The Surprising Benefits of Volunteering

October 2015 - Volunteers make a huge difference to those organizations that rely on their support. What we tend to forget is that volunteering also makes a huge impact on the volunteers. Below are some surprising benefits of volunteering.

• Volunteering connects you to others. It gives you a chance to meet new people and create friendships that you might not normally have the chance to experience. At EAA, we find that this is one of major reasons volunteers continue to come back—for the camaraderie and to see their friends.
• Volunteering is good for your mind and body. Volunteering is known to improve the physical and emotional health of those who volunteer, which includes lowered stress. It can also give a healthy boost to your self-confidence. Knowing you are giving back to the community can give you a sense of pride, which leads to a more positive view of yourself.
• Volunteering can advance your career. It can give you the opportunity to learn new skills or refine existing ones, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project management, task management, and organization.
• Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment into your life. Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions while giving back to your organization or community.