There are many benefits of volunteering your time, particularly when the organisation and people you donate your time towards are something you’re passionate about. I used to think of volunteering as only giving up your time or expertise for a registered charity, like working in a soup kitchen, or visiting elderly people in a nursing home, but then it occurred to me that the definition is much broader.
I’m not going to bore you with a dive into the dictionary but volunteering to me is any instance where you donate your time for the betterment of others. Therefore, I’m an active volunteer. Most of my volunteering unsurprisingly is related to women’s cycling. As the Women’s Coordinator of my cycling club, I regularly volunteer my time which includes organising events and rides, attending meetings, liaising with people, and also the professional expertise I share with others. It’s a role I love that brings me great satisfaction. But why is volunteering so beneficial?
Gives life purpose
You may be able to find your purpose through volunteering and becoming part of something greater than yourself. For instance, if you’ve got spare time on your hands, are unexpectedly unemployed or have lost a loved one, helping others can give your life new meaning…
