Impact of volunteering: shaping individuals and communities

October 07, 2024 / 8:48 PM

Samar Sader

Throughout the day, people often perform acts motivated by pure goodwill, without expecting any reward. For instance, after a long, exhausting day, one might help an elderly person cross the street, assist a friend with their studies, or contribute to cleaning the mosque's courtyards. Charity extends beyond institutional and organisational efforts; it encompasses actions driven by a profound commitment to giving, cooperation and solidarity within the community.

Mahatma Gandhi, the esteemed spiritual leader of India, famously said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This profound statement underscores how volunteering not only enriches one's own life but also brings substantial benefits to society. Engaging in community activities and volunteer work is therefore highly valuable, and individuals should eagerly embrace these opportunities for personal and communal growth.

How volunteering shapes who we are?

Volunteering provides a person with many valuable benefits, the most prominent of which are:

Boosting self-confidence

Surrendering to emptiness and disengaging from society can have a detrimental effect on individuals. It erodes self-confidence and impairs their ability to navigate life's challenges. Conversely, participating in volunteer work can counteract these negative feelings. Helping others provides a sense of purpose and strengthens one’s resolve, as effectively addressing their problems not only fosters personal satisfaction but also enhances self-confidence.

A resume’s highlight

When starting a job search after completing university, candidates are often questioned about their experience. A typical response might be 'no experience.' However, participation in social activities and volunteer work can create a positive impression about them, demonstrating a commitment to success and personal growth.

Volunteerism exposes individuals to various workplace scenarios and sharpens key skills, including teamwork, management, and responsibility, and fosters creativity. These experiences are invaluable when crafting a resume, making it a compelling asset for various departments and companies.

Fostering better communication with people

In volunteer work, individuals frequently interact with people from various cultural backgrounds, gaining a deeper understanding of their lives. These interactions enhance a range of skills, with effective communication and empathy standing out as particularly important. As a result, volunteers often develop stronger social awareness and personal growth.

Developing new friendships

People with similar interests and goals often forge friendships, and those volunteers naturally bond over common causes. Therefore, engaging in volunteer work introduces individuals to different cultures, potentially leading to meaningful connections and enriching their lives with new friendships.

Offering heartwarming emotions

When individuals immerse themselves in positive activities, it enhances their mental state by reflecting that positivity inward. Volunteer work, for example, can diminish stress and anxiety by shifting attention away from negative feelings and fostering a sense of fulfilment and happiness.

From giving to gaining: the community impact of volunteering

The essence of volunteer work is its profound impact on the development of society and its benefits to individuals at multiple levels. Thus, an individual’s involvement in volunteer activities delivers the following benefits for society:

Development of society

The driving force behind volunteering should be a genuine desire to create meaningful change and address societal issues. Such dedication can foster community development and advancement. Additionally, extending help can improve social conditions and increase effectiveness within communities.

Social integration

When people participate in volunteer work, social differences diminish, and a sense of equality emerges. This occurs by fostering an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds unite to achieve a shared goal. Such interactions challenge stereotypes, enhance empathy and mutual understanding, and dismantle social, cultural, and economic barriers.

Economic impact

The connection between the economy and volunteering may not be immediately apparent, but it is indeed significant. When individuals volunteer, whether within an organisation or through personal effort, they offer vital support to those in need. This assistance reduces the burden on government institutions and relevant authorities, contributing to a more stable economic environment

In volunteer work, individuals offer their time and skills without monetary compensation, allowing resources and funds to be redirected towards other societal advancements. Gitnux reports that in 2020, volunteers in the United States alone contributed an astounding $183.4 billion, emphasising the crucial economic role of volunteerism in societal progress.

References

[1] workfaith.org, WHY SHOULD YOUNG ADULTS VOLUNTEER – 5 REASONS
[2] volunteer-opportunities.org, 10 Reasons Every Teen Should Volunteer
[3] generation.org, How Volunteering Impacts You and Your Community
[4] nbfafrica.org, The Social Impact of Volunteerism
[5] gitnux.org, Must-Know Volunteer Statistics [Recent Analysis]