Volunteering: A Verb With a Purpose

While it would not be right to discount the millions of dollars that are donated to charitable institutions each year or the generous motives that encourage people to give money to others, volunteering takes giving to a whole new level.  Volunteering takes on many forms and is an activity that can be performed by anyone. Volunteering is definitely a verb with a purpose.

History of Volunteerism in America

Volunteerism in America began with the arrival of the first settlers. Immigrant’s survival was dependent on unification and helping one another.  Not all of the immigrants had the same skills and everyone had to use what they were good at for the good of the settlement. Benjamin Franklin created the first volunteer firehouse in 1736 in order to help protect small towns.  The volunteer firehouse remains a tradition today in small cities and rural areas. The Revolutionary War brought volunteers together to generate money for war efforts, and boycotts were organized to speak against Great Britain.  Churches in the 19th century lead efforts to help the poor and homeless. Well- known organizations such as the YMCA and the Red Cross were started in the 1800’s in response to a growing need for volunteer services. Mainstream civic clubs began to form in the 20th century, and the idea of the soup kitchen was most likely born during The Great Depression. Volunteerism spoke out against poverty, violence, and inequality during the turbulent 60’s. Volunteer efforts today have expanded to include everything from animal rights organizations to food pantry’s and environmental groups. If you have an interest or a passion, there is a volunteer group to suit. Opportunities to help others are limitless.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteers often find that they experience a whole host of benefits from serving including:

• Learning new skills

• Building a resume

• Making contacts

• Meeting new people

• Feeling valued

• Feeling needed

• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem

• Experiencing different cultures

What it takes to be a Good Volunteer

Being an effective volunteer begins with a passion. You must be passionate about something in order to help others. This passion will drive your success as a volunteer. You must be humble, willing to take direction and reliable.  Volunteers must be dependable, show up to work when they stay they will and stick to their commitment. Even though, some parts of your volunteer job may not be so glamorous, it is important that you demonstrate a “willingness to do what it takes” to get the job done. Good volunteers must be team players who are able to set aside their own interests for the good of the team and the mission of the organization they are serving.

Myths about Volunteering

While there are many opportunities for people to get involved in volunteering some are reticent to do so because of a number of myths or feelings of inadequacy. Although it is true that there are many volunteer positions that require formal training or a particular set of skills, many more opportunities require nothing other than a commitment and a desire to make a difference.  Finding the right volunteer opportunity is not difficult and there are many organizations willing to help you find just the right place to serve.

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer and a homeschooling mother who writes for a number of health and family sites. She recently completed an article on the importance of 211 software.