Why Volunteer?

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I am a huge proponent of volunteering for personal, "selfish" reasons!

Those who volunteer all have their own "Why"; here are some scientifically-backed reasons that prove that volunteering is good for everyone:

IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND EXTEND YOUR LIFE

• Volunteering prevents loneliness because it increases socialization, exposes people to new communities, and forms powerful social ties and attachments to others

• Volunteering promotes longevity and can moderate symptoms of chronic pain and illness

• Volunteering improves brain elasticity and is shown to lower rates of Alzheimer's and Dementia

• Volunteers tend to take better care of themselves, and be more physically active which reduces heart disease and helps shed unwanted pounds

IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

• Learn new skills that can improve a resume

• Build confidence and have opportunities to demonstrate skills to others

• Create a sense of personal and professional purpose

• Forge new relationships that may lead to future work opportunities

• New social connections promote well-being and lessen anger, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD

• Helping others shines a spotlight on different realities and circumstances, and brings a new perspective to our own problems

• Volunteering improves self esteem and reduces stress

• Volunteering can be tons of FUN!

IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNITY

• Building and supporting the safety net around vulnerable people directly impacts communal future

•  Less trauma = more productive lives

•  Reduced time spent on overcoming preventable obstacles, gives individuals more opportunities to focus their energy on improvement of self, families, and others; and eventually to donate their own time

• Cleaner parks, roads, and popular attractions encourages tourism and community pride

WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE IN RETURN WHEN YOU DONATE YOUR TIME TO MFCDA?

•  The opportunity to create the foundation for a strong, lifelong bond with your town and peers

•  Monthly opportunities for fun and fellowship with the MFCDA family

•  An opportunity to share your ideas and experiences with other like-minded adults

•  The satisfaction and pride of being a member of a regional organization which shares your interest in and concern for your community

There are many service organizations in town which impact different areas of the community and even the world- the Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Danner Farms, Garden Club, various political organizations, and much more!

Originally posted by Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance via Locable