5 benefits of volunteering

First and foremost, you’re donating your resources to a cause that’s important to you. There are seemingly endless ways to give back. On a small scale, you could volunteer at a local homeless shelter, library or serve as an educational tutor or mentor for underprivileged children in your area. On a broader level, you can use the resources at your disposal to make a financial difference, supporting organizations locally or across the globe that fund a cause you’re passionate about. Whether it’s helping children, animals, impoverished or imprisoned communities, disaster relief or something else entirely, you can feel good about giving to something worthwhile.

One of the benefits of volunteering is connecting with other compassionate people. If you spend time volunteering locally, you’ll meet others who are interested in making a difference just like you are. Trying to get the people in your life involved? Deepen your relationships with loved ones, friends and coworkers by inviting them to contribute with you. You’ll not only be making a positive impact in the community, but spending time with the people who matter most in your life.

You don’t have to volunteer doing something that you already know about. For instance, you could sign up to build houses in a disaster relief zone, working alongside fellow volunteers who will orient you to the task. Or perhaps you have a passion for animals but never learned much about behavioral training. By volunteering at your local shelter, you’ll learn more about the intricacies of animal behavior and become more knowledgeable about the topic. Giving back can be a great way to learn a new skill or subject.

There are two things humans need in life in order to feel fulfilled: to make progress and to give back. These two actions help you find fulfillment and a true sense of purpose. You need progress because you need to feel like you’re moving forward in life. Learning is crucial to the human experience. Secondly, you need to feel like you’re contributing to something larger than yourself. Why? Because contribution produces meaning in our lives. If all your actions were designed to serve you and you alone, what would the point be? There’s a larger story happening out there, and you’ll feel more connected to the world if you’re contributing to it in some way.

It might seem counterintuitive that spending more of your time and/or money on a worthwhile cause will help you reach your goals, but it’s completely true. When you feel productive and fulfilled, all areas of your life will flourish. Think about it this way: Are you more likely to work toward your dreams if you feel aimless and unsure of your place in the world, or is it more likely that you’ll be driven to achieve more if you feel fulfilled and eager to press forward?