“Volunteers are not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” – Sherry Anderson

Anyone who has donated their time and energy volunteering for an organization or cause knows that not only do you get to spend time around like-minded people with a shared sense of purpose, but you get the added benefit of knowing that you are advancing a cause or helping to make someone’s life easier by simply showing up. Volunteering has been shown to provide many benefits for the volunteer, too, including benefits to their physical and mental health and to the wellbeing of their communities.

Let’s talk about how volunteering can benefit your health

As we know, health is both physical and mental, and volunteering can be beneficial for both! In today’s world, a lot of us spend a whole lot of time sitting – in front of computers, in cars and public transportation going to and from work and in meeting after meeting after meeting! Sure, we can go to the gym or out for a walk, but volunteering can provide the opportunity to switch it up and do something physical, if that is what you choose to do. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and local food banks provide volunteers with the opportunity to use their brains and their bodies. You can also volunteer at an animal shelter or sanctuary if you are looking for something physical to do. If physical labour isn’t for you, then you might want to consider volunteering for an organization like Kid’s Help Phone or the Salvation Army that can be mentally stimulating and rewarding.

Another benefit that volunteering offers your health is the opportunity to bond with like-minded people. People who volunteer become part of a community often with shared values and that can be the basis for forming new and lasting friendships. A sense of belonging is so important to our mental health and overall wellbeing and volunteering your time is one of the most satisfying ways to become part of a wonderful group of people.

Let’s talk about what you can do as a volunteer

We all possess different skills, abilities and interests and when we bring these all together it can be a force for good in the community. Charities, like any other business, perform a variety of functions besides what is shown to the public. Behind the charitable, often public-facing “work,” there are also the administrative functions including accounting, scheduling, outreach, logistics, fulfilment, and event planning. Depending on the size of the organization these functions could require a lot of people with a lot of specific expertise. Volunteers who can lend that expertise are often very welcome additions to the team.

Before deciding where you would like to volunteer your time and how you would like to spend that time, take a moment to consider a few things:

• How much time can you realistically spend volunteering per week or month?
• How much of a commitment can you give the organization? For continuity purposes, some charities require a 6 month, or 1 year commitment.
• Are you willing to do physical work?
• Are you willing to learn a new skill in order to volunteer, or do you prefer to do the type of work you are already comfortable with?
• Is there any type of work that you cannot, or would not, want to do?

Where to find volunteer opportunities near you

For this task, Google is your friend! A simple Google search of volunteer opportunities near you will bring up a list of organizations who are looking for volunteers, as well as volunteer job boards on employment sites. You can also search for specific areas of interest by going directly to an organization’s website to find volunteer positions.

Finding the right volunteer position for you might take a bit of time but when you find your place…and your people, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.