5 benefits of volunteering

Why is volunteering important?

Giving back is paramount to finding meaning in your life. Why? Because the secret to living is giving. No matter how busy or cash-strapped you might be, you have something unique to offer others. Many people miss out on the opportunity to find meaning in their lives, but you don’t have to. You can find a way to express your most authentic self while making a difference in the lives of other people by giving back.

The benefits of volunteering

The benefits of volunteering are apparent: In addition to a feeling of purpose, you’re donating your time and/or resources to a worthwhile cause, helping your chosen nonprofit to reach its objectives. But the true benefits of volunteering go much deeper than contributing today.

Contribute to a worthy cause

First and foremost, you’re donating your resources to a cause that’s important to you. There are seemingly endless ways to give back. On a small scale, you could volunteer at a local homeless shelter, library or serve as an educational tutor or mentor for underprivileged children in your area. On a broader level, you can use the resources at your disposal to make a financial difference, supporting organizations locally or across the globe that fund a cause you’re passionate about. Whether it’s helping children, animals, impoverished or imprisoned communities, disaster relief or something else entirely, you can feel good about giving to something worthwhile.

Bond with others

people bonding through volunteering

One of the benefits of volunteering is connecting with other compassionate people. If you spend time volunteering locally, you’ll meet others who are interested in making a difference just like you are. Trying to get the people in your life involved? Deepen your relationships with loved ones, friends and coworkers by inviting them to contribute with you. You’ll not only be making a positive impact in the community, but spending time with the people who matter most in your life.

Learn a new skill

You don’t have to volunteer doing something that you already know about. For instance, you could sign up to build houses in a disaster relief zone, working alongside fellow volunteers who will orient you to the task. Or perhaps you have a passion for animals but never learned much about behavioral training. By volunteering at your local shelter, you’ll learn more about the intricacies of animal behavior and become more knowledgeable about the topic. Giving back can be a great way to learn a new skill or subject.

man painting a wall

Find a sense of fulfillment

kindness is magic quote

There are two things humans need in life in order to feel fulfilled: to make progress and to give back. These two actions help you find fulfillment and a true sense of purpose. You need progress because you need to feel like you’re moving forward in life. Learning is crucial to the human experience. Secondly, you need to feel like you’re contributing to something larger than yourself. Why? Because contribution produces meaning in our lives. If all your actions were designed to serve you and you alone, what would the point be? There’s a larger story happening out there, and you’ll feel more connected to the world if you’re contributing to it in some way.

Reach your goals

It might seem counterintuitive that spending more of your time and/or money on a worthwhile cause will help you reach your goals, but it’s completely true. When you feel productive and fulfilled, all areas of your life will flourish. Think about it this way: Are you more likely to work toward your dreams if you feel aimless and unsure of your place in the world, or is it more likely that you’ll be driven to achieve more if you feel fulfilled and eager to press forward?

writing down goals

If you wait for the perfect moment to grasp the importance of volunteering, it might never come. But if you choose to act today and start supporting a cause that’s important to you, you’ll start grasping the depth of giving back. Every moment that you’re contributing to the greater good will lead to a life full of more joy and fulfillment. Instead of finding excuses, find your purpose. Find the cause that speaks to you and start giving back today.

Ready to make your contribution?

Experience the personal benefits of volunteering and discover how you can make a contribution today.