Volunteer opportunities are abundant, a rewarding way to serve your community
We all realize benefits in the form of our community resources, in one way or another. There are many examples. Nature walking trails, public playgrounds and city swimming pools with lessons for kids are just a few examples. People who are disadvantaged, physically or financially can find help with heating needs in the winter, food banks and education. Organizations such as the AARP provide tax preparation help for seniors, while Boys and Girls Clubs provide a safe environment for kids to meet other kids and participate in a variety of activities.
When you give it some thought, you've probably enjoyed some of these community resources at some point. However, it must be noted that many of these resources must rely on volunteers to deliver many of the services they provide at little or no cost to us. Sadly, volunteers are not so easy to find. As a result, these resources end up having to cut back on programs, thus shrinking the resource possibilities for all. There are far more volunteer opportunities than available volunteers.
It's easy to make an excuse not to take up one of these volunteer opportunities. You don't have the time. You're too busy trying to make money yourself. You are just a drop in the bucket and your time won't make a difference. There's plenty of other people who can fill these volunteer spots.
Although it may be true that some of us are so busy we barely have time to eat and sleep, there are a lot of people who can spare a few hours a week contributing to the betterment of others. If you do have just a few hours you can spare, give some serious thought to volunteer opportunities. If you make a commitment, you'll be absolutely astonished to find that this unpaid activity comes back to you a hundred fold in terms of the personal reward you gain in helping others who need you.
Age alone should not be a consideration. High schoolers who commit to a volunteer opportunity can reap huge rewards. Volunteering is an excellent way to learn more about a possible career path. You can volunteer at hospitals, senior centers, the S.P.C.A., food banks or libraries. As a responsible volunteer, this can earn you letters of reference later which may get you a job that pays well and which you enjoy. It also looks great on your resume.
If you're a working Mom, maybe you're entertaining the idea of a career change. The kids are off to college and you'd like to follow a long-standing dream of say, opening a dog grooming shop. Get over to the S.P.C.A. and offer your services. Call a dog groomer and see if you can help groom dogs. You'll learn the necessary skills, gradually work into a paid position and eventually open your own shop.
Maybe you just want to help people. There's a volunteer opportunity waiting!
