A common graduation requirement for secondary school students is service hours. This can be either work hours or volunteer hours. Most students choose to work, as they can earn income while learning new skills, but volunteering has advantages over traditional workplaces. There are over 1 billion people volunteering worldwide, and one in four Canadians volunteer. Many organizations benefit from volunteers, including schools, nursing homes, medical centers, prisons, and animal shelters.
There are many causes for volunteering. 15% of Canadians support hunger and homelessness causes, with health and wellness, faith and spirituality, and animal and wildlife causes leading afterwards. Students can often find these opportunities through their school bulletin, online, or within the community. Volunteering can invite advantages that students may not realize, which are outlined below.
#1. Students can contribute to communities and conservation efforts
Depending on the cause that students dedicate their time to, they may help to build or sustain ongoing community or conservation projects. They can help do this by contributing valuable skills, expertise, resources, and talents, which can create change in social, educational, and environmental challenges.
#2. Volunteering can encourage personal growth and development
Studies have shown that volunteering can improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase overall life satisfaction. Volunteering creates a ripple effect in society, as others are inspired by volunteers to do the same. This effect promotes a culture of giving back to the community, and encourages altruism.
Volunteering is shown to also build self-esteem and confidence, allow people to develop new skills and talents, as well as enhance communication and leadership abilities. Volunteers often work with various individuals, from other volunteers in a team, children or adolescents, adults, or seniors. Through exposure to different age groups, volunteers gain valuable connections and capabilities to communicate and sympathize with others.
#3. Volunteering can improve sociability and connectivity
Volunteering is a highly social activity. It is rare for volunteer work to be independent, and it’s often intertwined with the community. By working with other volunteers, students can make new friends and expand their social circles, strengthen community connections, and develop empathy and understanding.
Students that are interested in a certain cause can find other like-minded individuals, which can lead to future relationships or partnerships to develop further change. Additionally, students can meet other community members, from government officials, local leaders, and business owners, which can help with future job opportunities or internships.
#4. Students who volunteer have academic and career advantages
Volunteering carries the same, if not more, weight on university applications, and job applications. Employers look favorably on students who demonstrate a genuine interest in helping others and a willingness to take on responsibility. Volunteer work often allows volunteers to gain real-world experience, depending on the location and cause. Students who volunteer will also be aware of the time commitment and dedication required to continue to volunteer, which are skills that transfer to the workplace. Also, students will learn about time management, as they will have to balance volunteering with school and their social life.
#5. Volunteering can improve health and well-being
Studies have shown that volunteer activities can alleviate stress and anxiety by providing a sense of purpose, achievement, and connection to others. In addition, volunteer work can promote physical activity and fitness, as well as foster a sense of fulfillment. Students also see volunteering as a productive respite from studying, as they are giving back to the community and learning hands-on skills at the same time.
Students who are unsure where to start volunteering can begin by identifying their interests and passions. After highlighting what they’re interested in, it’ll be easier to find opportunities in and around the community. Did you know that volunteering abroad is also possible? It may be something that you’re interested in!
If you find that your volunteer work isn’t fulfilling or what you expected, don’t hesitate to start a conversation with your volunteer leader or coordinator to discuss what you’re interested in or what you want to do. By maintaining open communication, you’ll retain friendly relationships and continue to build a web of connections.
