Volunteerism and Health

As the New Year is upon us, many of us will be thinking about how to fulfill the resolutions we made to improve ourselves. Maybe this will include trying new things. A great way to get started is volunteering. Volunteering can give you new experiences that can be helpful with future employment while also giving you a stronger sense of self worth.

The benefits of volunteering are beyond monetary value. Giving time and energy to others can sometimes result in greater benefit for the giver than for the recipient. Something as simple as putting a smile on someone’s face can give you a sense of accomplishment. Just to have made someone happy at least for a moment is a great reward. As we put out this positive energy through volunteerism we will in turn have positive things happen to us when we may least expect it.

I learned early on that volunteerism and giving back is an important part of my life. I remember my parents helping people in need on several occasions. It was a way of life for us since we lived in a small farming community where neighbors helped neighbors. If your neighbor’s cattle got out everyone worked together to help – day or night, rain or shine.

Great things get done when a community and its volunteers work together to make a difference. I had the honor of serving our country through Americorps where I volunteered at a drop in youth center for at risk youth ages 11 to 18. I remember my first day wondering how and why I was doing this! Then, I met the director, his name was Stan. At a young age, Stan had been bound to a wheel chair from the effects of Polio. Stan never let his disability stop him. He didn’t feel sorry for himself either. Instead he gave. He gave his time and his heart to helping the kids that nobody wanted to deal with in our small community. He volunteered for the youth center and worked at the school as a teacher’s assistant. In addition, he served on several local boards and represented several community organizations at the state level.

We can all learn and benefit from volunteering. Not only is it good for our health but it helps our community as well. Several studies show that the benefits of volunteering give you a healthier heart, better mental outlook, and self-image. Volunteerism can help you develop new skills, build confidence, build new friendships. I’ve found it to be fun, and challenging. It also offers career opportunities, gives a sense of community, while improving your physical and mental well being.

Before volunteering think about your interests, how many hours you are willing to volunteer, and where your skills can best be used. Check in your local phone book, newspaper, church, senior center or go online to see what community organizations could benefit from volunteers. Next, set an appointment and have some questions written down to ask about your potential volunteering opportunity.


Most of all, have fun!


For more information on benefits of volunteerism visit this website:
http://www.nationalservice.org/about/volunteering/benefits.asp

Karina Narduzzi B.A., C.A.M.F.