3 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER
As you spend time thinking of all you are thankful for, take a moment to understand the benefits of giving back so you can incorporate volunteering into your routine:
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
While the benefits to the organization being served are obvious, it’s important to note just how great of an impact volunteers make on a national level. According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, approximately 62.6 million Americans volunteered a total of 7.8 billion hours to contribute an estimated $184 billion back into the economy in 2016.
In fact, many charitable nonprofits are fueled entirely by volunteer efforts. Without dedicated individuals to offer their money, time and skills, many organizations would not be able to conduct programs, raise funds or serve their target audiences.
- PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
It’s true – volunteering can have a positive impact on your physical, mental and emotional health. When you take a moment to focus on a person or cause other than yourself, it provides a sense of purpose, boosts your endorphins and gives you the opportunity to use your civic responsibility to improve your local community. UnitedHealthcare’s Doing Good is Good for You: Health and Volunteering Study surveyed people who have volunteered in the last 12 months and reported:
76 percent feel healthier
94 percent noticed improvements in mood
96 percent feel a better sense of purpose in life
78 percent feel less stressed
Aside from the health benefits, volunteering allows you to explore your passions and connect with others who share similar interests, leading to new personal relationships.
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Volunteering can also expand your professional network and provide opportunities to improve your skillset. The study mentioned above from UnitedHealthcare reported:
49 percent attribute volunteering to career growth
75 percent improved time management skills through volunteering
Volunteering is a great addition to your resume and adds context to what it is that motivates you. It also allows opportunities to broaden your experience across industries without committing to a career change. Spending time volunteering allows you to sharpen your soft skills, making you a better team player, a more confident leader and decision maker, and improving your overall communication skills.
Giving back provides a mutually beneficial relationship for the volunteer and the organization. This rings true for businesses as well. According to the 2017 Deloitte Volunteer IMPACT Survey, 89 percent of employees surveyed said, “companies who sponsor volunteer activities offer a better overall working environment than those who do not.” Implementing a volunteer program shows that your company is a good corporate citizen and boosts brand reputation, leading to better job candidates, increased productivity, opportunities for positive media coverage and added value to community partners.
Keeping these benefits in mind as we approach the new year, January is the perfect time to incorporate volunteering into your routine. Interested in learning more about how to get your company involved in a cause relevant to your organization or amplify your current philanthropic efforts? Give us a call today.
