Benefits of Volunteering

While volunteering makes a difference to those whom we serve, it also has great benefits for those who provide the service. Why volunteer?

Learn Something New - Develop a new skill, discover a hidden talent, add to your knowledge base. We should be life long learners. . . learning something new and exciting adds to the enjoyment and quality of our life.

Meet New People - Volunteering offers you the opportunity to meet new and diverse people and to develop lasting friendships and professional contacts.

Feel Good - Helping others makes you feel good about yourself. Think about it. . . can you think of something that makes you feel better inside than helping others? Whether it's raising money for a cause you are passionate about or building a house as part of a Habitat project, chances are it will give you a sense of purpose and perhaps even a new perspective on life.

Gain Professional Skills - Volunteering is an excellent way to build your portfolio - add professional skills, expertise, and experience to your existing resume.

Become Connected to Your Community - Volunteering is a great way to become a part of the larger community - whether it's your life on campus, your neighborhood, your city or town, or beyond. Volunteering can make you feel connected and part of something bigger than yourself.

Improve Your Health - New research indicates that there is a link between doing volunteer work for others and living a happier, healthier, longer life.

It's The Right Thing to Do - "To whom much is given, much is expected." As students receiving a higher education, living in America, having food, shelter, and other material goods, you are privileged and have a responsibility to those who do not share your gifts of access. What better way to fulfill this responsibility than giving back?

Reflection after doing service is the best way to get the most out of your experience - so check out these resources for reflection.

Testimonials
"On Thursday before we left FW Gregory, one of the students came up and asked if we were coming back. That really hit me. By having that 8th grader ask if we were coming back, I knew I had helped change her in some form. I knew we'd done a lot of work around the city, with just a few KSU students and when Dan told us we could come back anytime and know we'd have a place to stay, I knew we'd made a difference."

"Our crew was amazing, six people who do not know each other were working in unison. I found I was able to adapt to my surroundings and work as a team. Everyone who needed help, received it."

"I challenged myself by giving up a week off of school to volunteer. It was a great way to spend my break. It forced me to remember that people here still need help and to respect how they live."

"It is one thing to read about poverty but completely a new experience to "live" it for a week. I have new insights and appreciation of my brothers and sisters who were not given the privileges that I was give. I was changed."