Recycling and Volunteering

Why do people volunteer?

There are dozens of reasons why people volunteer their time, skills and energies but usually they find that, once started, they don’t want to stop.  The hardest part is usually the very first step of making the phone call or visiting the office to start the volunteering process.  But once underway, volunteers find they are part of a team that supports each other and has a common interest or goal. 

 Some people want to do things as part of a group, others prefer to go solo – whatever their preferred way of working they all have something in common.  They are remarkable people.  And what makes you any different from them?  Nothing, except you have yet to take that first, difficult step.  So have a look at some of the reasons for volunteering below and see if one grabs you.  And then make that phone call, walk to that office or type that email.  Go on – volunteer today and make a difference!

 Why you should volunteer

1. Because you care about something close to your heart.  You’re fed up of watching your neighborhood go downhill or the depletion of the ozone layer or any other topic important to you and want to start doing something about it.
2. Meeting people.  You’ve just moved to a new area and would really like to make some new friends.  What better way than by giving your time to a cause you care about to meet like-minded people.
3. To give to someone else what you received.  Perhaps you had a loved one who died but received loving and professional care in their last months.  You want to help that organization continue its work by providing some of your time.
4. To enjoy yourself.  If you love dogs and walking so try combining the two by helping that person who can no longer do their own dog walking?
5. To do something new!  Your work is fairly predictable and not much new seems to be happening in your life, so why not volunteering to do something completely different?  At the very least it will be an experience worth sharing with your pals and may even lead to greater things!
6. Self development.  By volunteering you can find out things about yourself you didn’t know existed. 
7. To get off your butt and get fit.  Sitting around watching TV all day is pretty dull after all.  There are loads of programs out there to help you lose weight and feel great such as working on kids programs, animal exercising, adult accompaniment, the list is endless!
8. For social, personal or religious reasons.  Many people find it an important part of their lives to volunteer some of their time or skills back to a body or organization that gives them so much personal satisfaction.
9. To explore career options.  You know you want to change, but not sure what direction to go in.  Try a few options on a volunteer basis to help focus your thoughts.
10. For inspiration.  Did you grow up holding someone in esteem and think ‘one day, I’m going to be just like them’?  By giving your time to a good cause you could become that person others hold in high regard.
11. Sharing your knowledge.  If you’re a wow at something be it website building, car maintenance, flower arranging or whatever, you can guarantee there are people out there who’d want to know about it too.  Look around your area to see where you can let people learn from you.
12. Helping kids get their grades.  You don’t have to be a retired teacher to lend a hand.  Many children just need someone to take the time to go through their homework with them and be there to answer a few questions.  With the right encouragement think about the difference it could make to their grades.
13. For resume skills.  You want to start working in sales, but need some references and experience.  Why not start by doing some voluntary telemarketing for your favourite charity?
14. To feel good about yourself.  We all need a little boost to our self confidence and esteem every now and again.  Providing your services or time (and everyone has something to offer) will bring that glow of satisfaction.
15. To get your graduation certificate.  You want to graduate well and you need to do some volunteering to get that grade.  Choose something you want to do and, as well as contributing to your final marks, you will also get valuable experience and references for your future work life.
16. To make someone smile.  Some people’s lives are pretty hard and they really appreciate what you do for them.  A smile and simple word of thanks should set you up for the rest of the day.
17. To do something. You care, you know you care – but you just need to show it.  So pick up the phone, click on the mouse, walk down the street to your local charity and just DO IT!