As a nonprofit organization we understand how valuable volunteers are. At our nonprofit, Push to Walk, volunteers are the heart and soul of what we can accomplish daily. They help directly with our clients who are paralyzed, they assist with administrative tasks like outreach, and they even help us with fundraising during our annual events. Volunteering helps every party involved as it gives much needed support to nonprofits while also teaching you many important tools that can greatly impact your life. In an effort to break down that impact we’ve listed our top 3 benefits of volunteering. If you decide that volunteering at Push to Walk is something you want to try, send us an email at slajam@pushtowalknj.org to see how you can get involved with the local paralysis community.
1. Decreases Your Stress
Looking for new ways to decrease the stress in your life? Try volunteering! We know that may sound a little odd, but volunteering has been proven to reduce stress as noted by the Mayo Clinic’s “6 Health Benefits of Volunteering” article. Through interacting with new people and donating your time to help others you can develop a new sense of appreciation for yourself. Learning to appreciate all you’re doing for the community not only decreases your stress, but it teaches you healthy ways to manage your time and biggest priorities. So the next time you’re looking for ways to decrease stress try volunteering in New Jersey and know that you’re not just helping those in need – you’re helping yourself as well.
2. Increases Your Confidence
Confidence helps with so much in your everyday life. It’s what gives you an extra push to speak up for yourself or to make bolder decisions with your future. However, confidence is a hard skill to develop because it’s really rooted in kindness. Having the courage to be kind and help others through volunteering is a great way to increase your confidence at work, with your family, and with your friends. When you volunteer, you learn to be confident for those who can’t be. You exercise your speaking and presenting skills which tend to be with new people. The more practice you get at communicating with others, the more confident you’ll be no matter where you are. So if you want to have the confidence to ask your boss for that promotion you deserve, try volunteering locally. You’ll be sure to find great volunteer opportunities near you, and in return you’ll find new ways to gain a little extra confidence.
3. Expands Your Connections
Networking is a great skill to have because it can further in your career, business connections, and social life. However, networking is pointless if you don’t have any connections to talk with. Volunteering not only teaches you the confidence you’ll need to network, but it opens new doors that can help you make great connections. From local community leaders to successful board members, volunteering connects you with a side of your community that you might not otherwise have a chance to meet. Every time you volunteer locally you expand your connections in New Jersey by meeting new, interesting leaders that now know you care about your community. So try volunteering to open your heart and also open new doors – you never know who you’ll meet.
While the benefits of volunteering are always evolving, there is one thing about it that will remain true: it changes lives. Your impact in New Jersey is needed at so many great nonprofit organizations. Whether you have enough time to volunteer once a month or once a week, it will always be appreciated. If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities near you, then try emailing us here at Push to Walk. We’ll be happy to find a position that suits your interests and we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
