What
We DoVolunteer
Development WHY
VOLUNTEER? Increase
Social Awareness
By volunteering you gain a better understanding of
the various personalities that exist in this world, and learn to work with a diversity
of individuals. Connect
With Your Community
If we don't get into the habit of giving back
to our community, then our community is going to become depleted.
- Mike
'Pinball' Clemmons In
an employment situation, you learn about the community you live in from that perspective.
Working without pay in various sectors of the community gives you a broader understanding
of your community and a fresh perspective. Learn
Through Service
Volunteering gives you the opportunity to try on new
responsibilities, undertake previously unfamiliar tasks, and assume new roles.
Giving your time provides you with hands-on learning experiences. You develop
qualities that are useful in the workplace, such as punctuality, dependability,
and the ability to work both on a team and independently. You may also learn how
to work under pressure and how to manage your time. As valuable as a formal education
is, the above skills add to your worth and desirability as an employee. Develop
Skills
Volunteering allows you to work at improving those skills in
which you may feel less capable. Perhaps you are a very independent person, but
struggle when working on a team. By volunteering for jobs that require teamwork,
you can develop this skill, without pressure, away from your workplace. Conversely,
if you love to work with others, but struggle when working alone, why not donate
your time to a task that involves working solo? Public speaking is another skill
that not everyone is comfortable with. By volunteering to speak at small, informal
events, you can practice this skill with less pressure than you might feel in
an employment situation. Enjoy
Better Health
Volunteering gives you a sense of self-satisfaction and
purpose that boosts your mood, and in some cases lowers your stress levels. It
also offers an opportunity to connect with others; human contact is a vital ingredient
to a mental health. Gain
Self-Confidence
Since volunteering usually involves working with different
people in different situations, you will become more flexible and better able
to adjust to change. As a result, your self-confidence in meeting and interacting
with people from all walks of life and in diverse situations will grow. Discover
Your Strengths and Talents
Who knows, maybe you will find out that
you are very good at something that you previously did not think you could do.
Perhaps you had never had the opportunity to do any public speaking, and then
a volunteer experience revealed your talent in this area. Or maybe you did not
know how good you were at organizing until you had to coordinate people and resources
for an event. Show
Off the Skills You Have
An opportunity to display how capable you are
at doing something can have a wider impact than you might at first think. You
may gain references for your resume. And as your abilities become known, this
could ultimately help you obtain employment in a desired field. Expand
your Social Circle
Volunteering almost always involves meeting new
people. Often, you will meet people who have the same interests as you. For example,
if you are volunteering for Ducks Unlimited, you will meet others who have a deep
interest in preserving natural habitats. Likewise, if you volunteer to coach minor
hockey, you will meet others who have a passion for the sport. While volunteering
at the MFRC, you will connect with others who are involved in the Canadian Forces
or who wish to support those involved. They may be spouses, children, members,
civilian employees of the DND, or civilian community members. Whatever their involvement,
you will meet people you can relate to, who have a desire to work at supporting
the military community in the Wainwright area. Increase
your Network
If you are in a business field where having a large network
is value-added such as a Real Estate Agent, a Mortgage Broker, or an Accountant,
volunteering can work to your advantage. By volunteering you get your name and
reputation out there. People will think of you and the generous work you do in
the community when they want to buy a house or have their taxes done. Networking
is also invaluable when you are looking for a job. If you have a reputation for
being reliable, responsible, professional, and a hard worker, employers will be
more likely to give your resume a second look. Express
your Values and Beliefs
Volunteering is a great way to show that you
feel strongly about something, for example, participating in the Run for the Cure.
Or by volunteering your time to feed the homeless, you are expressing your concern
for social justice issues. Volunteering
is a win-win proposition. It enriches individuals and society at large. Your volunteer
work is a gift-to yourself and to the world! Click
here for volunteer opportunities with the MFRC.
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