“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote everyday about the community you want to live in.” – Unknown
I love the city in which I live and pride myself on being a good citizen. Part of my contribution to my community is by volunteering to make where I live a better place to be. Am I completely selfless? No, like everyone in today’s society, life is busy. But I happen to be in a stage of life where I can give some of my time and skills. However, part of the reason I put so much in is I get a lot out of volunteering too.There have been many studies about the benefits of volunteering that I can attest to based on my personal experiences.
So why volunteer?

• It connects you to others
• It is good for your mind and body
• It can advance your career
• It can bring fun and fulfillment to your life

I joined a local environmental group which in turn has connected me to the wider stewardship network. Many of these people I have met have become friends. Being on the Board has provided the opportunity to develop leadership and strategic planning skills as well as a chance to roll up my sleeves and dig in the dirt. I asked for the role to develop the group’s social media strategy and have added
these skills to my resume. In the 9 years of volunteering my time with this group, I have enjoyed the activities and company of like-minded individuals as well as I can see that my contributions have helped to bring this group up to date and to the next level to be one of the leading groups in our segment.
Are there only a few people who are altruistic? Thankfully, the answer is a resounding NO. According to Statistics Canada, in 2013, 44% or an estimated 12.7 million of Canadians, aged 15 years and older, volunteered for a charitable or non-profit organization and contributed 1.96 billion hours to them.Many of these groups serve the citizens in your neighbourhood. Without their dedication, our communities would not be as welcoming, vibrant or enjoyable, and to the extreme end, parts of our society and services would not survive. From local events, food banks, reading buddies, stewardship, meal delivery, and the food bank to name a few, life would not be as rich as we know it.
“My mother always inspired me to volunteer as a way to contribute to our community and those in it,” says Katherine Dugas. “She was recently recognized for her continued dedication to volunteer efforts, and it has made me painfully aware that I am missing that in my life. Not only was it a benefit to others but I learned new skills and met individuals that encouraged my introverted self to be more social. Both of these things increase my health and satisfaction in life.”

“But I’m so busy!”
People seem to have busier schedules these days, whether by their own activities or their family commitments. According to Volunteer Canada, a national organisation national leadership and expertise on volunteer engagement, there is a current trend of “micro-volunteering” over the past decade. This is generally defined by a short commitment whether by the complete volunteer instance – e.g. event day volunteer, or a short project. Finally, you can micro-volunteer by contributing your skills on your own time to a specific task. It’s a great way to do something – it all adds up! This could also be a way to try out different skills or try something new. Equally important, it is an opportunity for you to evaluate the organization itself and its leaders as well as how the group operates.

“Why would I work for free?”
Many of non-profit organisations would cease to exist without the efforts of volunteers. However, compensation is not only monetary. You have the opportunity to try something new which you may not be able to in your current job. Maybe you’re a newcomer without any Canadian experience. You can learn about business and life in Canada from your colleagues. Perhaps you’re newly retired – and have lost a sense of self-worth and your social circle. Non-profit groups value your contribution and often provide a new community that you can become a part of. Are you looking for an activity for your family or workplace colleagues? Volunteering as a group provides a chance to get to know each other outside of your usual environment and the chance to strengthen bonds and improve teamwork.
A final point to remember is that volunteering is a two way street. People often think it is about what you give. However, it is also about what you get out of it. One needs to do think about what they want out of the experience and put in a bit of effort to find a good fit. Whether it is a couple of hours to help an event, to a bigger commitment of dedicating your valuable time and skills to helping an organization grow, one needs to find out if the group and its leadership will allow you to contribute while valuing you and fulfilling your needs. If you end up feeling that your ideas and contribution are not valued and you feel that you are being taken advantage of, resentment will build up and eventually you may leave and may not consider volunteering at all. With due diligence, you will find an opportunity that fits your ability to get involved at the moment, and is mutually beneficial and fulfilling to both you and the organization. Involved citizens build communities that are strong, connected and vibrant.