Why Volunteer?
by Tanner Francisco
In the literal sense of the word, volunteerism is the practice of someone working without financial gain (Merriam-Webster Dictionary 2009). While this definition is very concise and dry it implies that people only work and only not-for-money when they are volunteering. Volunteerism does not have to be work nor without rewards. The concept of volunteerism is often associated with altruism, the act of doing something for someone else without any reward, i.e., selflessness. While altruism has been attacked by philosophers for centuries—because no one would help someone else for no reason—they are attacking it for its literal definition, not the idea it implies. Altruistic behavior is intended to promote good or to improve the quality of life for another person. Therefore, I would define altruism as volunteerism and vice versa in many instances or rather that volunteerism is altruistic.
The benefits of volunteerism have a broad range. The economic benefit of volunteerism is that activities undertaken by volunteers would otherwise have to be financed by the State or private capital. Volunteering thus increases the economic output of a nation/community and reduces the burden of government spending (Pifer 1987).
The social benefit of volunteerism is that volunteering helps bring people together and build a more cohesive community. Volunteering within a community fosters trust between members and developes feelings of reciprocity and solidarity. These traits are necessary in a stable community (Pifer 1987).
The career benefits of volunteering are that students can make contacts and gain experience working with people and in specialized fields (Pifer 1987). Volunteering allows people to gain experience and education without a financial cost to the individual or their employer. Scholarship applicants also benefit because a resume containing volunteer works in more impressive than one without (Swift 1991).
The individual personal benefits of volunteering include increased self-esteem, appreciation for one’s way of life, acquiring new skills, learning about how less fortunate people live, reduced ingorance and increased empathy, the opportunity to give back to a community which has helped you, and to simply do something good for someone else and knowing that they appreciate it. There are many more personal benefits to volunteerism than there are others.
If none of the other benefits appeal to you then you should still volunteer because it will make you FEEL GOOD. When life gets me down, I understand that it could still be worse because I have seen worse. I have helped people in much worse situations than my own. Even in our economic hardship, our tiring days of studying and tests, careers, families, and all the other stresses we face, somewhere in the world is someone who is poorer than you, lonelier than you, sicker than you, sadder than you, and that needs help. You can be that help. Helping someone less fortunate than yourself means a lot to them, and it can mean a lot to you as well.
If you have to give up a few hours of your day, or get tired, or miss the latest episode of “Tia Tequilla Wants a 4th Boyfriend”, the difference you can make to someone else is always worth it.
Give volunteering a try and I promise that you will enjoy the feeling of satisfaction that comes from making another human beings day, month, year, or lifetime better.
It is the holiday season, and the easiest gift to give is yourself.
This is a slide show representing my volunteer experiences over the last year.
