5 reasons to start volunteering
Volunteering has many benefits – it can help give you a sense of meaning and purpose, boost your health and well-being, and help you feel connected to your community.
We recognise that volunteering has many benefits for the well-being of our veteran and first responder community so we run regular volunteering events for our members.
Here are 5 reasons to start volunteering:
1. Make a difference for a cause you believe in:
Volunteering is a proactive way you can do something to make the world a better place. Even the smallest gestures make a difference. It could be:
helping someone struggling with their health through offering practical everyday assistance
cooking meals for those in need who would otherwise go without
helping your community improve their health and wellbeing through volunteering at your local Park Run
or other worthwhile acts of service.
Volunteering presents an opportunity to make an impact on an issue that matters to you and in turn, you can feel proud of the difference you are making in the world.
2. Gain a sense of meaning and purpose – boost your self-esteem and sense of self-worth:
You may be able to find your purpose through volunteering by becoming part of something bigger than yourself. Volunteering presents a proactive way of doing something to make the world a better place. This, in turn, helps make you feel better about yourself and the contribution you can make to the world. Even small gestures can add up. If we work together, we can have a major impact.
3. Gain new experiences - sometimes your volunteering can lead to new roles and experiences:
Sometimes, volunteering for an organisation allows you to expand your skill set. By volunteering, you may learn invaluable skills that can be useful throughout your life. It might even be an effective way to lead to another role with better pay. Additionally, the relationships you make while volunteering may become part of your professional network or become mentors, which could lead to new roles and experiences.
4. Gain new skills – great for your resume:
The experience you get while volunteering can give you the opportunity to learn new skills and develop a skill set that you can put on your resume to separate yourself from other candidates. For example, if you are a community activist or sports advocate, volunteering can provide you with the opportunity to learn effective communication, public speaking, marketing, etc. By demonstrating to employers that you have these skills, you can separate yourself from other candidates.
5. Meet new people – meet like-minded people and make new friends:
Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and strengthen existing social connections. You could choose a cause that you feel passionate about which will help you build relationships with people who share your interests. Connecting over shared passions is a great way to make new friends.
Gain new volunteering experiences by joining Buddy Up as a member:
If you are a current or ex-serving defence member, first responder, or family member you can join Buddy Up as a member for free and participate in our volunteering, fitness, and social activities.
Buddy Up holds regular volunteering, social and fitness events at locations across Australia. To join as a member click here.