What would you do if you won the lottery?
Would you give to your favorite charity? Pay off your mortgage and buy a new car? Buy your parents a new home? Vacation in exotic places? Of course, you’d quit your job.
But then what? What would you do?
Make no mistake about it, people were born to be of use. We come out of the womb wired to work. We are not built to bask on a sunny beach all day. We were created to contribute, to serve a purpose.
“Investing” yourself in public service is rewarding for both the giver and the receiver.
Not all work is fun. However, the enduring kind, the soul-stirring kind of work, will fuel you long after it’s done, regardless of who sees it, who hears it, or how much you are compensated to do it.
What if that sack of money that is enough for three lifetimes never falls from the sky and lands in your lap? You won’t be able to pay off this or buy that, but you can still give to your favorite charity or
organization—perhaps not with dollars, but with your time, your talents, and your passion.
Investing Yourself
“Investing” yourself in public service is rewarding for both the giver and the receiver. It’s a gift to advocate for and to uplift others; it’s life-changing. The challenges for others are opportunities for us to make a difference through volunteering. A good volunteer recognizes a need, sees the gap, and fills it.
Overall, volunteering is a valuable opportunity to give back, to learn, and to grow. It can have a positive impact on both the individual and the community, making it a fulfilling and rewarding experience for everyone.
The best places to volunteer depend on your interests, skills, and availability. Here are a few options to consider:
- Local nonprofits. Consider local nonprofit organizations that align with your values and interests. These organizations often have a variety of opportunities, from working with children to helping with administrative tasks.
- Schools and community centers. Schools and community centers often have volunteer programs associated with events, mentorship programs, or tutoring.
- Hospitals and nursing homes. Hospitals and nursing homes always welcome volunteers who can provide comfort and companionship to patients and residents.
- Environmental organizations. If you are passionate about the environment, consider volunteering with organizations that work to protect and preserve natural resources.
- Political organizations. Consider volunteering with political organizations that align with your views.
- Religious organizations. Many religious organizations have volunteer programs that support their local communities and those in need.
Ultimately, the best place to volunteer is where you can make a meaningful difference and feel fulfilled by your contributions. Research different organizations and choose one that matches your interests, skills, and schedule.
Reap the Benefits
Volunteering’s rewards can’t be compared with a payment for services or with a physical item built or purchased. Volunteers bring hope to those being served and satisfaction to themselves with an inner feeling of accomplishment. That internal feeling is a bonus!
Here are a few benefits of volunteering:
- Personal growth. Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience in new fields, and challenge yourself in new ways.
- Community building. Volunteering can connect you with others who share similar values and interests. It can lead to new friendships and a stronger sense of community.
- Difference making. Volunteering allows you to directly affect the lives of those in need. It can provide a sense of purpose and make a real difference in the world.
- Career development. Volunteering can help you build your résumé, develop new skills, and network with professionals in your field.
- Improved mental and physical health. Volunteering has been linked to improved mental health, including reduced stress and depression. It can also improve physical health by increasing physical activity and social interaction.
Wouldn’t we all like to be known for our servant leadership? Wouldn’t we like to know that we have made someone’s load lighter? Maybe we can be more like the better human that lives inside us all.