Volunteering is an excellent way to exercise generosity. Just a few of the benefits include getting involved with your community, seeing the good you’ve done in someone’s life, becoming a worthy role model to your friends and family, and creating a positive atmosphere for yourself.
However, volunteering opportunities are often hard to find or accept, especially as adults with busy lives. Nevertheless, you will find that there are plenty of opportunities nearby if searching in the right places.
First of All, Why Volunteer?
To some people, a volunteer is simply a person who offers their services to another in need. However, there is much more that goes into being a volunteer than simply giving up some of your time for the benefit of someone else.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a volunteer as “a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses willingness to undertake a service….”. By freely offering a fraction of your time to someone else, you have the opportunity to get more involved in your community, spend time with other people, and become an influence to others as to how to live a charitable life.
If you find yourself bored, wanting to change up your routine a bit, or an extrovert who feeds off of an exciting social life, volunteering is an answer worthy of consideration.
…But, How?
If you’re anything like the average human being, you’re probably busy, tired, possibly stressed out and have a full-time job as a family member.
Let’s face it; these things amongst many others are what keep people from achieving their goals in the first place.
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, when do you have time to volunteer several hours for someone else other than your kids?
If you’re a college student, when do you have the chance to devote more time to others than studying for exams?
Despite these things, finding opportunities to volunteer can be extremely easy and fit your busy schedule.
Here are three ways to make more time for helping others and helping yourself in the process.
1. Inform Yourself.
Looking for volunteer opportunities can be a difficult task. Or, perhaps you might not know much about your community and when help may be needed.
Fortunately, this is an easy fix!
Make it a goal to stay up to date with your community. You can do this simply by watching local television, listening to local radio stations, following certain groups or organizations on social media and talking to other people in your community. The more plugged in to your community you are, the more you will see the chance to help.
Additionally, observe where others volunteer. More than likely you have a neighbor or two who volunteer at the local animal shelter, know the city like the back of their hand, or are involved in a few extracurricular activities.
2. Advertise Yourself.
Let people know you are available. No one is going to know you’re willing to volunteer some of your time if you don’t inform them. You can do this simply by making a quick post on social media, joining a social media group, or simply asking someone if they need any help.
Another way you can do this is by looking online or around you for people in need of volunteers. You can Google using search queries like “volunteering near me” or “volunteering opportunities.” In some cases, people aren’t going to simply ask you for your help. If you want to be a bigger part of your community, it is up to you to make a little effort in looking for ways to ask others what you can do for them.
3. Involve Yourself.
Becoming more active is another great way to advertise yourself and your services. If you aren’t quite sure you have the dedicated amount of time to fully commit to something yet, a good place to start would be simply attending on your own time first.
For example, perhaps instead of volunteering at the neighborhood party, you can first go and see how things work, get to know people, and pitch in anywhere help is needed.
Also, making friends and portraying yourself as a kind, helpful and friendly person is a great way to open up more doors of opportunity. Maybe you can volunteer with a friend or your entire family. That way, it becomes a fun bonding time and a great experience for you and your family.
Taking These Three Easy Steps Can Be Your Gateway to a More Active, Inspiring, and Meaningful Life.
There are more than a few benefits for volunteering to help others. Devoting part of your time to someone else or a group of people is a priceless gift!
It’s time to start helping others while also helping you.
Milton Berle said, “if opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Volunteering your time, energy, and skills is an extraordinary way to build opportunities for new friendships and experiences.
