Volunteering: The Benefits are Priceless By Kim Burgess, Extension Youth & Volunteerism Specialist

When was the last time you volunteered? Increasingly, adults and youth are looking for opportunities to give back, to lend a helping hand, to make a difference in their communities. Regardless of age, race, religion and ethnic group, people have donated their time and talent to local communities, schools, churches, civic organizations, non-profit organizations, and other worthwhile causes.

Many factors motivate people to volunteer. Some volunteers are motivated by the cause, the client being served, the job type, and the opportunity to meet new people. Regardless of the motivation, the benefits of volunteering are priceless.

Benefits of volunteering include:

1. Receiving professional experience or training
2. Earning academic credit
3. Repaying what they have received from others
4. Gaining professional experience and making personal contacts for future jobs
5. Achieving personal growth and enhancing self-esteem
6. Learning about their community
7. Gaining valuable experience-a great way to learn and apply new skills
8. Finding enjoyment and a social outlet by volunteering for a cause
9. Building a resume of viable references
10. Making a difference in the lives of others

According to the Corporation for National Community Service, state statistics reveal the following:

• On average from 2003 to 2005, Alabama volunteers spent 52 hours a year volunteering their time and talents.
• In Alabama, 41.9 percent of volunteers provided service through religious organizations; 27.4 percent provided services to educational or youth services; 10.2 percent of volunteers provided services to social or community service; 6.6 percent of volunteers provided services to civic, political professional or international; and 5.9 percent of volunteers provided services to hospitals or health services.

Activities that volunteers perform include:

• Coaching, teaching, tutoring, mentoring, performing general labor, or driving clients
• Fundraising or selling items
• Collecting, preparing, distributing, or serving food
• Ushering, greeting people, or ministering
• Serving on boards or committees

The United States Department of Labor reported that 61.2 million people volunteered for an organization at least once. Since 1989, teens (ages 16-19) have been the fastest growing group of volunteers, followed by baby boomers (45-64), and older adults (ages 65 and older). Volunteering is something anyone can do no matter who they are. By being a volunteer, you can make a difference. Begin today and search for opportunities to serve. Get involved, there is a world of opportunity that awaits you. It can be a very rewarding experience and the benefits are priceless!

Contact your local Extension office to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

References

Smith, Rick. (1998). What? Me volunteer? Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved September 7, 2007.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (September 2005-2006). 2006 statistics in volunteering. Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. Retrieved September 7, 2007.

Corporation for National & Community Service. Volunteering in America: An overview of corporation research. Issue Brief. Retrieved September 7, 2007.

Corporation for National & Community Service. Volunteering in America: State trends and rankings, 2002-2005. Retrieved September 7, 2007.

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