3 Unexpected Things That Happen When You Volunteer

We all want to do our part. It’s natural to want to help out and make a difference, especially when it comes to our children’s education. You may be volunteering at your child’s school or attending events where volunteers are needed.

But there are truly infinite ways to be a volunteer and you are only limited by your imagination and desire to get involved. When your child’s teacher asks for volunteers, you may readily agree to tag along on a field trip, donate snacks, or help little hands learn to cut with scissors. It feels good to know you are filling a need and supporting your child’s education, but there are even more benefits to volunteering available depending on how you use your time and talents.

Here are three (3) unexpected benefits when you volunteer: 

Volunteering Empower You and Those You Support:

When you volunteer, you make a difference in the lives of others. You may not know it at the time, but your efforts can change someone's life forever.

There are many ways to volunteer. There are organizations that accept volunteers who have specific skills they need. Hospitals and schools often need help with fundraising or event planning. Churches and other religious organizations need volunteers to help with outreach programs or take part in a food drive. If you are looking for something more personal, there are also opportunities to mentor a child or even provide assistance for someone living with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Whether you choose one-time volunteering or commit yourself to ongoing service, volunteering can empower you and those you support. It is an opportunity for someone who has gone before us to show us the way. Perhaps a mentor, wise friend, or volunteer showed up and made an impact that helped change everything. Many times the sense of gratitude lingers and the desire to pay it forward remains.

It's not uncommon for people to commit to helping others after receiving help themselves. Once empowered, they help empower others and the ripple effect goes on and on with each person they support, who then supports another. The simple act of paying it forward can actually create exponential help for others beyond what ever could have been imagined.

We can all think of someone who has helped make a difference in our lives. We're grateful to them and want to pay it forward by helping others too!

When we look around us, there are so many people who need help—from the homeless on our streets to those suffering from illness or disability. We can't think of any better way to give back than by helping those less fortunate than ourselves through donations, volunteering or even just spreading awareness about important issues through social media posts like this one!

 Volunteering Creates Unique Opportunities

You simply never know who you are going to meet. The amazing thing about volunteering is it attracts like-minded, motivated people with a desire to help others. Working alongside other people you may not have met otherwise can lead to some spectacular connections.

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and expand your social circle. It’s even more powerful when you volunteer with others in the same industry or with similar interests. For example, if you’re an artist and want to meet other artists, consider volunteering at an art museum or gallery. If you have a passion for animals, why not volunteer at an animal shelter?

Not only do volunteers get the satisfaction of helping others, they also get the chance to network with people who share their interests. This can lead to meaningful friendships or even romantic relationships!

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain exposure and build connections, whether you're looking for a career or not. If you're interested in finding a job, volunteering can be a great way to meet people who have connections that can help you land your dream job. You may also find yourself making valuable new friendships or learning about activities or organizations that interest you.

If you're not interested in finding a job, but still want to get involved with something meaningful and worthwhile, volunteering will help you get connected with others who share your interests.

Volunteering can reduce stigmas, help you find a tribe, and educate others.

If you've ever felt different, volunteering can help you find a tribe. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to connect with people who share your interests, values, and abilities. You're more likely to feel like you belong when you're working alongside people who aren't like everyone else.

Volunteering can help educate others. If there is a cause or issue that's important to you but that isn't widely understood by others around you, volunteering can be an effective way to raise awareness about it.

Volunteering can reduce stigmas surrounding disabilities and illnesses. People with disabilities often feel isolated from society because of the barriers they face in getting out into the community alone. By volunteering together as an inclusive group of people with disabilities and their allies/supporters, these individuals can gain access to activities that were previously off-limits due to their physical limitations (such as climbing stairs or walking long distances). They also experience greater acceptance and inclusion within society because other members of the community get an opportunity to meet real people with disabilities rather than just hear stories about them or watch them on TV shows."

Volunteering is a great way to develop your leadership skills. When you volunteer, you are able to gain exposure to different people and cultures, which can help you better understand how to lead them.

Additionally, volunteering offers you an opportunity to be an ambassador for people who may not have known someone with your unique circumstances. For example, if you have been born into wealth or have always had access to health care, volunteering at a clinic or hospital will allow you to see first-hand what it's like for those who have not had the same opportunities.

Challenging yourself to volunteer in places where you aren’t an expert can help you become more aware of the plight others face or needs you have been unaware of.