The Why behind Volunteering

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn

I would like to start with this quote as I went from not seeing any necessity to volunteering to encouraging everyone to go through this transformative life experience.

Volunteering has enriched my life in countless ways. The experience not only allowed me to contribute to the community but also provided me with a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges faced by others. One of the most impactful aspects of volunteering was the opportunity to connect with diverse individuals and build meaningful relationships.

In this article, We will navigate the skills and knowledge gained through volunteering and explore why it’s a life-changing experience.

1. You discover yourself in Volunteering

You learn about  your own capabilities and uncover  hidden tents from skills like  designing, writing, organizing, to exploring new hobbies as dancing, hiking, coloring etc You also get a chance to engage in different discussions and exploring new places which  give you a chance to expand your horizons

2. You slow down with life

In a world where competition and hard workload became a life style.Long term volunteering provides you an excellent opportunity to take a more relaxed approach to life. A space to pause, reflect and enjoy the present moment. Instead of rushing through life’s achievements. The idea is to embrace a slower pace to prioritize your mental well-being, reduce stress, and enhance a deeper connection with your inner self and the surrounding environment.

3. It builds up your self confidence

As you learn new things and organize initiative, campaigns or activities for others. You start to build a confidence that you are capable of doing things and that it’s always a learning process. Facing some challenges during volunteering also makes  you believe in yourself and that you can handle different situations in life.

4. It enhances your civic responsibility

This is actively getting involved in what is happening in your community. When we volunteer in a local community and connect with people, we become directly engaged in addressing their local issues and try to contribute to solving the issues and in this way, we develop a sense of awareness and responsibility towards the community which can be the driving passion to make a positive impact and encourage others to do so as well

5. You make a meaningful difference

Volunteering empowers us to realize our capabilities and how we can make a real and meaningful difference in our communities, directly impacting the lives of others. By actively engaging in volunteer work, we get the opportunity to bring about positive changes and address the needs of others. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives, helping vulnerable populations, or participating in awareness campaigns.

6. You have an opportunity to give back

Many volunteers often choose to continue supporting their communities and help others whenever possible even away from their volunteering period. This choice reflects a personal connection and a desire to contribute to the well-being of the people or causes that matter most to us. As we become motivated by a sense of personal commitment to enhancing the quality of life within our community. 

As we conclude our reflections on the power of volunteering, especially on this International Volunteering Day, let’s seize the opportunity to make a difference, even in small ways. To commemorate this day, consider extending a helping hand to a stranger. It could be as simple as sharing a warm smile. Let us carry the spirit of volunteering forward, recognizing that each positive interaction has the potential to brighten someone’s day and contribute to a more accepting global community.

Prepared By YouthPrint ESC Volunteer: Dina Z. Ahmed