Volunteering makes people happy. Not just the people you are helping, but you, too, will feel better about life when you give back to your community. A Harvard Health study showed that people who volunteer monthly are 7 percent more likely to be “very happy” compared to those who never volunteer. That percentage increases to 12 percent for those who volunteer every two to four weeks.
Now that you’re convinced you need to volunteer, where do you begin? It’s equally important to find the right fit so your experience is a positive one from the beginning. That means picking the right organization.
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT
Your volunteer-happiness quotient is bound to increase if you work for a cause about which you feel passionate. Make a list of things you care about, whether it’s animals, helping the homeless, working with kids in school or hospitals, or assisting at major events. List them in order of priority and start looking carefully into organizations that meet those needs in your community.
You’ll find the most comprehensive list of volunteer organizations at 101CorpusChristi.com/VOLUNTEER. Actually, what you’ll find is much more than a list. You’ll find an interactive display of organization logos and names that can be sorted by type. Click on any of the filter words and the icons sort automatically into category.
Click on any of the icons you’re most interested in to get details. On your smartphone, a touch of a finger makes an instant phone call. Touch the map icon for directions to the volunteer location. You’ll find information on volunteer requirements and how to sign up — all at your fingertips.
Also on the Corpus Christi Volunteer Guide webpage is an interactive calendar of immediate volunteer needs. Email details to yourself, family, and friends. Make it a fun bonding experience by bringing along others.
When signing up for more long-term volunteer opportunities, first review your schedule and determine the best time and how much time you can offer. Don’t overpromise. You don’t want to burn out or disappoint the organization when you can’t meet your commitments.
Applications should be treated like a job interview. It’s good practice, shows professionalism, and improves your chances of finding just the right volunteer opportunity. Talk about yourself and your skill sets, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the organization and what kind of tasks you’ll be asked to fulfill.
It’s best to start each volunteer opportunity slowly, according to the experts, both to build up your confidence and skills and make sure where you are volunteering is the right place for you.
Whichever volunteer group you end up with, take time to assess if it’s true: Are you getting back more than you are giving? Does volunteering make you happy? The experts say yes. Now, go out and prove them right by volunteering for any of the organizations featured on 101CorpusChristi.com/VOLUNTEER.
