Volunteering Is Good For The Volunteer, Too!

People volunteer for various reasons; some of which are more obvious than others. The tradition has long been that volunteering is a form of charity and the best volunteering does involve the desire to help others.  It is okay, though, to want to benefit yourself from volunteering, too.

Studies show that giving back can have numerous health benefits. The Corporation for National and Community Service released a report on the health benefits of volunteering, which showed that, "States with higher volunteer rates also have better health and that there is a significant statistical relationship between states with higher volunteer rates and lower incidents of mortality and heart disease."

Numerous scientific studies show that acts of kindness can result in significant mental and physical health benefits. Helping can bring on a rush of euphoria, followed by a longer period of calm, often called a "helper's high" that releases the body's natural painkiller, endorphins, thus reversing feelings of depression, hostility and stress. Reducing stress can have such health benefits as reducing obesity, sleeplessness, acid stomach, backache, headache and more, according to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.

Since retiring as assistant director of surgery, Barb Felix has been volunteering for the better part of the past 15 years.  She knows first-hand about the benefits of volunteering.  Barb says, “I enjoy working with people and volunteering is a good way to stay active in the community.”  She goes on to say, “The Dale is a super place in our community and I’m happy to help in any way possible.” Over the years, Barb has volunteered in many different capacities, including helping in the gift shop, quilting group, and most currently at the information desk.  Barb also spends time volunteering at her church.

From the Random Act of Kindness Foundation, here are a few more “happy” statistics about volunteerism
*  The greater the frequency of volunteering, the greater the health benefits. *  Personal contact with the people being helped is important.
*“Helper's high” results most from helping people we don't know.
*  Regular club attendance, volunteering, entertaining or faith group attendance is the happiness equivalent of getting a college degree or more than doubling your income.

After retiring from nursing seven years ago, Dottie Deer was also looking for the opportunity to volunteer. Dottie says, “Volunteering is a good way to feel good about yourself, helps keep you young, helps keep you active, and helps keep you involved.” Dottie’s various volunteer roles include calling homebound elders, advocating for nursing home residents, helping with special events, and working with youth through intergenerational programs. 

Trends in volunteering show:  nationally, 109 million people volunteer; corporate volunteering is up – 81% of companies surveyed connect volunteering to their overall business strategies, and 28 million senior volunteers gave approximately 5 billion hours of time annually, which is a value of $71.2 billion to non-profit organizations and causes in the United States. In a recent volunteerism survey, 44% of American adults volunteered their time in some way with an organization.  Traditionally, women are more likely to volunteer than men.  Today’s volunteers are aware of the value of their contributions and they are selective about where they invest their time and energy.

Volunteers come from all walks of life.  Joyce Wood worked as a loan officer for 35 years and has been volunteering for the past 8-10 years.  According to Joyce, she likes a challenge and seeks volunteer opportunities that challenge her.  “It makes me feel young!” according to Joyce. 

Nancy Poole, who has been volunteering for the past 7 years, since retiring from Sherwood after 36 years likes to volunteer because she likes people and likes to get out of the house.  Nancy says, “I admit I’m a ‘couch potato’ and volunteering helps get me out of the recliner.  I get to meet more people now that I volunteer.  I encourage others to look into volunteering – it’s a great experience.”   Nancy is contributing her time and talent by helping at Memory Minders early memory loss program, Bingo, front desk and various events/activities.   

To find the right opportunity for you, select an organization that supports issues that matter to you.  What type of things are you good at and like to do?  What time do you have available?  Volunteer opportunities are available whether you have one day to donate or are looking for ongoing regularly scheduled assignments.  Choose situations to work with a group of people if that is what you are comfortable with.  Opportunities are also available if you prefer to work independently.  It is important to volunteer with an organization which can match what you are looking for from your volunteer experience. If you are looking for a “helper’s high” or to just want to help – make time to volunteer.

To everyone who has given so generously of his or her time volunteering this past year, THANK YOU!  Keep up the good work, you are so needed.  I hope you will be able join the Volunteer Recognition Event scheduled for May 16^th starting at 10:30am.