5 Great Reasons to Volunteer

Why do we volunteer? 

Is it to connect with other like-minded individuals? What about helping others? Maybe it’s to gain new experience. Or it could even be to achieve personal and professional growth. Whatever your reason to volunteer, we hope you’ll join us on September 24 at the Drake University Olmstead Center for the 2015 YPC Volunteer Fair.

5 Reasons to Volunteer, 5 Reasons to Join Us Next Month

Explore New Opportunities

We’re going to have representatives from 75 amazing local non-profits on hand to tell you more about their organizations and their needs. If you don’t walk out of the doors at the end of the night with a handful of potential volunteer opportunities … Wait, wait, wait! What am I saying? There are 75 non-profits joining us, so I’ll be in awe if you can’t find something that works for you and your schedule. Plus, attending the volunteer fair will give you a better idea of all the fun and exciting things going on in Des Moines, as many of these non-profits put on great community events each year. 

Professional Development and Skill Development

Did you know that volunteers have a 27% higher chance of finding employment (according to the Corporation for National and Community Service)? That’s great news if you’re searching for a job! And even if you’re not in the job market right now, you never know who might meet while volunteering. You may make life-long friends with that guy or gal you just met. Or, maybe you find out they’re in your industry. Whatever the case, they have a better idea of your work ethic, passions and personality – all things that play a role in landing the job. Of course, volunteering is also a great way to learn new skills or enhance skills you already have.

Career Exploration

Don’t love your day job? Still not sure what you really want to do in life? In addition to helping you find employment and learning new skills, volunteering is also a fantastic way to explore your passions and find out what truly makes you tick. Do you love working with kids and think you might like teaching? There are tons of opportunities out there to help with before and after school programs, and that’ll definitely give you a better idea if you’d be cut out for a job where you’re working with children all day. And if you find out you don’t like it as much as you thought you would…  well, then you probably just saved yourself a lot of education costs!

Health Benefits

Not only is volunteering fun, it’s also good for you! According to the Doing Good is Good for You study by UnitedHealth Group, nearly 75% of volunteers surveyed reported that the act of volunteering made them feel healthier. After all, why wouldn’t helping others make you feel better? Volunteering is also linked to reduced stress levels and an increased sense of purpose. 

Socialization

Making friends when you’re in school is fairly easy. Making new friends outside of school, though? Well, that’s a little bit harder. Volunteering can be a great way to bridge the gap, however. After all, you’re going to have at least one thing in common with the people around you – you’re volunteering on the same project!

Not able to join us on September 24, but interested in learning about volunteer opportunities in your area? Check out this fantastic volunteer opportunity database provided by the United Way: volunteer.unitedwaydm.org