Topic: Volunteer

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by

what we give”—Winston Churchill. There are endless
opportunities to volunteer, not only causing good in the
community but in the volunteer’s life as well. As a
member of the Vimaru Volunteers Club of VietNam
Maritime University, I will discuss how volunteering can
affect volunteers and the community.
Volunteering allows you to connect with
others.Volunteering allows you to connect to other people.
Allows you to connect with people interested in the same
things as you. For example, when I volunteered, I was able
to meet friends with similar interests in subjects, movies,
music, etc. You can interact with these people. Was even
able to make friends and I was able to find very close
friends.
Volunteering can increase self-esteem in a person- A
health and volunteering study done in 2013 by
UnitedHealth Group, found that “94% of people who
volunteered say that volunteering improves their mood.”
(UnitedHealth Care, 2013, pg. 3). Can decrease the levels
of depression in those who volunteer. Creates the feeling
of being needed, people count on your help, becomes a
rewarding experience. Volunteering enriches their sense of
purpose in life. A study of adults age 65 years or older
conducted by Herzog in 1998 found that “ the positive
effect of volunteering on physical and mental health is due
to the personal sense of accomplishment that an individual
gains from his or her volunteer activities” (Point of Light
Institute, 2011, p. 17).
Those who volunteer can gain skills that are job related
and also leadership skills. Through volunteering you can
gain. Skills- job related and leadership. Huiting Wu, from
Points of Light Institute, and author of the article, Social
Impact of Volunteerism, quotes a 2008 report form from
AmeriCorps- “nearly 90% of the AmeriCorps members
reported that they have gained useful skills from their
volunteer experience.” (Point of Light Institute, 2011,
p.15). When participating in club activities, I joined the
communication department and gained a lot of knowledge
in writing, create content, task management and
leadership.
Volunteers help to keep the community a clean and safe
place to live. Volunteers who pick up the trash around
town and in the highway ditches, volunteering to mow
lawns for the elders in the community
Volunteers help to educate, mentor and coach the youth in
the community. Parents and grandparents come into
classrooms and help with those who struggle with reading
smoothly. Parents become coaches for all sports to coach
the youth
Giving it to those who need it can enhance every aspect of
your life. When thinking about volunteering, only think
about benefits. It is beneficial for volunteers to practice
and hone their skills as well as to make more positive and
inspiring influences on the community.