I've volunteered as an IT consultant for seniors that needed help with computers and I'm currently an editor for a charity adventure company. I help them with marketing, blogging and social media. I really think my effort is making a difference and I feel valuable because I'm doing something that's of value for someone else.
The first time I did some volunteering was at the library in my hometown. I was helping seniors with computers and phones. I met so many lovely people there. Some of them also told me a lot about their lives and I really enjoyed speaking to senior citizens. They had so much valuable knowledge and insight.
What I'm doing now is completely different, I do it behind the computer. I don't get to meet people, but I know that what I do is benefitting the charities work for the people they are helping. I'm helping a company out with writing and social media. This company takes on extreme challenges around the world to raise money for a charitable cause. All the money goes directly from the giver to the charity, so the company has no income and is not paying salaries to anyone. I wanted to make a difference and to contribute to this great company's work.
Charity has helped me become less selfish. It has opened my eyes to something bigger than myself. It's very rewarding, especially when you help someone the way I did at the library. So many people were very grateful and they would always tell me what my help meant to them.
Some benefits of volunteering:
Through volunteering you meet peopple. Awesome people!
While helping people I learned new skills.
Volunteering made me feel happy and useful.
I really recommend trying volunteering! Pick something you know how to do or something you are passionate about.
Make a difference.
Have you volunteered for something? How did it go?
Susanne