Volunteering—giving your time and skills to help others—provides unexpected benefits to the volunteer. Beyond the obvious good of helping others, volunteering improves health, happiness, and even career prospects.
Benefits of Volunteering
Mental Health
According to research from NIH, volunteering is associated with:
- Reduced depression and anxiety
- Increased life satisfaction
- Greater sense of purpose
- Improved self-esteem
Physical Health
Regular volunteers show:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced mortality risk
- Greater physical activity levels
- Slower cognitive decline in aging
Social Connection
Volunteering builds community:
- Expanded social networks
- Stronger sense of community belonging
- Reduced loneliness and isolation
- Meaningful relationships with like-minded people
Career Benefits
Volunteering can advance your professional life:
- New skill development
- Networking opportunities
- Resume enhancement
- References and recommendations
- Career exploration
Finding the Right Opportunity
Match Your Interests
What causes matter to you?
- Education and youth development
- Environmental conservation
- Hunger and homelessness
- Health and medical causes
- Arts and culture
- Animal welfare
Consider Your Skills
How can you contribute most effectively?
- Professional skills (accounting, marketing, legal)
- Teaching and mentoring
- Physical labor
- Creative abilities
- Administrative support
Assess Your Availability
- One-time events
- Regular weekly/monthly commitment
- Virtual/remote volunteering
- Seasonal opportunities
Where to Find Opportunities
- Local nonprofits directly
- VolunteerMatch.org
- Idealist.org
- Local volunteer centers
- Religious organizations
- Corporate volunteer programs
- Professional association pro bono work
Making the Most of Volunteering
Start Small
Begin with a one-time event to test fit before making ongoing commitments.
Be Reliable
Organizations depend on volunteers. Honor your commitments or communicate changes promptly.
Learn and Grow
Approach volunteering as an opportunity to develop new skills and perspectives.
Bring Your Whole Self
Contribute not just labor but enthusiasm, ideas, and genuine connection.
Involving Family
Volunteering together teaches values and creates shared experiences:
- Find age-appropriate opportunities for children
- Discuss why volunteering matters
- Make it regular family time
Virtual Volunteering
Remote options have expanded:
- Online tutoring and mentoring
- Website and social media support
- Crisis text line support
- Grant writing and research
- Translation services
Volunteering contributes to well-being and provides meaning beyond work. Start with one opportunity that aligns with your values and availability—the benefits will surprise you.
