The Unmatched Benefits of Volunteering for All
I’m a huge advocate for volunteering and think everyone should try it at some point, ideally making it a regular part of their lives. It’s unfortunate that because Prime Minister David Cameron supports volunteering as part of his “Big Society” initiative, many people are turned off by the idea. Just to be clear, I don’t support cutting jobs and replacing paid workers with volunteers, which has been happening in libraries and other public services across the country.
That’s a political issue, and not the focus here. I’m suggesting we all consider doing some kind of unpaid work—whether it’s with a charity, an arts organization, a school, or any task that benefits society, and makes us proud.
When did we lose our way?
We live in a capitalist society, which increasingly feels like it’s all about every person for themselves. This change could be due to declining church attendance and organized religion, fewer kids attending Sunday school or youth organizations like Scouts and Guides, or maybe our education system. But it’s likely more connected to the influence of mass media and possibly started with Thatcherism in the 1980s.
Whatever the cause, it seems like we’re becoming a nation without a moral compass. This lack of morals was evident in the recent riots, where we saw young people stealing from someone they initially seemed to be helping.
The true reward
People often think of volunteering as something for retirees, those who can’t find a job, or as a way to gain work experience. But it’s much more than that. Andrew Tindall from The Young Apprentice says, “Volunteering enhances you as a person. I think everyone should do it, even if it’s just an hour a week. It’s something different to do, takes your mind off things, and gives you perspective on life.”
Research by The Mental Health Foundation shows that helping others can boost our happiness and improve our mental health. The positive feelings we get from helping reduce stress and strengthen our immune system, helping us fight off disease. It even suggests that older people who help others live longer. The Mental Health Foundation offers a leaflet called “Doing Good Does You Good.”
More reasons to volunteer
There are plenty of reasons to volunteer. If everyone gave one or two hours a week, we’d become a kinder, more caring society. Volunteering helps us empathize with others and understand different social situations. It takes us out of our own little bubbles and helps us see the bigger picture.
Why not look into available volunteer opportunities? Or start small with a kind gesture for a friend or neighbor—kind acts tend to multiply!
