People volunteer for a variety of reasons. Why do you volunteer? As you read through the list below think about, do you identify with any of the reasons listed?
- To feel good about yourself. Many studies show that volunteering helps both the immune and nervous systems and improves life expectancy. https://www.nationalservice.gov/serve-your-community/benefits-volunteering
- To share talents you may have or maintain a level of skill after retirement.
- To gain new skills or experience as you are starting a career. Many employers will more readily hire someone as a new employee if they show they have the needed skills through internships or volunteer work.
- To make new friends or learn about the community. What better way to learn about your surroundings than to immerse yourself in community projects.
- To make a difference. This is cited as the number one reason people volunteer.
Think about why YOU want to volunteer. Using the reasons above for why you want to volunteer, how will you go about finding a program that fits your needs?
- Does the program fit your needs? Is there a web site where you can review the mission, vision and goals? Can you see what programs are ongoing and how volunteers are integrated into the programs?
- Is the organization respected in the community? Have you heard from others who also volunteer with the organization? What do they have to say?
- Do they have written volunteer job descriptions with orientation, training and recognition?
- Is there a contact person for the volunteer program?
Volunteering can be very rewarding when you find the right fit for your skills and abilities. Spend some time exploring your community for the program that best meets y
our needs. Spending a little time and effort researching the program may help you to accomplish your goals in volunteering and help make a difference in the organization and community.
To learn more about the Family and Consumer Sciences Volunteer Program, visit our website http://fcs.osu.edu/programs/volunteer
