Thinking of becoming a volunteer? See a list of reasons that will help you make up your mind (*content courtesy of UC San Diego).
#10: It's good for you.
Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards. It:- Reduces stress: Experts report that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns.
- Makes you healthier: Moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one's fate, strengthen the immune system.
#9: It saves resources.
Volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on local improvements.- The estimated value of a volunteer's time is $15.39 per hour.
#8: Volunteers gain professional experience.
You can test out a career.#7: It brings people together.
As a volunteer you assist in:- Uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal
- Building camaraderie and teamwork
#6: It promotes personal growth and self esteem.
Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.#5: Volunteering strengthens your community.
#4: You learn a lot.
Volunteers learn things like these:- Self: Volunteers discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self worth.
- Community: Volunteers gain knowledge of local resources available to solve community needs.
#3: You get a chance to give back.
People like to support community resources that they use themselves or that benefit people they care about.#2: Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.
Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our community and the people who live in it.#1: You make a difference.
Every person counts!Begin making a difference in your community today! Visit www.redcross.org to explore volunteer opportunities.
