In the last two years, the most amazing thing that has
happened to me is volunteering. After I relocated to the US from India, I had
plenty of free time on hand and while searching for things to do, I chanced
upon a few volunteering opportunities. Life has never been the same after that.
Here are some reasons why I love volunteering:
-It keeps me busy and now I have no time left to sit idle,
feeling bored or lonely.
-It gives me a chance to meet some really cool people from
different walks of life. I have interacted with scientists, lawyers, park
rangers, teachers, students etc during my volunteering stints and need I say
how wonderful those interactions were!
-My actions have a direct impact on the causes I support. Be
it marketing or manning a booth-I see the results of my efforts bearing fruits
which is highly satisfying.
-It allows me to hone my existing skills (online marketing)
as well as learn newer ones (interpersonal skills, event management, admin work
and even hiking!).
-As I'm working on a cause that is close to my heart, I'm
passionate about the job. I get excited by new projects and my mind is
constantly buzzing with new ideas. At the end of the day, I don't feel bogged
down or exhausted. How often does that happen with our regular jobs?
-Volunteers are treated with respect and their contribution
is recognized and appreciated. This particularly is a big motivating factor for
me.
-I get to attend fun events while helping organize them.
I've got an opportunity to hike at parks which are not yet open to public,
watch fun movies, attend interesting lectures all through volunteering.
-Lastly, the warm fuzzy feeling you get in your heart
knowing that your actions, however small, have helped make the world a better
place to live in, is a reward in its self.
Now that you know how awesome volunteering is, join in the
fun! Cheerful Givers has a whole lot of interesting volunteering opportunities.
Check them out here:
http://www.cheerfulgivers.org/get-involved/volunteer-positions/. Give it a try
and I promise you will have a great time.
(A shortened version of this article appeared in the e-newsletter of Cheerful Givers July 2014 issue)
