How Volunteering Impacts You and Your Community

Volunteering and community service provide vital functions in society. Connecting with each other, building up our communities, and uniting in the face of adversity are all core components of the human experience. We’re social creatures, and we’re stronger together.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of volunteering, from societal and community impact to personal growth.

Societal Benefits of Volunteering

In the words of Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.”

Indeed, volunteers play a vital role in society’s response to large-scale challenges such as climate change, poverty, and social inequality. They are often the first to respond in times of crisis, providing essential support in emergencies and natural disasters, and their collective actions contribute significantly to a better and brighter future for society as a whole.

 

Community Benefits of Volunteering

a. Strengthening the Community

Volunteering encourages community cohesion by fostering an environment of mutual aid and cooperation. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank, mentoring youth, or maintaining community gardens, volunteer actions create a positive ripple effect, contributing to a stronger and more vibrant community.

b. Economic Impact

Volunteering also contributes to the economic health of communities. By offering their time and skills for free, volunteers fill essential roles, potentially freeing up resources for other crucial areas of community development. In the United States, for example, it’s estimated that the economic value of volunteer work is $197.5 billion per year.

c. Promoting Social Inclusion and Equality

Volunteering acts as a powerful catalyst for promoting social inclusion and equality by creating a space where individuals from varied backgrounds unite towards a shared goal. This interaction among diverse groups challenges existing stereotypes, fosters empathy and mutual understanding, and breaks down societal, cultural, and economic barriers.

 

You can be a #GenVolunteer today! Check out this page for more info.