People committed to charitable volunteering rarely discuss the benefits their actions have for themselves, choosing, rather, to focus on the good active community involvement has for local neighborhoods, organizations and less fortunate populations. Rebecca Mitalski understands the volunteer’s desire to emphasize the impact of volunteer work on the community at-large, and to de-emphasize its benefits for themselves, though she also understands the importance of making visible the many incredible advantages of volunteering for the person involved.

Volunteering is, by its very nature, a good deed, though it’s also often much more than just providing help to a cause, organization or a less fortunate population. As Rebecca Mitalski knows, the contribution of time and energy to a worthy cause or event can be extremely impactful for the volunteers themselves, helping many pursue and develop skills, learn exciting and interesting new things, get exercise and much, much more. She recommends volunteering not only as an exercise in generosity, but also as a way to meet your own personal or professional objectives.

Below, Rebecca Mitalski provides several of the many advantages of community involvement.
Building and Learning Skills

The right volunteering opportunity, as Rebecca Mitalski knows, can provide a great way for the volunteer to learn something they’ve always wanted to try, or, at the very least, to develop and hone skills that look great on a professional resume. Each opportunity is unique, so choosing one that has the added benefit of skill development can be a great bonus for the aspiring volunteer.

Career Opportunity

Interested in exploring a new career opportunity? Volunteering, says Rebecca Mitalski, often allows the contributor the chance to take a look into a career path they may have never before considered; to learn more about a particular industry or position on a firsthand basis and to explore the opportunities available in a specific cause of workplace environment. Consider an opportunity that could provide you potential career benefits, as well as the chance to engage in career exploration.

Knowledge and Growth

Never underestimate the power of an opportunity to open up an entirely new perspective on life, or to increase your understanding and/or familiarity with an issue or cause you’re passionate about. Some of the most well-rounded individuals in the world have become that way only through an on-the ground volunteering experience, says Rebecca Mitalski, one that has opened their eyes in ways they never before thought possible.

Relationships

Working alongside other like-minded individuals in a volunteer opportunity, says Rebecca Mitalski, provides the contributor the chance to socialize and cultivate relationships, and to begin building friendships that can potentially last a lifetime. If you’re looking to make new friends, or to strengthen existing ones, a volunteer opportunity may be just the thing for you.

Impact

Knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on your community, or in someone’s life, is one of the most enduring impacts of volunteering. Making a positive difference, says Rebecca Mitalski, can help to improve your self-confidence, self-esteem and give you an all-around good and satisfied feeling.