Volunteerism is going the extra mile for the benefit of others. It is when someone is able to freely dedicate themselves to something or someone, without expecting anything in return. Volunteering can be done in so many different ways. It can be in the form of social action, wherein volunteers are focused on achieving a common advocacy. Others can volunteer in the form of teaching or tutoring. Aside from these, volunteering may also be done when a person decides to share his or her skills with a certain group of people. Truly, volunteering can be about anything under the sun.

             

In my opinion, volunteerism takes up a big part of a community. It gives both the volunteer and recipient the opportunity to connect and bridge any gap between them. It allows for people to create and strengthen relationships with one another. When volunteering, you learn many valuable skills as well. It can help build the strengths you already possess or can help you gain experience in other aspects of life. Personally, any act of volunteerism will most likely bring out the best in you. In the activities I have joined, I am always able to find a new meaning to life and it has always pushed me towards a better direction. The children I have met and interacted with in my experiences also became reminders for me to continue to serve and volunteer. I always go back to the first time I stepped out of my comfort zone to help another child in need because it truly was a one-of-a-kind experience.

 

Volunteering will always be something that I will do wholeheartedly and it is that one thing I wish to continue in the future years to come.

 

3 Tips For New Volunteers:

 

Tip #1: Find your WHY.

Before volunteering, be sure to know what you’re getting yourself into. It is important to reflect on what you want to accomplish or gain after your volunteer experience before entering an activity. Aside from this, also think about your personal advocacy and align it with the type of volunteer work you wish to pursue. Doing so will make your experience so much more fun and meaningful!

 

Tip #2: Go out of your comfort zone.

One of the reasons why people are afraid to volunteer is because it takes a lot of confidence to interact with people in the activity set-up. If you’re one of those people, just think about shooting two birds with one stone — while you are helping others, the volunteer work is also helping you boost the confidence you have in yourself!

 

Tip #3: Be yourself!

Enjoy yourself and the volunteer experience you are committing to. It is vital that you shine your truest self when interacting with others especially because volunteering is all about forming relationships and new connections. Always remember that even the smallest action can make the largest impact.