Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer

Thinking of becoming a volunteer? See a list of reasons that will help you make up your mind.

#10: It's good for you.

Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards. It:

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.

#9: It saves resources.

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

The estimated value of a volunteer's time is $15.39 per hour.

#8: Volunteers gain professional experience.

You can test out a career.

#7: It brings people together.

As a volunteer you assist in:

Uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal

Building camaraderie and teamwork

#6: It promotes personal growth and self esteem.

Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.

#5: Volunteering strengthens your community.

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)

#4: You learn a lot.

Volunteers learn things like these:

Self: Volunteers discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self worth.

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.