YouAlberta
Volunteering has multiple benefits, and over the years, I have gained insights into the positives and negatives of this extracurricular activity. Volunteering can have a profound impact on individuals, communities and society as a whole, extending beyond just the act of giving one’s time and skills.
I recognize that not everyone can engage in unpaid labour due to time constraints and other commitments, and that is perfectly acceptable. My goal is simply to inform people about the positive aspects of volunteering and provide information on how they can get involved, recognizing that personal circumstances may vary.
How to get involved
Ever since high school, I have been continuously involved in volunteering in my community. So, when I entered post-secondary, I knew I wanted to get involved in the community. However, it can be a challenge to know how or where to volunteer. Initially, I found the easiest way to connect with volunteer opportunities is through the weekly U of A’s Digest emails. They are a helpful means to inform students of important events and opportunities across campus. Through the Digest emails, I was able to sign up for multiple volunteer opportunities.
Alternatively, joining clubs can provide volunteer opportunities. When clubs and student organizations raise money, spread awareness or promote events, they have opportunities where one can volunteer their time as well as meet people who share similar interests.
Building connections
Volunteering not only creates connections between individuals but also with the community. Volunteering fosters a sense of belonging and community engagement. It encourages individuals to connect with others who share similar interests. Often, volunteering involves teamwork and collaboration. It brings opportunities to build social networks and establish meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds, creating a sense of community and interconnectedness.
The opportunity to network can become especially important for establishing relationships within a focused career field, as well as gaining invaluable experience to add to a resume. Volunteering offers the opportunity to showcase oneself as a more appealing applicant with relevant prior experience. It showcases a commitment to community service and relevant skills while also providing insight into potential career paths.
Skill Development
Through my experience of volunteering, there are a variety of skills that I have learned and improved upon. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to acquire and refine a variety of skills, including but not limited to leadership, communication, problem-solving and organizational skills. These skills can be valuable in both personal and professional life.
One of the most crucial skills I learned from volunteering is time management. As someone who has to juggle multiple extracurricular activities, school assignments and paid jobs, it can become overwhelming and stressful. From my past experience volunteering with the Institute of Prairie and Indigenous Archeology (IPIA) and as a reviewer for Constellations, managing each task effectively can be mentally draining. However, by organizing my time efficiently, it can become more manageable. Normally, I complete tasks immediately as they are assigned, which leaves time to catch up on any additional activities or tasks that still need my attention.
My volunteer experience has also provided me with many improvements in my skills. For instance, when volunteering as a reviewer it allowed me to improve my editing skills on specific academic works. Critically examining historical essays not only tested my editing capabilities but also inadvertently improved my own writing skills. Also, it gave me a sense of accomplishment to know I had played a small part in assisting students get their papers published.
Social impact and positive change
Volunteering can play an important role in addressing societal issues and contributing to positive change. By dedicating time and effort to various causes, volunteers contribute to making the communities a better place. By actively participating in volunteer work, individuals can contribute to the well-being of their communities. Volunteering exposes individuals to new experiences, cultures and perspectives. It broadens one’s understanding of the world and encourages continuous learning while creating positive change.
For example, during my experience working with the IPIA, I researched information about residential schools, which allowed me to gain greater insight and knowledge of the indigenous community and the ongoing need to support those who seek to confront social injustices.
The importance of balance
While volunteering has plenty of benefits, such as skill development, networking, resume advancement and creating positive change, it also comes with a set of challenges. As volunteering is unpaid, it can come with financial constraints. Also, the time commitments and excessive workload that may come with it can lead to burnout. Volunteering may experience physical and emotional exhaustion, diminishing enthusiasm while taking away from academic pursuits.
Balancing volunteering with other commitments can be challenging, especially around exam seasons. It is important to keep in mind the challenges with managing time that volunteering may take away from studying, friends, working or other personal responsibilities. Volunteering is rewarding, but I recommend that individuals should only volunteer if they have the available time.