Thinking of becoming a volunteer? Here is our list of 9 reasons that will help you make up your mind.

1. It’s good for you.

Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards:

• Reduces stress: Experts report that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns.
• Makes you healthier: Moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one’s fate, strengthen the immune system.

 2. It saves resources.

Volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on local improvements.

Think about all the free work hours that you will be offering in exchange for your personal improvement. Many institutions in your community do not have the resources to hire personnel to do the valuable chores you will be involved in, so think of how appreciated your time will be.

3. Volunteers gain professional experience.

Many of us have been holding on to an idea of whom or what we want to become professionally, yet we have never truly tested such convictions.  Community service in an area of your interest can help you test out the vocation of your dreams. You may find out you absolutely LOVE your projected calling or you may discover you are better suited for other areas in which case you will still be in time to restructure your plans for a career.

4. It brings people together.

As a volunteer you will interact with people from diverse backgrounds who work toward a common goal, and in the process you will be building on camaraderie and teamwork skills that will come in handy in the future.

5. It promotes personal growth.

Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy. You become wiser and…let´s face it…less self-centered.

6.  Volunteering strengthens your community (and you become part of that)

As a volunteer you help:

• Support families (daycare and eldercare)
• Improve schools (tutoring, literacy)
• Support youth (mentoring and after-school programs)
• Beautify the community (beach and park cleanups)

7.  You learn a lot.

Volunteers learn things like these:

• Self: Volunteers discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self-worth. You may discover you are an
• Government: Through working with local non-profit agencies, volunteers learn about the functions and operation of our government.
• Community: Volunteers gain knowledge of local resources available to solve community needs.

8. You get a chance to give back.

People like to support community resources that they use themselves or that benefit people they care about.

9. Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.

Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our community and the people who live in it. You can become an element of change by setting the example among your peers…after all, the world needs more people who care and you may be helping to create awareness.

So if you want ideas to help you get in gear consider these:

1. Work in a concession stand to raise money for a good cause.
2. Volunteer at a local animal shelter.
3. Set up a web page for a non-profit agency.
4. Run or walk in a charity race with friends.
5. Stage a marathon to raise money for a cause.
6. Take photos during an event and donate them to the event organizers.
7. Organize a group to do the weekly grocery shopping for elderly people.
8. Volunteer as a tutor at your local public school.
9. Volunteer at an agency that works with children with disabilities
10. Adopt a pothole; raise funds to repair it, in this country that should keep you busy!

There are many other options to explore so make up your mind and start making a difference.