The Importance of Giving Back to your Community
There are so many examples of how people give back to their communities, and a vast number of benefits that can come with it, whether it be monetary, or volunteering their time, or donating excess resources. The possibilities are endless and the rewards are limitless. Here are just some of the reasons why giving back to your community matters.
Personal Fulfillment
Giving back to your community can certainly be one way to find and tap into a deeper purpose. While some careers or jobs lend themselves more directly to giving back, many people do not have this sense of fulfillment in their every day. For most people it is inherently meaningful to help make the lives of others better, through the act of volunteering. It’s a way for people to know that through their efforts, they are contributing to society and making a positive difference.
Promotes Good Health
Exercise, participating in sporting events, and eating healthy can all contribute to a person’s health, and so can volunteering! Studies have shown that those who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not. Even those that have chronic illnesses find that volunteering can reduce the pain associated with their illness.
Volunteering has a significant impact on mental health as well. Studies show a decrease in depression and anxiety can give volunteers the chance to socialize more with like-minded individuals. Volunteers are less likely to feel alone or isolated in their everyday life and with better overall health, they are more able to live their lives to the fullest.
Add More People To Your Network
Volunteering brings people together for a chance to get to know one another. It can be a great way to meet a friend, a neighbor, or create relationships that can lead to future professional opportunities. Networking also promotes community and can bring people together to celebrate and embrace diversity. Especially in our current world where many are isolated, volunteering has gone virtual, allowing for people to connect and continue to grow their networks despite such unprecedented times.
Obtain Valuable Skills
The variety of volunteering opportunities can also allow for the development of new skills. These skills can translate into a person’s everyday life or professional life. Whether it be gardening, teaching, conservation, public health, animal care, etc, volunteering can tap into an existing passion point or ignite a new one. Learning a new skill can inspire a person to start projects they wouldn’t have otherwise done, or allow them to take part in a new hobby. The personal growth that comes from learning and fostering new skills can lead to a happier, more productive life.
Gain a New Perspective
Giving back to your community allows a person to step back from their own everyday life for a moment and take a new perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily tasks, jobs and stressors of life. Volunteering can provide a unique opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes. It can provide a moment of reflection, an opportunity to take inventory of what matters, and can bring a renewed sense of accomplishment and appreciation for our neighbors.
Start Today
There is no right or wrong way for you to give back to your community, nor does it have to be complicated. It can be as simple as picking up your neighbor’s groceries one day or leaving a note of gratitude for your postal worker. To get involved in a more formal way, there are many organizations that would benefit from and are looking for volunteers every day, year-round. In the end, the best opportunity to give back is one that you are passionate about and helps improve the lives of those around you.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Pandemic Professors, please visit our website at www.pandemicprofessors.org!
Written By: Irfan Jeddy
