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The Shocking Truth About Volunteering & It's Not What You Think! 1. Giving back to the community 🌎: Volunteering allows individuals to make a positive impact on their community and help those in need. 2. Personal growth and development 🚀: Volunteering can help individuals develop new skills, build confidence, and gain valuable experience. 3. Networking opportunities 🤝: Volunteering provides a chance to meet new people, make connections, and potentially open up new career opportunities. 4. Improved mental and physical health 🧘♀️: Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. 5. Enhanced career prospects 💼: Volunteering demonstrates commitment, passion, and skills to potential employers, making individuals more attractive job candidates. 6. New experiences and challenges 🎉: Volunteering can provide opportunities to try new things, step out of comfort zones, and develop resilience. 7. Sense of purpose and fulfillment ❤️: Volunteering can give individuals a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing they are making a difference in the lives of others. 8. Building empathy and understanding 🤝: Volunteering can help individuals develop empathy and understanding for others, breaking down stereotypes and building stronger communities. 9. Leadership development 🎯: Volunteering can provide opportunities for individuals to take on leadership roles, develop leadership skills, and make a greater impact. 10. Fun and enjoyment 😊: Volunteering can be a fun and enjoyable experience, allowing individuals to meet like-minded people and make lasting memories. Always remember, volunteering is a win-win for both individuals and society! 🌟 ●Let me know your thoughts● #CareerSuccess #EssentialSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #GrowthMindset #FutureOfWork #ShareWithFriends #TrendingNow #PopularPost #ViralNow #InstaViral #GoViral #MustSee #ShareThis #Trending #Viral

Unlocking Happiness and Professional Growth Through Volunteering In the world of social media, many opportunities are popping up for students and professionals to volunteer in different movements. With my experience of working with volunteers for over four years, I truly believe that giving back to the community can make you happy and help you grow. Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and lets you make a positive difference in others' lives. It also lets you build strong relationships with people who share your values. Being kind and helping others through volunteering can make you feel happier and less stressed. It can boost your confidence and satisfaction too. Volunteering isn't just about giving, it's also about gaining. It can help you learn new skills, meet new people, and improve your resume, making you more appealing to potential employers. Volunteering is a win-win situation that benefits both you and the community. It's a way to find happiness and grow both personally and professionally. So, why not give it a try and see how it can positively impact your life? #Volunteering #Happiness #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment

How You Can Start Volunteering This is the third and final post in my series on the importance of volunteering. I’ve shared my experiences and the impact volunteering has had on my life. Now, I’d like to encourage you to consider how you can start volunteering and make a difference. Identify Your Interests. Think about the causes and organizations that matter most to you. Whether it’s helping the environment, supporting education, or aiding community services, your passion will drive your commitment and make the experience more fulfilling. Assess Your Skills. Consider the skills you have and how they can benefit others. Whether you’re great at organizing events, teaching, or offering professional expertise, there’s a place for your talents in the volunteer world. Start Small. You don’t need to make a huge time commitment right away. Start with small, manageable volunteer activities that fit into your schedule. This will help you gradually build your involvement and see the impact of your contributions. Reach Out. Contact local organizations, community centers, or professional groups to see how you can help. Many organizations are looking for volunteers with various skill sets and would appreciate your support. Reflect and Grow. After you start volunteering, take time to reflect on your experiences. Consider what you’ve learned, the people you’ve met, and how you’ve made a difference. This reflection can help you grow personally and professionally. Volunteering is a powerful way to give back, grow, and connect with others. I encourage you to take the first step and see where your journey leads. If you have any questions or need advice on how to start, feel free to reach out. Happy volunteering! Thank you for following my series on the importance of volunteering. I hope these posts have inspired you to explore the world of volunteering and make a positive impact. #Volunteering #GetInvolved #MakeADifference #CommunityService #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #GivingBack #VolunteerOpportunities

Benefits of getting involved in community services and volunteering Getting involved in community service and volunteering offers numerous benefits, both for the individuals volunteering and for the communities they serve. Here are some of the key benefits: 1. **Sense of Purpose:** Volunteering provides individuals with a sense of purpose and fulfillment by allowing them to contribute to something greater than themselves. It provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to the well-being of the community. 2. **Personal Growth:** Volunteering fosters personal growth and development by challenging individuals to step outside of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and gain valuable experiences. It promotes self-discovery, resilience, and confidence, leading to increased self-esteem and self-awareness. 3. **Social Connection:** Volunteering offers opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, build meaningful relationships, and expand social networks. It provides a sense of belonging and camaraderie, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. 4. **Professional Development:** Volunteering can enhance professional skills and experiences, making individuals more attractive to employers and advancing their careers. It provides opportunities to develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in real-world settings. 5. **Improved Health and Well-being:** Engaging in community service and volunteering has been linked to improved physical and mental health outcomes. It promotes overall well-being by reducing stress, increasing happiness, and boosting mood through acts of kindness and altruism. #communitydevelopment #volunteeringopportunities

:: The Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering :: When I started volunteering, I thought it would just be about giving back. But what I didn’t expect was how much I would receive. Through volunteering, I’ve learned skills I didn’t know I needed, like better communication, patience (a lot 😅), and problem-solving. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve gained a deeper sense of purpose and self-awareness. I’ve formed meaningful connections with individuals I might never have encountered otherwise. Many of them lead busy lives and rarely attend parties or social events, making volunteer work one of the few spaces where such connections can naturally happen. Volunteering isn’t just about helping others, it’s also about growing yourself. Every small effort teaches you something new, and every interaction leaves you with a story to cherish. If you’re thinking about volunteering, remember that it’s not just what you give, but what you gain. It’s been 1.5 years since I left India, and even now, I find myself thinking about the community cats I used to feed just before leaving India. The memories often bring tears to my eyes not out of sadness, but from a deep sense of gratitude and connection. It’s a bittersweet feeling, a reminder of the little acts of care that leave lasting imprints on our hearts. To read more about my volunteering journey, including past reflections and lessons, feel free to check out my previous posts here: https://shorturl.at/FAtW7 #VolunteerWork #VolunteeringJourney #PersonalGrowth #SkillsForLife #GivingBack #CommunityImpact #MonctonCommunity #NewBrunswickVolunteers

How Volunteering Impacted Me This is the second of three posts where I'll share my experiences and insights on the importance of volunteering. Volunteering has significantly impacted my life, both personally and professionally. Here’s how: Making a Difference in the Community. One of the best parts of volunteering is seeing how your efforts can improve an organization’s operations and help them reach their goals. It’s incredible to see firsthand how important it is to use your skills to make a positive impact. Engaging with Community Services. Volunteering with community services, especially those that affect my personal life, has helped me understand the important work these organizations do. Being involved keeps me informed and allows me to contribute to a supportive environment. Seeing the direct impact of our efforts is always rewarding. Strategic Contributions to Professional Organizations. Volunteering with professional organizations gave me a chance to help with strategic planning and expand my network. Working with other professionals taught me a lot about organizational dynamics and the importance of planning. It showed me how volunteer work can shape an organization's future. Gaining Work Experience. Initially, I began volunteering to get work experience in an office setting after university. It was a great way to build my skills and learn about different work environments. Understanding Community Services. Later on, I volunteered with community services that directly impacted my personal life. For example, I got involved with organizations that my family interacted with. This kept me informed about the services they provided and helped me understand the important work they did. Professional Growth and Networking. Volunteering with professional organizations was another big motivator. It allowed me to assist with strategic direction and expand my professional network. This experience was invaluable for my career, offering opportunities to connect with other professionals and learn from them. Volunteering is more than just helping others; it’s also about personal and professional growth. It has been a rewarding journey for me, and I encourage you to consider volunteering in areas you care about. There are many benefits that extend beyond the immediate impact on the organizations and communities we serve. Thank you for following my series on the importance of volunteering. Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll discuss how you can start volunteering and make a difference. #Volunteering #CommunityImpact #ProfessionalGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #GivingBack #CareerGrowth #Networking #StrategicPlanning #CommunityService

This morning I had the pleasure of leading what we at the OU call a ‘huddle’ (aka all staff meeting) all about volunteering. I was really pleased to be joined by some of my colleagues who volunteer, who spoke brilliantly about their voluntary work, and what they get out of it. Some key takeaways for me: 1️⃣ There are a whole range of volunteering opportunities out there to suit just about any interest, skillset, or experience you may have. Lots also don’t require any particular skills or experience, just an enthusiasm and an ability to give up a little bit of time. 2️⃣ Although the voluntary work many colleagues do is totally separate from their work, they often develop skills, aptitudes, and connections that are useful in their jobs. Lots of these are transferable skills, but others are more specific. 3️⃣ Volunteering gives people a different view of their community, including the issues that may be affecting their community negatively. It gives them a newfound respect for, and interest in, the people around them, and how they can be better, more active citizens. 4️⃣ The OU has a really generous leave policy for people who volunteer and/or have public commitments. We do that because it’s the right thing to do, but also because volunteering gives our colleagues those new skills which in turn makes them better employees, and improves staff retention. 5️⃣ Lots of people feel a sense of trepidation about volunteering, including imposter syndrome. They might have a perception that volunteering is something that just isn’t for people like them. But those colleagues who have felt those feelings but done it anyway say that they have found that they can contribute in ways that ‘the usual suspects’ can’t, and their contributions are really valuable. Thanks so much again to Rebecca Falvey, Emily Daley JP, Cllr Helen Thomas, Dr Catharine Bleasdale, Gabrielle Price, and Michelle Gallacher for taking part in the huddle today, and if you’re interested in finding out more about public service volunteering, take a look at our new OpenLearn resources, which we launched earlier this week to mark #VolunteersWeek: 💡 Public service volunteering in education ➡ https://lnkd.in/eFbcSVPV 💡 Public service volunteering in the community ➡ https://lnkd.in/eXfhnpKv 💡 Public service volunteering with a personal or professional focus ➡ https://lnkd.in/e-W4vi7d

It’s International Volunteering Managers Day so here’s a super useful guide on how to leverage the power of LinkedIn for Volunteering Management… Volunteers are the invisible heroes of our society. You might not realise it but they facilitate and provide much needed services in our community ranging from Sporting Clubs, Religious Organisations, Health and Elderly Care Services - AND everything in between. In Australia alone it’s estimated the cost of replacing their contribution with paid labour would be $31.3 Billion. Earlier this year I had the extraordinary opportunity to serve the people who serve others, as the closing keynote speaker for the Volunteering Victoria State Conference. In preparation for that assignment I took a deep dive look into the challenges that Volunteering is facing. Like most industries today they are feeling the effects of a changing world. Things aren’t what they used to be and in order to stay relevant, all organisations in the sector need to reimagine the way they do things. One of the Hidden Opportunities available to those who want to embrace the future with clarity and confidence is to leverage the power of LinkedIn to support operational functions. That’s what this guide is all about. Feel free to download it directly below and share it amongst your circles who aren’t on LinkedIn to inspire them to get on it. The feedback on the guide so far has been fantastic so I know it’ll be useful to support Volunteering Managers in building out the future of volunteering and make tomorrow better than today 🙏🍀 *** #Volunteering #IVMDay24

Dear New Volunteers, As you prepare to embark on the journey of volunteering, I like you to know that volunteering is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make as an individual who is passionate about creating positive change and that's because volunteering offers you that unique opportunity to turn your passion into action. But before you dive in, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure your experience is as impactful as possible. 1. Believing in the Cause: The first step in choosing where to volunteer is to find an organization whose mission resonates deeply with you. Don’t just volunteer anywhere—choose a cause that you genuinely care about. When you believe in the cause, your work becomes more meaningful, and you’ll be more committed to making a real difference. 2. Aligning with Your Vision: Every NGO has specific thematic areas they focus on, it could be girl child advocacy, quality education, healthcare, climate change, or social justice. (Read about the 17 SDGs) Make sure these align with your personal vision. When your goals are in sync with the organization goal, you'll find that your work not only benefits others but also fulfills your own aspirations for positive change. 3. Staying Humble and Open-Minded: It’s easy to look at an organization’s efforts from the outside and think you can do it better. But remember, every task—no matter how small—is part of a larger strategy. Respect the processes in place, and rather than undermining the work being done, look for ways to contribute positively. Volunteering is not about proving that you’re better; it’s about being a team player and working towards a common goal. 4. Making It Count: Volunteering is a chance to leave your mark on the world. Make every moment count by giving your best effort, staying committed, and being a positive influence on those around you. Your passion, dedication, and hard work can inspire others and create a ripple effect of positive change So, as you step into the world of #volunteering, step forward with confidence, embrace the journey, and know that your contributions—no matter how small are helping to create a better society for all. #Volunteer #NGO #SDGs #Youth

Oftentimes, the hardest part of volunteering is making it part of your ongoing routine. It’s easy to participate in a one time work event or a social beach clean up. Those are important, meaningful, and impactful ! But, the real work happens through ongoing participation in these opportunities. Here are five tips on how to make volunteering part of your routine: 1. Find a cause you're passionate about: Choose a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests, skills, and values. This will make the experience more enjoyable and fulfilling. 2. Start small: Begin with a manageable commitment, such as volunteering once a month or for a few hours a week. This will help you ease into the routine without feeling overwhelmed. 3. Bring a friend or family member: Volunteering with someone you know can make the experience more fun and help keep you accountable. 4. Look for flexibility: Many organizations offer flexible volunteer opportunities that can fit around your work or school schedule. Consider virtual volunteering or short-term projects if you have limited availability. 5. Be patient: Building a volunteering routine takes time. Be patient with yourself and remember that even small contributions can make a big difference. Consistency is key. The more you participate, the more meaningful the connection and benefits become both to you and the cause! #VolunteerMonth #PersonalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #HENSLEE #PeopleOps 🎉