Volunteering has been a key aspect in the ACG community for as long as I can remember, but many are oblivious to the benefits behind volunteering. One of the most obvious reasons for volunteering in the ACG community is that you get to connect with other individuals who are like-minded.
However, there are many other benefits that is associated with volunteering than just the above mentioned. Have you volunteered before? If not, I hope this article at least convinces you to give volunteering a try sometime in the near future.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering exists in many forms, from helping a worthwhile cause such as blood donation drives, to helping people in need within the community. By actively participating in volunteerism, studies have shown that you can drastically reduce stress, have a profound sense of purpose and even combat depression. All of the factors above combined result in one thing – a happier you.
So why volunteer? Simply because it makes you a happier person.
Volunteering helps increase your social skills
While it is no secret volunteering helps you establish new connections, it also allows you to practice your social skills as you will be meeting different kinds of people on a regular basis. This is often overlooked, but volunteering helps overcome the fear of meeting new people as it provides you a practice ground filled with like-minded people.
Volunteering is great for the soul
When you help others, it automatically alleviates the burden of stress, anxiety and depression as scientific studies have shown that a great amount of brain activity is involved in volunteering. Our body, mind and soul is all hard wired to help others in need, thus making you a happy camper. This in turn allows for great self-confidence build up, due to the natural sense of accomplishment, as well as instilling a great sense of pride and identity within yourself.
Volunteering advances your career
Project planning, team work, scheduling, communication and problem solving are all skills that are essential in any work place. You will be able to learn and practice all these skills during your time as a volunteer and in turn hone these skills to perfection before applying it in your work place.
Always wanted to learn how to counsel people in crisis? Thinking about a change in your career path? Volunteering allows you to take a career shift without the long term commitment, and also allows you to try out different professions. Being unpaid for a volunteer position doesn’t mean the skill set you learn is rudimentary. More often than not, these volunteer programs have an extensive training regime that will increase your knowledge on the subject matter in the long run.
Volunteering is fun and meaningful
It is one of the most fulfilling activities you can do in your life. It helps you build great character as you discharge the negative stress built up from work and commitments. After each volunteer session, your mind will be renewed with greater clarity, creativity and motivation. Volunteering should always be fun.
Volunteering as a lifestyle
Volunteering doesn’t mean you have to devote your entire life to it. Quite the opposite, in fact. Volunteer as and when you can, as volunteering should never be forced and should never feel like a chore.
There are a lot of factors to consider before you volunteer, but don’t be too focused on the details, otherwise you will never act on your instinct to help others.
With that being said, volunteer today!
