National Volunteer Week: Get Inspired and Inspire Others

National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 19th to 25th, is a week dedicated to the countless selfless volunteers who have contributed their time and energy to enriching our community. These volunteers are often under appreciated and taken for granted in our society. Some help out their peers through education and outreach programs, some volunteer for community based programs and others act as local advocates for sexual rights… the list goes on. They are the ones that we refer to as the “unsung heroes”, the “activists” or the “supporters.”

Whatever you choose to call them, it is important to recognize that volunteers make up an integral part of society, and it is great to see that many of today’s youth are getting in the act of giving back!

Whether it is sports, a part-time job or studying for exams, it is fair to say that teens these days are extremely busy these days, but the long and hectic days don’t stop them from helping out their local communities through volunteering. “Although I’m always tired after a day's work of volunteering, my contribution has helped so many others that I forget about how tired I am,” says Brittany Chua, a grade 12 student from Crofton House school, when asked about why it is important to fit volunteer work into her already busy schedule.

If you haven’t already taken up volunteering, there is no better way to celebrate National Volunteer Week than to get involved now. Here are three reasons why it will be one of the best decisions you make for yourself, and more importantly, for those around you.

1. You Can Make a Difference in Your Community
As cliché as it sounds, volunteering really does make a difference. Think about what you’re passionate about. Is there anything that can be improved? If you care about animals, you can volunteer at your local SPCA as a dog walker. If you care about children, you can volunteer to be a book-reader at your local library. Assisting others in your community is one of the easiest ways to put a smile on someone’s face.

2. You Can Experience Something New
Volunteering is one of the best ways to open your eyes to the world. By putting yourself out there, you gain memorable experiences that will help foster insight into what the real world is like. It also allows you to socialize and bond with a variety of people whose values, cultures and viewpoints may be different from yours. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet many inspiring people who will be able to teach you things you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn otherwise. If you’re lucky, you just might meet a new best friend.

3. You Can Become More Confident
Volunteering is a form of empowerment that requires you to be independent and proactive. Taking initiative through your volunteer work will help raise your self-esteem, and helping others in your community will give you a sense of personal fulfillment.