Hearts & Minds - Information for ChangeSM

Volunteering
An Alliance that Helps Everyone Involved

       Volunteering enriches many lives. It’s an act of giving that can reach from deep in your heart to the people next door or the farthest of nations. There’s no pay, of course, but giving your time can reward you generously in many other ways.

The main requirement
       All you need is an openness to giving. Any form of volunteering can be of value. And it can make a very big difference when it helps people who are in poverty, illiterate, jobless, or in need of counseling.

       When offering to help, previous experience is often not required, though your skills may be very useful. You can develop new skills and sharpen the ones you have. Many organizations provide training and resume advice for their volunteers. All of this could lead to job offers or a chance to provide services to a larger group of people.

How it helps society
       Volunteer activities meet human, social and economic needs. Volunteers help nonprofit organizations save money so they can help more people. Volunteering reduces government spending since it’s done freely. Socially, it brings many people from diverse backgrounds together. The friendly connections you make can stimulate personal growth. Also:

  • Families and individuals can contribute their time and share their ethical values.
  • Disabled people can be encouraged to work in an atmosphere that uses their capabilities to contribute to the organization rather than seeing them as a burden.
  • People can volunteer to relieve stress. We can gain a sense of well-being while doing something meaningful for others.

       Giving your time is a chance to make a big difference in many people’s lives.

Next Steps
       It’s easy to get involved. You can contact a place to volunteer right now! Choose your issue.


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by Denessa Bachelor, a Hearts & Minds Volunteer
This web page and entire website © Copyright: 1997 - 2007 by Hearts and Minds Network, Inc.
http://www.heartsandminds.org/articles/volunteering.htm - online December 16,  2003, latest text changes April 21, 2006

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