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Danielle Nugent GSS 3604 H Dr. Deb Figart The Impact of Volunteering on Well-Being

Nugent 2 What kind of impact does volunteering have? What affects does volunteering have on volunteers and what is the driving force behind volunteering? Volunteering is an important part of the community, benefits positivity affect the community as well as volunteers themselves. Individuals donate their time for a variety of reasons. There is no set formula to determining the methods and reasoning behind volunteering. Studies show theories and statistics that give a better idea as to why people volunteer. One thing is clear, volunteering has a profound positive impact on society no matter what the organization is. In organizations like the Peace Corps and Teach for American volunteers can volunteer their time as well as increase their overall well-being. Volunteering serves as a way society can give back to the community, after all we should be our brothers keepers. In return volunteers receive a multitude of benefits including forming social connections, career benefits, health benefits and even affecting our economy. It is important to explain what volunteering is and describe some of the factors that motivate a volunteer. The actual definition of volunteering is hard to define. Volunteering has a different definition depending on the individual. Musick & Wilson (2008) define volunteering as voluntary, un-rewarded, organizes, and of benefit to strangers (p.14). On the other hand, OBrien, Townsend, & Ebden (2010) define volunteering as an activity that involves spending time unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or individuals or groups other than, or in addition to, close relatives (p. 528). Both definitions share similar characteristics but the main similarity between the two is sacrificing of ones time for the benefit of another.

Nugent 3 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 26.8% of Americans volunteer on a regular basis (2012). The average age groups of individuals most likely to volunteer are between the ages of 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 years old. Interestingly enough, there is a correlation between education and volunteering. Individuals with higher education levels were more likely to engage in volunteer work. College graduates around the ages of 25 made up 42.4 percent of volunteers. High school graduates had an 18.2 percentage involvement rate, with individuals with a high school diploma making up 9.8 percent. In a book, Well Being: The Five Essential Elements 150 different countries were surveyed all around the world, and incorporated 98% of the world population. Countries were studied over a longitudinal time frame of 50 years. The studies found that there are five essential elements that directly impacted human wellbeing. These five elements are career, social, financial, physical, and community. Being rounded in these particular five elements leads to a happy and satisfying life. One way or another the benefits of volunteering affect all areas of the five elements. The one sub area that is directly impacted is community well-being. Looking deeper into community well-being, this element begins with the basics feelings of security and a safe environment. Once these feelings are accounted for, individuals feel connected to their community. In turn, many feel the need to give back, When we get involved in our community and give back to society, it benefits us as well as the recipients and our entire community. This well-doing promotes deeper social interaction, enhanced meaning and purpose, and a more active

Nugent 4 lifestyle (Rath & Harter, 2010 p.155). A strong sense of community wellbeing is essential to the beginning steps to volunteering. The benefits of volunteering are endless. Not only does volunteering help others but in return volunteers also experience a sense of fulfillment in their life. Whether it be the personal satisfaction of helping others or meeting new people and creating new memories. Volunteers experience something intangible and unique that is un-equivalent to any amount of pay. In the end most volunteers experience increased levels in well-being and overall happiness. Volunteers gain many positive feelings, like a sense of pride and a sense of accomplishment. In return for donating their own time, volunteers receive positive feeling that benefits their own wellbeing as well as others. One research experiment that looked into the benefits of volunteering surveyed volunteers involved in environmental volunteering. 88 different people ranging from 16-76 with the average age being 43 were studied using qualitative and quantitative data. Results showed a wide variety of positive benefits. Some benefits included health and an overall increase in community wellbeing. Data showed positive increases in physical, mental, and social well-being. During the experiment 79% of volunteers experienced positive feelings and only 21% of volunteers experience negative feelings (OBrien et. al 2010 p. 535-537). What kind of positive feelings did volunteers experience? On average volunteers showed improvements in fitness, an increased sense of alertness, and when meeting new people feelings of stress were reduced. Other comments included increased feelings of interest, feelings of control, and a sense of calmness.

Nugent 5 As mentioned before the three main areas affected were physical, metal, and social well-being. These benefits directly affect Rath and Harters five essential elements of well-being. Volunteering directly contributes to community well-being which influences overall well-being in a society. These research findings suggest that affects of volunteering extend into many different areas of the volunteers life. One important area that impacts the volunteer is social well-being. Social wellbeing deals with close relationships and forming social connections. Individuals with high social well-being enjoy life, are more healthy, and on average have more positive energy. The recommended amount of time spent socializing is six hours each day (Rath & Harter 2010 p.154). Social well-being includes social contact, meeting new people and being able to network. Friendships and strong bonds are often formed between the volunteers themselves and the people they help. These friendships can continue throughout life. Social contact with others also impacts mental heath. A constant social interaction with others can keep people mentally stimulated and increase their self worth. The friendships and bonds formed through volunteering help elevate stress and mental fatigue (OBrien, et. al 2010 p. 538-541). Volunteering can be compare to a give and receive system. Those who give of themselves also receive something in return. Studies show a wide array of benefits; these benefits range from positive feelings as shown in the previous experiment to benefits in personal health. For example, some outcomes of volunteering include an increased sense of trust in others and an increase in social

Nugent 6 and political participation. Volunteering can impact ones health and has even been shown to lower mortality and depression in people (Grimm, Spring, Dietz 2007 p. 11). Using data from the U.S Census Bureau and the Center for Disease Control one study linked volunteering to increased overall health benefits. We find that states with a high volunteer rate also have lower rates of mortality and incidences of heart disease(Grimm, et. al 2010 p. 11). This data shows a direct correlation between health benefits and volunteering. It is interesting to look at the correlation between the benefits of volunteering and the five essential elements of well-being.

Source: Grimm, Spring, & Dietz 2007 p.14 Several motivational factors such as feelings of compassion and developing new skills motivate and compel individuals to volunteer. The reason for

Nugent 7 performing the act is more important than the act itself (Musick & Wilson 2008 p. 57). Every individual has their own personal reason for volunteering it is difficult to pinpoint why individuals volunteer but general assumptions are understood. One experiment narrowed down six major reasons for involvement. In an experiment by Nathanson and Eggleston (1993) (cited in Musick & Wilson 2008) included fiftythree ombudsman workers and fifty-three ombudsman volunteers at a nursing facility. Individuals were asked about their reasons and motivation factors for volunteering. Even though individuals were doing the same job they each gave various reasons for their motivation. The main reason for volunteering was concern for the elderly. 28% of volunteers were looking to give back to their community. 20% volunteered because a loved one had benefited from being in similar situation. 5 percent volunteered solely out of compassion for the elderly. Seven percent choose to volunteer at the nursing facility to use and develop their skills (Musick & Wilson 2008 p. 57). Exact reasons for volunteering are open to interpretation, but studies have been conducted to gain a better understanding. Through empirical studies, the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) has determined six main motivators factors. Volunteers become involved because of values, enhancements, social, career, protective, and understanding reasons. Many of these choices for volunteering overlap and involve multiple factors. Values encompass personal goals for the wellbeing of others. People who volunteer for value reasons are interested primarily in helping others. Enhancements deal with learning new skills, meeting new people, and traveling different places. The social function of volunteering is very important because it gives people a chance to connect with others. Eight out of

Nugent 8 ten volunteers enjoy volunteering because they can be with others that are interested in similar areas. Career is the fourth motive for volunteering. Benefits include gaining work skills, networking, and resume building. Protective motivation includes help with inner conflict, social justices and emotional needs. The last function for motivation is understanding, understanding in regards to personal growth and self-esteem. This helps individuals discover who they are (Musick & Wilson 2008 p. 57-63). According to Rath and Harter (2010) career well-being is one of the most important factors in the five essential elements of overall well-being. In a way these elements overlap and directly affect one another. One way to incorporate two elements together is by career volunteering. By carefully choosing volunteering activities, one can increase their career and community well-being. Volunteering can be a key instrument in career development; however the value of volunteering is often underestimated. Volunteering can be used to help job seekers explore potential careers and develop other interests. The time they invest can help them gain experiences and knowledge in different fields and learn new job skills. In turn these job skills can be beneficial and be used to build a diverse and attentiongrabbing resume. Being strategically smart can open doors to future careers opportunities. One company called Call to Careers specializes in making job seekers appear marketable. They assist in career coaching and resume writing services. This company advises job seekers to find an organization where ones skills and services are needed. They urge volunteers to be picky about where they donate their time. When choosing the right organization volunteering can be used as a way

Nugent 9 to network, it can open doors and lead to potentially new careers (Estrin, Michael 2012). When volunteering an individual should look for an organization that not only helps them build their resume or gain experience but an organization that interests them. An issue or topic that they could be excited and passionate about. Excitement is contagious; it is a characteristic that people can easily relate to. It makes individuals stand out and be more memorable. Once considered a side note, the value of volunteering has greatly grown. Employers look for future employees who are caring and willing to sacrifice their time for others. These valuable qualities make jobseekers stand out. Leland (2011) stated, LinkedIn, the professional networking site, added a field for members to list their volunteer work in their profiles, after a survey found that 41 percent of employers said they considered volunteer work as important as paid work, and that 20 percent said they had made a hiring decision based on volunteer work. The importance of volunteering is no longer being underestimated. In addition when purposefully planned, volunteering can also be used as a means to explore possible career paths while benefiting others. Volunteering can be used as a vehicle to increase two important elements of well-being: community and career. Education plays a key role in volunteering. Some organizations such as like the Peace Corps and Teach for America strive to educate children around the world and in our own country. One organization dedicated to serving their country by spreading peace and

Nugent 10 working in developing countries is the Peace Corps. Created in 1960 by John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps mission is to spread peace through the world and create friendships by helping others.

The Peace Corps reassured a broad cross-section of Americans during a turbulent period that there was at least one aspect of their nations policy that was indisputably good. It symbolized what America wanted to be, and what much of the world wanted America to be: superhero, protector of the disenfranchised, defender of the democratic faith. (Hoffman- Cobbs 1998 p. 1)

Since the creation of the Peace Corps, the organization has grown and spread to 139 different host countries with over 210,000 Peace Corps Volunteers. Volunteers serve for a 27 months period. The first 2 to 3 months volunteers receive training in their assigned field. There are many different areas volunteers can work in. Some areas include education, youth and community development, health, business, information communication technology, and agriculture. One of the largest areas needing assistance is education. In this area, volunteers work with students and teachers to improve teaching methods, classroom management, increased parental involvement, and work on gender equality in the classroom. Volunteers also work to get the students involved by providing after school activities and functions. In return, volunteers gain unique experiences and valuable skills. The Peace Corps provide volunteers with life changing experiences. Volunteers have the opportunity to become fluent in a foreign language, develop confidence, independent judgment,

Nugent 11 and a gain a greater understanding of other cultures. Other benefits include learning to adapt to new and challenging experiences as well as communication skills.

Peace Corps volunteers carry their experiences with them throughout life. After serving in the Peace Corps volunteers go on to work in a wide variety of careers. They gain confidence and pride in themselves Returned volunteers joined the ranks of elder statesman to become senators and congressmen, heads of corporations, and organizers of nonprofit institutions. The largest number, more than one-fourth, became teachers of the nations children. The second largest number went into business (Hoffman- Cobbs 1998 p. 257). Former Peace Corps use their experience and carry their experience with them throughout life.

The Peace Corps website has a section where alumni volunteers write about their time in the Peace Corps. Volunteers vary in ages, locations served, and jobs they were assigned. One common reoccurring theme in their writings is the profound impact volunteering had on them. The Peace Corps is a life changing and rewarding experience, many volunteers take away something special after their stay. Pamela Cohelan Benson writes For two years we lived in Barrio Inaclagan, Quezon, Philippines, sharing the joys as well as the sorrows of the lives of those around us. Our counterparts taught us as much as we taught them. We planned lessons together, attended in-service training sessions, and once demonstrated how to make a model of the solar system using local limes. We talked endlessly about questions of

Nugent 12 teaching and learning. By far the most important lesson I learned as a young Peace Corps teacher collaborating with a counterpart in a Philippines classroom was that if youre not taking pleasure in your work and your students arent looking forward to your class, your effectiveness as an educator is questionableMy answer is that, like so many others, I was changed forever by my life and work in the Philippines. (Peace Corps 2012)

Sarah Ambriz, a former volunteer, was sent to Guyana. Sarah graduated with a degree in psychology and Spanish; and served as the head librarian while teaching literacy courses. Ms Ambriz says, "Despite the change of culture, and resources, I gained a lot of skills in literacy, teaching and enriching education" (Myers, 2011, para. 4). Another volunteer Ms. Logan stated how the experience impacted her, "You get a little perspective on life and you're not quite as caught up in yourself as you were and you think 'what can I do to improve my community?'"(Myers, 2011, para. 20). Volunteers experience many of the same feelings after returning. They are positively affected and view the world in a whole new light. Another organization that offers volunteer opportunities while providing career development experience is Teach For America (TFA). Their mission is focused on helping children in America. Often school districts in high poverty areas have high population density, low income levels, and high crime rates. Many teachers avoid taking positions in these areas (Heilig, Cole, Springel 2011 p. 389). TFA strives to break these cycles and give students a chance at a better education. It

Nugent 13 is no surprise that teachers quality directly impacts the quality of their schools. Effective teachers can have an enormous impact on student achievement. TFA has impacted around 3 million students, their goal is to work with the school and community to recruit, train, and support teachers. Their mission is to lessen inequalities in America, and help poor communities. Nine-year-olds growing up in low-income communities are, on average, three grade levels behind their higher-income peers. Half do not graduate from high school, and those who do have reading and math skills at only the eighth-grade level. The TFA program gives these students an edge (Katz 2007). TFA fights for social inequalities in our own country, and is a valuable organization. There is a link between the economy and volunteering. Economists think of volunteer work as unpaid productive labor, in part because it is easier to measure it with empirical indicators. But this tells us nothing about the diverse meaning of volunteer work, nor does it explain why productive labor is, in this case, unpaid (Musick & Wilson 2008 p.12). GPD and other economic growth methods measure economic growth and progress, but do not take into consideration the important values and issues like health care, education, social services, and environmental protection. They are solely based on numbers and percentages. Volunteering is often over looked in these measures, but the benefits have a profound effect on volunteers lives and the economy. These benefits reach in and affect many areas of volunteers well-being, including social, career, and health benefits not to mention the benefits to the economy. Society benefits when people volunteer by not having

Nugent 14 to paying these people thus saving the tax payer money. In turn over all well-being rises leading to a happier society. Volunteering opens doors to unthinkable opportunities. The benefits of volunteering are endless; they include health, social, career opportunities, and an overall increase in wellbeing. Volunteering starts with positive community feelings, which is one of the five essential elements of wellbeing. Community wellbeing isnt the first thing people think about when they evaluate their overall wellbeing. But this element can actually be the differentiator between a good life and a great one (Rath & Harter, 2010 p.93). Reasons for involvement differ greatly, but the deed itself speaks volumes. Organizations like the Peace Corps and Teach for America offer life changing volunteer opportunities, where the volunteers can gain lifechanging experience and it can help them decided which career path they can choose. Volunteering has many positive benefits for both the giver and the receiver. Individuals need to find a cause they are passionate about and just begin donating their time, energy and self. In donating their time people just may find that the real beneficiaries are themselves. So get involved and help a brother out because in the end we really are our brothers keeper.

Nugent 15 Works Cited Bureau of Statistics (2012, Feburary 22). Volunteering in the United States-2011. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/volun.pdf Estrin, Michael. (2012, May 24). How volunteering can help you land the right job. Fox News Network. Retrieved from http://www.foxbusiness.com/personalfinance/2012/05/24/how-volunteering-can-help-land-right-job/ Finkelstein, Marccia A., & Brannick, Michael T. (2007). APPLYING THEORIES OF INSTITUTIONAL HELPING TO INFORMAL VOLUNTEERING: MOTIVES, ROLE IDENTITY, AND PROSOCIAL PERSONALITY. Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, 35(1), 101-114. Grimm, Robert, Spring , Kimberly, & Dietz, Nathan. Office of Research and Policy Development, Corporation for National and Community Service. (2007). The health benefits of volunteering: A review of recent research. Retrieved from website: http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr.pdf Heilig, Julian, Cole, Heather. A., & Springel, Marilyn. A. (2011). ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION AND TEACH FOR AMERICA: THE SEARCH FOR HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS. Kansas Journal Of Law & Public Policy, 20(3), 388-412. Hoffman-Cobbs., Elizabeth (1998). All You Need Is Love: Cambridge: Harvard University Press. Katz, Samantha, J. (2007). Teach for America, hope for the future. Bioscience, 57(9), 735-735. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216473534?accountid=14183 Leland, John. (2011, November 1). Volunteering rises on the rsum. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/giving/volunteer-work-gainsstature-on-a-resume.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 McAdam, Doug, & Brandt, Cynthia (2009). Assessing the Effects of Voluntary Youth Service: The Case of Teach for America. Social Forces, 88(2), 945-969. Musick, Marc A. & Wilson, John (2008). Volunteers: A Social Profile. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Myers, Jimmy. (2011, Dec 06). Years later, peace corps impact still felt. McClatchy Tribune Business News. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/908472323?accountid=14183

Nugent 16 Office of Inspectoral General. (August, 2011 09). Volunteering in America. Retrieved from http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov OBrien, Liz, Townsend, Mardie, & Ebden, Matthew. (2010). Doing Something Positive: Volunteers Experiences of the Well-Being Benefits Derived from Practical Conservation Activities in Nature. Voluntas: International Journal Of Voluntary & Nonprofit Organizations, 21(4), 525-545. doi:10.1007/s11266-010-9149-1 Peace Corps. (July , 2012 16). Retrieved from http://www.peacecorps.gov Rath, Tom & Harter, Jim (2010). Well Being: The Five Essential Elements. New York: Gallup Press. Teach for America. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.teachforamerica.org