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Benefits to Volunteering

Updated: Jan 2, 2020


My favorite thing about volunteering is how unique bonds formed between people. I witness volunteers form bonds and establish relationships with people from our community.


With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. The right match can help you reduce stress, find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.


When you volunteer you invest a lot of your time, so today I want to show what volunteering can do for you!


1.) Volunteering brings you closer to others

If you are new to a city or looking for something new volunteering is a great way to meet new people. Volunteering connects you with people with the same interest. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place! Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a visible impact on the lives of others. Not only will you leave a lasting impression on people and organizations, but it can help build your own social skills too!


2.) Volunteering is good for your own mental health

Everybody stresses out! Instead of eating unhealthy food, try visiting your local Soup Kitchen. Volunteering is great for your mind and body. It could potentially improve your health.

Petting dogs have been known to reduce stress but did you know establishing a meaningful connection with someone works the same way! Helping out others has combat depression, promote self-confidence, and emphasizes new ways to stay physically fit.


3.) Volunteering can advance your career

Believe it or not, volunteering can advance your career. Most volunteer projects can teach you valuable job skills. Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community. Among other things, let’s say for example. Your job requires you to come in contact with a lot of people. Raising awareness for your favorite cause can be a great exercise for your public speaking, communication and soft skills.


If you are considering a career change, volunteering offers you the chance to try it out without making a full commitment. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities online or in person that requires a high or low skill set. Try out different openings to see what works best for you!


There are a host of benefits volunteering can offer! All you have to do is get out there and give it a try! Check out http://kidsstreaminc.com/ to see our current volunteer opportunities. For more reading visit:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm


Avery Cooper is an AmeriCorps VISTA member that is working this year at KidsSTREAM. He is the Volunteer Coordinator at KidsSTREAM. If you wish to learn more about AmeriCorps VISTA, please visit https://gosv.maryland.gov/americorps-programs/.

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