HELP OTHERS, HELP YOURSELF: THE VOLUNTEERING EFFECT

Volunteering is more than just giving back to the community; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. I still remember my first volunteering experience with YMI on Monday, February 21, 2021. We embarked on a community project in Gullum, where we spread love, laughter, and joy to the residents. We shared food, clothing, and household items, bringing smiles to their faces. As I returned home that day, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and fulfillment, knowing that I had made a positive impact on someone’s life. That experience ignited a spark in me, and I’ve been passionate about volunteering ever since.

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the world around you, but did you know that it also has a profound impact on yourself? By giving your time and energy to help others, you’ll experience a range of benefits that can transform your life. Here are just a few of the ways volunteering can impact your life:

1. Enhances Communication Skills:

One of the most important skills that volunteering can help you develop is communication. In Gullum community, we communicated in Hausa, the local language, to better connect with the residents. When you volunteer, you learn how to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, adapt your message to different situations, and use various channels and tools. Communication skills are essential for any team, as they enable you to share information, collaborate, and resolve conflicts.

2. Fosters Leadership and Teamwork Skills:
   Volunteering provides a valuable opportunity to develop essential leadership and teamwork skills, crucial for any team’s success. When you volunteer, you typically work in teams with diverse roles, responsibilities, and expectations. This environment teaches you to lead by example, inspire others, and delegate tasks effectively. Additionally, you learn to cooperate, coordinate, and compromise with team members, fostering a positive team culture, aligning your vision, and achieving your objectives. By developing leadership and teamwork skills through volunteering, you’ll become a valuable asset to any team.
3. Opens Networking Opportunities:

Volunteering also offers a unique chance to expand your network and perspective. By working alongside like-minded individuals who share your passions, values, and goals, you’ll build meaningful connections and gain access to valuable support, feedback, and opportunities. Moreover, volunteering exposes you to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, broadening your horizons and fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity. This expanded network and perspective are essential for any team, as they can help you tap into new resources, generate innovative ideas, and drive creative problem-solving.

4. Develops Effective Time Management:

Volunteering requires managing your time efficiently, making it an excellent way to develop this valuable skill. Employers highly value effective time management in their leaders, and volunteering provides a great opportunity to hone this ability. Balancing volunteering with work, studies, and other commitments teaches you to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and learn when to say “yes” or “no”. As you gain experience, you’ll become more adept at managing your time, setting priorities, and achieving your objectives. This skill is essential for success in any field, and volunteering offers a practical way to develop it.

5. Cultivates Empathy and Compassion:

Volunteering fosters empathy by putting you in situations where you focus on helping others. As you work to understand the challenges and struggles of those you’re helping, you’ll develop a deeper ability to empathize, even if you haven’t experienced their specific situation. This empathetic understanding will make you a better listener, more compassionate, and more generous in your interactions with others. By volunteering, you’ll cultivate a kind and supportive approach to relationships, essential for building strong connections and making a positive impact in your community.

Volunteering is a win-win! By giving your time to help others, you’ll not only make a positive impact on your community, but also gain valuable skills and experiences that can open doors for your future. As a volunteer, you’ll develop leadership skills, learn effective time management, and become a team player. You’ll also learn how to navigate demands, resolve conflicts, and cultivate empathy.

So why wait? If you have the time, volunteer today! Interested in volunteering? Partner with Youth Making Impact, a non-governmental organization offering meaningful and affordable volunteer opportunities. For six years, we’ve been running projects like Feed and Clothing, YED, Agape 360, School Outreaches, and Ignite Bootcamp. Join us and make a difference.

@Agape Bulus