5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Volunteer

It’s true; volunteering isn’t for everyone. Some people honestly don’t have the time (although more often than not, that’s just an excuse) and others are just diametrically opposed to it. Does that sound like you? Well, if you can relate to any of the following, there’s no reason to feel guilty about not volunteering. It’s just not your cup of tea, man.

1. You generally despise other people. If you take online classes so you can avoid seeing people -- ever, then volunteering might not be right for you. Actually, leaving your house is even a little iffy.

2. You like feeling down and depressed. Studies have shown that volunteering lifts people’s spirits and makes them feel better about themselves. If that sounds reprehensible, stay away from the local soup kitchen (unless you also happen to be homeless and hungry).

3. You don’t want to sound too interesting. If you’re happy being boring and not having any interesting stories to tell, you probably shouldn’t volunteer. People love to hear about others’ philanthropic endeavors, so they would just be asking you all sorts of questions that might annoy you.

4. You don’t want to get ahead in your career. If the thought of getting promoted or recommended for a high-paying career sounds like the worst possible fate, then you definitely shouldn’t volunteer your time. If you did, you might meet influential people who would want to help you get ahead in your career – or worse, your boss might be impressed with your level of responsibility and want to give you a promotion. Egads!

5. You don’t want to live longer. Studies also show that those who volunteer some of their free time live a longer and healthier life on average than those who don’t. It’s not a guarantee by any means, but if you can relate to number one on this list, this probably isn’t appealing to you either.

Health Benefits of Volunteering

There’s no doubt about it; volunteering is good for your health. There are many studies to back this up, and it just makes good sense, so why aren’t you volunteering yet? C’mon… it’ll be fun.

There have been a lot of studies to support the fact that volunteering not only helps the charity, but it also helps you. In one study, people who suffer from chronic pain and volunteered as peer counselors found that not only did their disability decrease, but so did their depression. Another study followed more than 7,500 U.S. seniors and found that those who volunteer have a much lower death rate than those who don’t. That may be because it gives seniors a sense of purpose after retirement, which is something so many people struggle with. When you volunteer, not only are you needed, but you can usually see the results of your labor.

But, volunteering doesn’t just help the elderly. On college campuses, one survey found that those students who volunteer regularly had a 26 percent less risk of binge drinking.

Volunteering can also help you be more physically active, depending on which type of opportunity you choose. If, let’s say, you choose to help build or restore a house, you not only get all the benefits mentioned above, but you also get to be active and get in some exercise – and you can’t argue that exercise is beneficial to your health. But, building houses isn’t the only active form of volunteerism. You can volunteer to help clean up trash on the beach, maintain a hiking trail or clean up a park. You can even volunteer as a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child in need and get exercise by playing basketball, riding bikes or even just going for a walk with your little sibling.

Why Do You Volunteer?

People often ask me why I volunteer. I’ve always wondered why people even ask that question. There are so many great reasons to volunteer; I think the real question is why don’t you volunteer? But with that aside, I have to admit that I wasn’t always honest about my answer. Whenever I was faced with that question in the past, I’d always respond with the “helping others” reply. But, that was never really true. Not entirely. Sure, I wanted to help other people who really needed help, but why did I want to do that? Because it made me feel good about myself. Volunteering makes me feel like a better person.

Regardless of my question about why you don’t volunteer, I actually don’t judge non-volunteerers. I’ve lived long enough to know that you never truly know someone else’s situation unless you walk a mile in their shoes. Although most people just make excuses, it’s true that not everyone has the time or money to donate to a cause. But, I think if everyone knew how good it could make them feel, more people would stop making excuses and start making time.

And, you know what? It’s not just me who feels this way. A recent poll showed that 89 percent of volunteers said that the act of volunteering actually improved their sense of well-being. And 73 percent believed that volunteering lowered their stress levels. You see, it’s not so much about other people at all. It’s more about how we feel after helping someone. Personally, when I volunteer, I feel more of a sense of purpose than the times when I don’t. Even if I’m selfishly volunteering for the great feeling I get from it, the fact that I’m actually contributing to society makes me feel more like I have a reason to be here on this earth; or I’m at least making an impact on the world while I’m here. I’ve learned it’s okay to volunteer for selfish reasons, and I’ve since changed my answer to the question of “why.” I can now honestly admit that I hang up my administrative assistant hat and volunteer at the soup kitchen simply because it makes me feel good.

Volunteer to do Something You Love

Recently, I was perusing the Volunteer Match website and I found a match that is absolutely perfect for me – It’s volunteering to help plan an event. I love planning parties and such, so this is seriously right up my alley and the proceeds go to Cancer research, so I can feel good that my efforts are going to help a good cause. It’s a win-win.

The next best volunteer opportunity for me was to work at a pet store adjacent to a local animal shelter. I adore animals, but I have concerns about working at a shelter directly because I usually think their rules are a little too strict and I think I would end up taking home about five dogs in my first week. So, volunteering at the shop next door would be better for me. I get to help the pups, but I don’t have to end up with a rescue foundation at my home.

I’d like to do both (event planning and shop running), but unfortunately I won’t have the time. So, I’ll have a choice to make. My plan is to talk to each organization to see exactly what they would need from me, and then I’ll go from there. The event planning gig is only temporary, so I might end up doing that for a few months, and then devoting all of my volunteer time to the shelter’s store.

It’s exciting to find ways to help out that are so well-suited to my personality and likes. I think that’s an important message to send to those who aren’t volunteering at the moment: You really can find a way to help by doing something that interests you. It might just take a little effort to find the right cause, but trust me, in the end it’ll be worth it. You’ll feel great about your contribution and you’ll enjoy the time spent.

How Volunteering Can Help You Decide Where to Donate

Studies show that we feel better when we give than when we receive. I know, I do. But there are a few ways to give. You can decide to give your time, or you can decide to give your money. Either way, it’s an investment that should leave you feeling pretty good about yourself.

The thing about donating money, though, is that you’re never really sure how the organization is using it. Are you just paying someone’s salary, or are you actually helping people in need? The truth is, some non-profits are more worthy than others. And among those who are worthy, you may find a cause that you naturally sympathize with. That narrows down the options a bit. But, if you want to be sure that the organization is using your money for good, get in there and get your hands dirty. Volunteer for the organization and you’ll know exactly how committed they are at helping those in need. You don't find getting scholarships easy, do you? Then why should you so easily turn over your hard earned cash?

Still not buying it? Here are a few more reasons why it’s a good idea to volunteer before you donate:

· Charities are good at pulling at our heart strings, and just about everything sounds good in the first few minutes of the sell. Donate your time to the cause to test your true resolve and passion.

· A mission statement may help you identify who they are and what they do, but working in a day-to-day setting with the group lets you understand how and on what levels they operate, be it grassroots change or rewriting policy.

· While working, you may only glimpse a piece of the organization, but that's often enough to understand their work ethic, commitment, progress and work culture at the organizational level.

· You can also trace the money to see if they are wasteful or intelligently spending you cash to improve the world.

· As you get to know the people and learn what they are actually doing on the ground, you will be able to see where your talents are best applied. Maybe you can help in ways they hadn't thought of, or connect them to other friends in high places and really help the cause.

5 Ways to Volunteer in Cambodia

Have you ever dreamed of running off to a far away land, if even for a short time? I have; that’s why I’ve started looking into volunteering abroad. There really are a lot of places with great opportunities, but Cambodia is looking pretty appealing.

Here are a few ways you can volunteer in Cambodia:

1. Help teach skills to the young people of Cambodia. You might consider volunteering at Fresh Eats Café, which makes juices with vegetables and fruits. But there are many others out there as well. These organizations are beneficial because they help young people learn skills that will last them the rest of their lives. It may lead to a better job in the future.

2. Try volunteering to teach children a skill in storytelling, entertainment or art. The Phare Ponleu Circus is one place volunteers may qualify to work with children. You can teach these children skills that will contribute to the diversity and art of Cambodia. You can also change the life of a child by being an inspirational force.

3. It might be your passion to help save lives. In this case, volunteering with a group that finds and disposes of landmines, missiles, grenades and other dangerous items might be right up your alley. The group is also educational, providing information to those who might be at risk for interacting with dangerous weapons.

4. If you find that you are a good teacher, you might choose to teach English to Cambodian children and adults. Local organizations can connect you with schools or people who would benefit from learning a new language. No teaching experience is usually required, although certain specialties may require a certification.

5. There are many orphanages in Cambodia that could use some extra hands to help out. Orphanages typically do not require language skills or any other specific qualifications. As a volunteer, you may be responsible for feeding and interacting with children who live in the orphanage. Or, you might be responsible for cleaning the area.

Time to Volunteer: Tackling Excuses

Sadly, bad news is easy to find these days. Turn on the TV or read the newspaper and depressing stories are probably all you’ll find. Still, even though the media paints a bleak picture of our society, there is hope. Remember that (and turn off the news every so often, if you want to hold onto your hope for humanity). Volunteering is one way you can make sure there is some good in the world – you, yourself, can be the change you want to see. As cliché as it sounds, you can goodwill to those around you by volunteering to help others.

There are so many excuses people use for not spending their time helping others, but remember, they are just that: excuses. If you don’t want to help others, you should just admit that. Otherwise, break down each of your excuses, and you’ll see how you really can find time to volunteer.

Excuse #1: My schedule is always changing. Volunteering doesn't have to be a big commitment. Most nonprofits offer one time or sporadic opportunities that you can jump in and handle whenever you have time. You don’t necessarily have to commit to volunteering every single Wednesday or Sunday. Just find an opportunity that allows you to join in when you can.

Excuse #2: My free time comes in bits and pieces. Not all nonprofits expect their volunteers to be present to volunteer. If you can write grants or newsletters then you don't even have to visit the agency. Some projects allow you to work from home and send the finished product to your charity. So, even if you work long hours, you can still find time to contribute. This rule holds true with donating food or clothing as well. Rounding up old clothes or canned food is a quick effort that charities appreciate. If your free time comes in bits and pieces, your volunteer efforts can too!

Excuse #3: There aren’t any good charities in my area. Okay, now you’re just being silly. It doesn’t matter how small your town is, there are people who need a hand, and people who are helping them. Start by visiting your local church (or another religious organization). If that doesn’t work, check out Charity Navigator to find nearby volunteer opportunities.

As the world gets busier, charities make volunteering easier. Having a caring spirit is often the only requirement. If you want to volunteer, nonprofits will work with you to find a way. The newspaper may be filled with bad news, but your life doesn't have to be.

How to Stay Motivated to Volunteer (Again and Again)

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and spread goodwill among the public. Whether you're volunteering to do something simple, such as being a little league baseball coach, or if it’s something on a larger scale, like organizing a statewide awareness campaign, it is always a rewarding experience.

The trouble is that in many cases it can be hard to stick with volunteer work because the rewards aren't anything tangible (aka no monetary compensation). You'll be sinking a lot of time into something that doesn't put money in your bank account or give you a return on your time investment in the material sense. If you’re feeling this way now, don’t be ashamed about it; you just need a few tips and tricks to help keep you motivated.

Keep a Record of Your Progress - Regardless of what kind of volunteer work you're doing, you most likely have a concrete goal that you're trying to achieve. Whatever that goal may be, keep a written record of your progress. If you're doing a food drive, keep a record of the donations you get; if you're coaching a kids’ sports team, keep a record of their wins and losses. Documenting your progress can be a powerful way to stay motivated.

Get People to Hold You Accountable - This can be easy if you're doing something that is relatively social and involves a lot of people. On the other hand, if you're doing solo volunteer work, find an accountability partner to report in to often.

Neural Linguistic Programming - This method is powerful. Write down your volunteer goals and read them aloud before you go to bed and after you wake up every day. Don't just read it like a robot; put some passion into it. Making resolutions out loud is an incredible way to program your subconscious to take action.

Keep Daily Schedule - This method is simple but powerful; just write down the tasks that absolutely must be completed the next day before you go to bed. The next day, cross off the tasks as you complete them. Remember, there are no excuses; the tasks you wrote down must be completed no matter what. This will give an increased sense of accomplishment to all your volunteering efforts.

Submit a Press Release - Volunteer work can be a thankless job, and this can sometimes get you down. Don't feel bad; it’s natural to want recognition for your good deeds. Try submitting a press release to a local newspaper or an online newsfeed. Getting praise both online and off can be a huge motivator. Just don’t make it all about you. Talk about the great things the charity is doing and add a quote from yourself to get your name in there. It’s great to do something anonymously, but sometimes we all need a little pat on the back. Don’t feel bad about doing this either. I know, you’re not the kind of person who needs to tattoo it on his forehead every time he does something good, but a little recognition for the charity and yourself can really go a long way. Not only will it make you feel good, but it’ll help keep you motivated to spend more time volunteering - which is good for everyone.

Volunteering vs. Donating

Back in 2008, when the economy really took a plunge, is when I first started thinking about helping others get through rough times. I was going through a bit of a rough time myself, but I knew so many people had it so much worse than me. Perhaps because of my own misfortune, I understood firsthand that a life can completely change in just a short moment. Someone who is financially stable can lose all their money and become homeless. Someone who is otherwise healthy can have an accident that debilitates them for life. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the past three years, it’s that things change. You’ve got to roll with the punches, and help others do the same.

That’s when I knew I had to use whatever resources I had to help others. Unfortunately, money was not a resource I had at the time, so I chose to volunteer. Many people who have the financial resources choose to donate, and that’s great, but I think it’s so much more rewarding to get in there and get your “hands dirty.”

When you donate to any charity, at least a small percentage of your donation is likely going towards someone’s salary. I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing (although in some cases it is). In order for a charitable organization to be successful, they are going to need some full-time help. You can’t really expect anyone to volunteer 100 percent of their time, so a salary is necessary.

There are some salaries that are overinflated and some charities that use too much of your donation towards compensation for their employees. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, there are other charities that are barely scraping by so they can maximize the resources devoted to helping others. Finding the right charity to donate to is not a simple process. Charity Navigator can help you with your decision, but you still may need to ask some hard questions. This is another reason why I’d rather volunteer than donate. I don’t think that makes me a bad person, but what’s your take on the situation?

Benefits of Volunteering Abroad

The current job market is uncertain, to say the least. If you’ve recently graduated from college and are having trouble finding a job, don’t sweat it too much. But, don’t fall into the ranks of the unemployed either. Just because all your friends are doing it, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Listen to mom on this one. But, at the same time, you shouldn’t just settle for any old job. When you're looking for teaching jobs, working at McDonalds won’t look too much better on your resume than being unemployed. What you need is life experience. If you can’t find a job to help fill that mounting gap in your resume, look to volunteering. You can certainly volunteer at home, but that just doesn’t have the same pizzazz as a three-month stint teaching English to the children of Cambodia, now does it?

You don’t have to want to be a teacher to benefit from this kind of work. Most agencies just require a bachelors degree (in any field) for you to volunteer teaching services. And, it still looks great on your resume. Think about it, if you were a boss who was looking to hire an entry-level software engineer, who would be more attractive: The student who took a year off and did nothing, or the one who had a life-changing experience that you respect, and may even be a little jealous of? Regardless of your area of expertise, employers are always looking for candidates who are well-rounded and interesting. This experience can help prove to employers that you're both of those things.

If this sounds like something that interests you, check out Go Abroad to find the perfect match. You don’t have to teach; there are many different opportunities for you to lend your skills to those in need. You should know that you’ll have to pay for your flight (to wherever you decide to go) and there will be a fee to cover meals and shelter during your stay. Some programs do pay a small stipend to teachers, but it usually doesn’t cover the entire cost of the trip (unless you really plan to stay awhile). If you don’t have the money, there are sites where you can potentially get people to sponsor your trip. More on that soon. In the meantime, I think you have plenty to think about - like which country you'll be visiting next.

How to Find Local Volunteer Opportunites

So, you’ve decided it’s time to start volunteering your free time. Congratulations to you. Not only will you get the great feeling that comes from helping others, but volunteering also looks great on scholarship applications and job resumes. Now the only question left is: where do you start? It can be kind of overwhelming. If you’re a member of a local church or synagogue, you may want to check out volunteer opportunities here. Religious organizations often organize groups to help feed the hungry or clothe the homeless – and it’s usually done in your local area, which is nice. If you can’t seem to find a good match through a religious organization (or, if you’re not affiliated with one), there are websites that do a pretty good job of matching you up with a charity.

Here are a few you can check out:
Serve.gov – Serve.gov is a fairly new government initiative in place to help volunteers find opportunities in their local area. What’s unique about Serve.gov is that you can add an opportunity and recruit people in your local area. That means that if you see a need that isn’t being addressed, like the cleanup of a local park, you can add it and potentially find others to help you perform the task.

Volunteer Match – Volunteer Match has an extensive database of volunteer opportunities to choose from. As of today, there are 67,335 active opportunities and 80,107 participating organizations – so, you should really be able to find something that works for you here.


Charity Navigator – Charity Navigator isn’t exactly a volunteer match up service, but if the two mentioned above don’t work for you, you can always use it to find a charity that is worthy of your valuable time. Charity Navigator grades charities based on their actions and how they spend their money. For example, if an organization only spends 5 percent of the money they get from donations to help others, they would get a very low score (probably one star). On the other hand, charities that spend most of their funds on the cause get a high score (probably four stars). This site is also good to check out a charity you’ve found on Serve.gov or Volunteer Match.

Volunteering for the Government

If you live or attend school in Washington D.C., you might want to consider volunteering for USAID. Not only does it look great on your resume, but they also offer some paid internships, so you can dedicate your time without having to worry too much about the bills. USAID also offers internships abroad, so there are opportunities for students who aren’t in the D.C. area.

Requirements

In order to volunteer, you need to be a U.S. citizen who is currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. Your GPA must be above 2.0 and you’ll need an official transcript to verify this.

Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will depend largely on your area of expertise. For example, if you’re a food science major, you may be assigned to an internship in agricultural studies where you will be responsible for researching minerals found in soil. Other potential responsibilities include drafting documents, facilitating meetings and special events, attending program discussions and writing program memoranda.

Benefits of Volunteering

As a volunteer for USAID, you’ll get to see firsthand how the democratic processes of our government work. You will be included in bi-weekly meetings of the entire legal staff for discussions about current issues relating to USAID and to specific foreign assistance programs. As an intern, you may work in an Agency Regional Bureau, such as Africa, Asia Europe and Eurasia, the Middle East or Latin America and the Caribbean, or a technical sector, such as democracy, education, economic growth, global health and humanitarian assistance. USAID internship assignments are also available in the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs. The type of experience you’ll get with internship will be invaluable to your professional growth. You also have the potential to network with government officials who may help you along in your career after graduation. For example, if you’re a criminal justice student, you might make a connection with a judge who will mentor you throughout your career.

How to Apply

There are deadlines and differing application processes for each position, so check with USAID’s website to see how you should proceed.

Volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters

A lot of students want to volunteer for various reasons (maybe it makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside or you just like how it can help get you an easy scholarship), but they don’t always know where to start. That’s why, from time to time, I’ll highlight an organization that I feel is age-appropriate and worthy of your time. Big Brothers Big Sisters is such an organization. I haven’t actually volunteered with them myself, but I have good friends who do and have done so for years. With almost any volunteer organization, you get to make a positive impact on someone else’s life, but with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you get to see the smile on that little person’s face time and time again.

Although it can be extremely rewarding, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters is not a decision you should take lightly. If you want to help the community, but you’re not sure about your level of commitment, volunteer at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen for the day. You can even lend a hand at a Habitat for Humanity project or help clean up your local park. Those are all things you can do whenever the mood strikes you. On the other hand, Big Brothers Big Sisters requires a much greater commitment. It’s so effective because it helps bring some stability to children who don’t otherwise have any. That means, if you opt in and only volunteer for a month, you’re disappointing a child.

The commitment factor is probably why BBBS does a thorough interview and background check on each of its volunteers. They want to make sure you’re committed (and that you haven’t been committed, if you catch my drift). But once you get in, you’ll see that it’s a pretty great program. All you have to do is spend a few hours a couple of times per month with your “little brother” or “sister.” The fun is in finding an activity or two that you both can enjoy together. Maybe you’re learning how to become an art teacher and you can have an arts and crafts day with your little brother or sister. Whatever your interest, you should be able to find something you both can enjoy.

6 Reasons You Should Volunteer

While you’re in college, you might feel like you have more responsibility than ever. You’ve got papers to write and important exams to study for. You might even have other responsibilities, like soccer practice or a part-time paralegal job to worry about. So why should you spend your valuable free time helping others? Well, there are many reasons, but the most compelling are probably the ones that explain how volunteering helps you. So, here they are:

1. You get to go home feeling good about yourself because you know that somehow you made a small (or large) difference in someone else’s life. You contributed to society. Congratulations.

2. Volunteering experience will look great on your resume. It doesn’t matter what field you decide to go into after college, potential employers will be impressed that you were mature enough to spend your time helping others in need. Volunteering not only shows compassion, but it also shows initiative, commitment and responsibility. So, even if you don’t care for the great feeling you get at the end of the day, you can bask in the glory of the great new job you’ll land upon graduating. And let’s face it, in this economic environment, students can use all the advantage they can get.

3. Some volunteering opportunities are also great for networking. Sure, you can meet some cool new friends, but you might also meet someone who can help you get ahead in your career. Heck, you might even find a mentor. Many successful people volunteer their time at local charities. Why don’t you visit one and check it out for yourself.

4. Volunteering is a great way to meet members of your community, which is great, if you’re new in town. You can get to know your environment much better and show your new neighbors that you’re willing to invest time in making their (and your) community a better place to live.

5. As a volunteer, you may learn new skills that can be used later in life. For example, if you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, you can learn carpentry and construction skills that may be valuable when you someday own a home of your own. Otherwise, you’ll always have to hire someone to do the handy work.

6. Volunteering gives you something to do with your free time, so you can be sure that you’ll stay out of trouble. Your friends may be hanging out at the bar on a Sunday afternoon while you’re hard at work bettering your life and the lives of others around you.