can be a scheduled part of the week. Later today I’ll take 45 minutes out of my work day to go read with my Read2Win student. Its a highlight of my Thursday work schedule and its not a big effort. Yesterday there were several parents and family members who popped out of work for a bit to help with the Valentines class parties at the elementary school. I can guarantee you that 100% of those folks were glad they took some time to come hang out with the kids and help out the school. Find that small opportunity and give volunteering a shot!
Final thought…
There are so many benefits from volunteering — Learn a new skill. Meet new people. Learn more about yourself. Strengthen existing relationships. Build confidence. Take on challenges. Have fun! Plus you have the unique opportunity to make someones day better by letting them know they’re not alone. I’m a big believe in volunteering and I hope you are too!
Have a great story or observation to share about volunteering? Leave it below in the comments. I’d be interested to read and discuss…
I spent hundreds of hours volunteering and organizing volunteers at our children”s elementary. The awareness I gained of the need for volunteers made me realize that as long as my health permitted, I need never feel bored with nothing meaningful to do! And that need is so much greater now than when I started about 40 years ago!
Great! Every school needs a few dedicated volunteers who are willing to go over and above in volunteering and coordinating volunteers. After the parties Wednesday, I was surprised to have several teachers share stories from other districts where there is no one to help with special events like a class party. Volunteers help teachers accomplish the very important work they have to do! Thanks for sharing Donna!
Volunteering has been a big part of my life for a long time starting with being a homeroom mom for my kids and finding a need in the classrooms and helping out. Currently I work with the food pantry at church and that is so eye opening as I make phone calls to people who have called for help and then talk with them with others when they pick up their food. Curtsy a friend brings her 3&5 yr olds to help me stock the shelves of the pantry. They love doing this and are learning at a young age to help.
My favorite thing I do right now is sew tiny shirts for the babies in the NICU at Boston Children’s Hospital. My contact person there is so appreciative of every shirt I bring in. I sew for babies as tiny as 1lb. Hopefully come spring I will be able to take the training to be a rocker for the babies despite the long drive it will be worth it. The training will also enable me to go in the unit to pass out the shirts to the individual families myself. Since I like babies this will be fun.
Doing my volunteer work is a way of using the talents God has given me to do His work.
Excellent Linda! Helping with a food pantry definitely provides perspective for the communities we live in. I think it great that young kids are involved in the effort too!
I bet those are some tiny shirts for a 1lb baby! We have a friend in the area who works with a team of volunteers to convert donated wedding gowns into angel dresses for families who lose their infant shortly after birth. This special dress and extraordinary effort by the hospital staff helps parents as they begin the process of grieving.
I know you will truly enjoy rocking those NICU babies and I think it is incredible that you will be able to deliver the shirts yourself. Thanks for sharing!