Why Volunteer?

When asked why s/he has chosen to pursue volunteering many potential volunteers find this hard to express.

There are many reasons why someone decides to make time to volunteer. The catalysts can be personal, professional, community or society driven. Motivation trends change and evolve over time.

It is important for individuals, non-profit organizations and volunteer centres to understand what motivates volunteers because this affects the success of the future mutual experience. Motivations determine how, why, when and where volunteers are most fulfilled, and are therefore most effective in their chosen voluntary positions. A positive volunteer experience in turn leads to the success of community services and programs.

Individuals (and groups) volunteer to:

• Experience personal growth, learning and satisfaction
• Pursue professional growth and development
• Create employment skills
• Expand his/her professional network
• Enjoy social interaction / meet new people
• Master a new language
• Learn about a new society, country or community
• Fulfill a sense of empathy / connection with a “cause”
• Be a part of positive change in their community
• Have fun
• Build personal empowerment and self-esteem
• Instill a value of giving and caring
• Complete education or work experience requirements

From Volunteer BC.  Read more from their website.