Pioneer Press
Posted
Volunteering your
time can be life-changing experience
By Hap Lecrone
Giving blood, reading to a child, raking leaves, delivering meals,
mentoring teens, feeding the homeless, serving others. Volunteering takes many forms and allows
people the opportunity to find something fulfilling to do, share their good
fortune or simply reach out to others in need.
The
beauty of volunteering is that anyone can be a volunteer in almost any area of
service that he or she finds interesting. The reasons for volunteering are as
varied as the people who volunteer, but whatever the motive behind the service,
volunteering can be rewarding for those serving and those being served.
Volunteering
is an enriching experience in which you have the opportunity to improve your
community, work for social change, help others and give new meaning to your
life. The following are some of the benefits of volunteering:
� Helping
others: Volunteering is a way to share your personal gifts and lifetime
experiences with others. Many people forget their own worries when they help
others and are reminded of the blessings in their lives when they reach out to
those in need.
� Build
skills: Volunteering provides the chance for individuals to try something new
and challenges them to work outside their comfort zone. Many volunteers find a
new talent when they begin helping others and continue to fine tune already
existing talents.
� Self-expression:
Volunteering can allow people to fulfill lifelong dreams and ambitions.
Many volunteers choose to serve in an area that fulfills their innermost
desires that have all too often have taken a back seat to school, career and
family.
� Meet
new people: Volunteering opens doors to new communities, friends and
professional contacts.
� Build
self-esteem: Many volunteers find that their volunteer service builds
confidence and healthy attitudes because as they help others, they are helping
themselves. Finding new skills and talents, meeting new people and serving
others can truly help you feel good about yourself.
� Develop
creativity: Volunteering allows you to explore new ways of looking at the
world, and you are able to use your special talents and skills to help work
through problems.
� Explore
new careers: Volunteering is a great way to explore possible career options
and it allows you to discover whether you like certain kinds of work without
making drastic career changes.
Although
volunteering involves serving others, consider the personal benefits of
volunteering, as well.
Hap
LeCrone is a clinical
psychologist. If you have topics you would like him to discuss, write to him at