essay on benefits of volunteering

Importance of Volunteerism Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Need to write an essay about volunteering? Community service is a truly hot topic! This argumentative essay about the importance of volunteerism contains everything necessary to inspire you!

Introduction

Importance of volunteering.

It is so disappointing that many people within our societies do not know, understand or value the importance of services in the community by volunteering. Serving society is very important in helping to solve many problems, especially those that have been neglected by the government and other social programs.

Volunteering to serve the community is not only beneficial to the individuals involved, but it is necessary in creating better societies for all. For instance, community members may volunteer to clean up a town near them or feeder roads.

This way, all members benefit by living in a clean environment that is free from illnesses related to sanitation. By cleaning the compounds surrounding them, society members help promote the health of their young ones who are always playing, during which time they can eat anything on the ground which would have otherwise caused them serious infections.

Community work does not always revolve around environmental work, but it is equally important for the fortunate members of society to help those who are less fortunate. Community members may volunteer to offer gifts and other services to help the less fortunate ones.

For example, people may contribute goods such as clothes and food to help the street children who have no homes or take them to children’s homes from where they can be provided for. This way, the members of society will have helped others live a more and better comfortable life.

Especially young children will feel the love that they never got from their parents. This is essential in the growth and development of a child, and the assistance and love they receive from society will surely help them grow to be better adults in society (Landry 1).

Volunteer work in our societies basically involves sharing and friendship through which people can find out what others need so that they can work on assisting them in all ways possible. Through volunteer work, many people’s lives are changed, be it through words or material assistance.

For instance, a community may volunteer to help young people addicted to drugs where they organize meetings with them, and doctors or psychiatrists volunteer to talk to them about the effects of drugs as the community helps them avoid the vise by giving them jobs to keep them busy.

Being responsive to the needs of other people makes us realize and appreciate humanity and spiritual being, as well as feeling good for changing someone’s life. This can even help shy people gain self-esteem. Volunteering in society work helps in promoting and building our social obligations as human beings.

Through community volunteer work, people are able to respect each because they work together without any discrimination. Volunteerism can be thought of as a social capital where everyone is concerned for the well-being of others. It also helps create trust and confidence between society members and brings society together (McHenry 1).

A society where people volunteer and work together always faces fewer problems since all the members tend to get along well and support each when they are in need.

The security of society is also improved, especially through the rehabilitation of street children and drug addicts who are more likely to cause insecurity in society. By supporting each other, society members can live in harmony and be happier than those societies that do not work together.

Importance of Volunteering: FAQ

• What Is Volunteer Work? Volunteering is unpaid work done by a person to benefit the community. In other words, volunteering means that someone is giving their time to help an individual, a group of people, or a non-profit organization.
• Why Is Volunteerism Important? Volunteer work develops and improves the community. Besides, it is helpful for the one who deals with it. Volunteering can improve one’s mental health, reduce stress, and give meaning to their life.
• How Does Volunteerism Benefit the Community? Volunteering is related to the need for people to participate in their community and be important to others. Imbued with such values as reciprocity, solidarity, and mutual trust, it significantly improves the quality of life.

Works Cited

Landry, L. “The importance of volunteering.” 2002. Web.

McHenry, W. “ The Importance of Community Service . ” 2000. Web.

• Survey in Research studies
• Learning Multicultural Skills on the Corporate World
• The Employee Benefits Provided by the Bank of America
• Should Everyone Be Required to Perform Public Service?
• Global Warming and Health & Emergency Sectors
• Rebuilding Families and Marriage in America’s Society
• Cultural Influences on Personality
• Single Parenthood: History and Economic Implication
• Defining of True Friendship
• Outsourcing and Bad Working Conditions
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, May 23). Importance of Volunteerism Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/

"Importance of Volunteerism Essay." IvyPanda , 23 May 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Importance of Volunteerism Essay'. 23 May.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Importance of Volunteerism Essay." May 23, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/.

1. IvyPanda . "Importance of Volunteerism Essay." May 23, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Importance of Volunteerism Essay." May 23, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/importance-of-volunteerism/.

• Community Forum -
• Members Search -
• Magazine Forum -

Why is volunteering important? Here are 7 benefits it offers

• RELATIONSHIPS
• PERSONAL GROWTH
• SCIENCE & PSYCHOLOGY
• HEALTH & BODY
• ART & CULTURE
• INSPIRATION & SPIRITUALITY

Are you considering volunteering? It's an important way to help individuals and communities in need. And, as Calvin Holbrook writes, the benefits of this altruistic act are proven by science.

With most of us leading super busy lives, the idea of volunteering – giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward – may seem an impossible task. I mean, how can we fit anything else into our already jam-packed schedules? However, volunteering is important for many reasons and doesn't have to take up too much time. And, in fact, the benefits of volunteering are vast for the volunteer – not just the community, individual or organization receiving their assistance.

Indeed, it's these benefits that could partly explain the rise in popularity of volunteering over the past few years. During 2012-13, 29 per cent of adults in England, UK, said they had formally volunteered at least once a month. The figure in the United States is not far off, at around 25 per cent (with slightly more women volunteering than men).

Promisingly, an increasing number of these people are young adults. In the UK, figures show that 2.9 million people in the 16 to 25-year-old age group volunteered during 2015 , compared to 1.8 million in 2010: that’s a whopping 50 per cent increase.

So, why the interest in volunteering? The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that the essence of life is “to serve others and do good,” and it seems an increasing number of us are starting to wake up and see why volunteering is important. People are starting to understand how serving and helping each other and different communities benefits not just others but ourselves, too. 

Why is volunteering important?

Volunteering is important as it offers essential help to worthwhile causes, people in need, and the wider community. Indeed, many organziations and charities rely on the generosity of volunteers as often they’re only part-funded through government or local councils, and cannot afford to pay salaries for all their staff. In fact, many companies depend almost solely upon teams of volunteers to help them thrive and do their work.

So, what are the benefits of volunteering?

Of course, the benefits of volunteering for those receiving help are clear. Whether it’s providing kids in a Third World country with free English classes or litter picking at your local beach, the benefits to the receiver and the wider community are usually part of the reason why you decide to volunteer in the first place.

But did you realise just how important volunteering could be for the person doing it? In fact, volunteering is beneficial to the doer for a whole host or reasons, including stress reduction, combating depression and providing a sense of purpose.  

“Volunteering is important as it offers essential help to worthwhile causes, people in need, and the wider community.”

And while studies do show that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment. Even giving in simple ways can help those in need and improve your overall health and happiness. So, let’s take a closer look at just why volunteering is important with seven key benefits of this altruistic act. 

1. Volunteering connects you with others

If you’ve recently moved to a new city or country, volunteering is an important and easy way to meet new people and it also strengthens your ties to that local community and broadens your support network. Furthermore, it connects you to people who have common interests and passions and who could go on to become great friends.  

RELATED: The importance of community – 7 key benefits

In fact, volunteering is an important and interesting way to meet people who you might not normally connect with: people from different age groups, ethnicities or social groups. Because volunteering is open to everyone, it allows you to meet a wide variety of people from all sorts of walks of life, something that can only open your eyes further.

2. Volunteering builds self-confidence and self-esteem

Doing good for others and the community helps to create a natural sense of accomplishment. And working as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity, helping to boost your self-confidence further by taking you out of your natural comfort zone and environment.  

Indeed, volunteering helps you to feel better about yourself, which you can then take back to your ‘regular’ routine, hopefully creating a more positive view of your own life and future goals.

If you’re shy or fearful of new experiences, cultures and travel, volunteering overseas could be an important and insightful way to help you build self-confidence in this area too (not forgetting the other benefit of this type of volunteering – a chance to see a bit of the world at the same time!).

•  JOIN US! Sign-up to happiness.com and connect to a caring community   •

Research shows that volunteering could be particularly useful and important in boosting the self-esteem and confidence of adolescents who are just starting out on their life journey. A 2017 study from the University of Missouri and Brigham Young University that included almost 700 11- to 14-year-olds examined how sharing, helping and comforting others affected self-confidence. The study found that altruistic behaviors may indeed raise teens' feelings of self-worth and that adolescents who assisted strangers reported higher self-esteem one year later.  

“If you’re feeling lonely or simply want to widen your social circle, volunteering in your local community is an important – and fun – way to meet new people.”

And a  National Youth Agency report seemed to corroborate this evidence. In it, young people aged 11 to 25 “repeatedly stressed that volunteering had increased their self-confidence, self-esteem and self-belief.” This self-confidence boost was shown to be strongly linked to improved communication skills, especially amongst young volunteers who were previously nervous about meeting new people.

3. Volunteering is important for physical health...

Interestingly, volunteering has distinct health benefits that can boost your mental and – perhaps more surprisingly – physical health. Indeed, a growing body of evidence suggests that people who give their time to others might benefit from lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.  

Lead study author Rodlescia Sneed said that carrying out volunteer work could increase physical activity among those who aren’t normally very active, and that it could also reduce stress: “Many people find volunteer work to be helpful with respect to stress reduction, and we know that stress is very strongly linked to health outcomes.”

Importantly, volunteers seem to notice these health benefits too. Indeed, a 2013 study from UnitedHealth Group and the Optum Institute of over 3,300 U.S. adults revealed that 76 per cent of those in the United States who volunteer said it makes them feel physically healthier. Also, around 25 per cent said that volunteering had been important in helping them manage a chronic health condition.

4. ...and mental health  

When it comes to volunteering being important for mental health, the benefits are clear. It can help counteract the effects of stress, depression and anxiety . Indeed, the social contact aspect of helping others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being.

Finally, volunteering boosts mental health simply because carrying out an altruistic act makes you happier; the so-called 'helper's high'. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others, and by measuring so-called brain activity and happiness hormones , researchers have found that being helpful to others can deliver great pleasure.  

RELATED: The power of kindness

A 2008 study from the London School of Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and happiness in a large group of American adults. The researchers found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were. Compared with people who never volunteered, the odds of being ‘very happy’ rose seven per cent among those who volunteer monthly and 12 per cent for those who volunteer every two to four weeks.

5. Volunteering is important for a sense of purpose  

Because volunteering means choosing to work without receiving monetary compensation, people often choose to give their time to issues or organisations they feel are important or have a special connection to. 

For example, if you're a big animal lover you may want to volunteer at a pet shelter. Or, perhaps you’ve living with or have recovered from an illness and want to dedicate some of your spare time to a charity that helps others living with the same condition. Volunteering like this helps address a social problem that is meaningful to you and in turn helps to build a sense of purpose , which furthermore boosts your own happiness.  

“When it comes to volunteering being important for mental health, the benefits are clear. It can help counteract the effects of stress, depression and anxiety.”

You can try volunteering at any age to help build a sense of purpose, but it’s often particularly common in older adults – those that have retired or maybe lost a partner of friends. Whatever your age of life story, volunteering can be an important technique to help give your life new meaning and direction!

6. Volunteering helps you forget your own problems

One other benefit of volunteering is that focusing on others can give us a deeper sense of perspective and help distract us from negative thoughts and help  stop rumination . Volunteering often involves helping those in need and can be useful in showing us that, in fact, our own lives are not as bad as we thought they were. 

7. Volunteering is important for your career

In an increasingly competitive job market, volunteering experience can be incredibly useful. It shows potential employers that you can take initiative and that you’re willing to give your own time to improve the world for other people.

•  JOIN US! Volunteer and shine your light at happiness.com   •

RELATED: Six steps to real happiness at work

Alternatively, if you’ve already had jobs and are considering a change of direction, volunteering is an important and fun way to try out different career options, especially if you’re not quite sure of where you want to go next. Indeed, volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment!

Conclusions: the importance of volunteering

It's clear the benefits of volunteering are huge – improved physical and mental health , new friends and avoiding loneliness, a sense of purpose and deeper self-confidence.  In turn, all of these things will help to boost your overall happiness: a win-win situation for all involved.

If you're considering volunteering, ask yourself a few questions before taking the plunge. Firstly, really think about which causes you're passionate about – it means you're more likely to enjoy and stay committed to the work.

Secondly, are you looking for regular volunteering opportunities or would you prefer a one-off project? Thirdly, what skill set can you offer and what can you hope to gain from volunteering? Good luck when you finally get going, and make sure you have fun – volunteering is important – the benefits are clear – but it's important to enjoy it too!  •

Main image: Rawpixel/Shutterstock

Have you ever or do you still volunteer now? What are the benefits for you? What did you enjoy most about it? The happiness.com community would love to hear your story below...  

happiness.com | The fine art of being: learn, practise, share  

Are you a  happiness.com member? Join   free now  and:

■ enjoy our happiness magazine   ■ share and support in our happiness forum ■ develop with free online Academy classes

Written by Calvin Holbrook

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Managing stress and work: tips to help manage business stress .

Stress management is creating a healthy routine and strategies that provide a healthy way to relate and unwind. Business stress is not uncommon to us

Navigating life: 10 tips for overcoming obstacles

Life is seldom smooth-sailing. Sonia Vadlamani shares some helpful, research-backed ways that can make navigating through life obstacles a great deal

What's the point of life? Here are 3 questions you need to ask yourself

Most of us have probably asked ourselves what's the point of life'? Indeed, sometimes our time on Earth can seem futile. However, Dee Marques argues

“I hate my life!” 10 ways to start loving it again

We all get down on ourselves sometimes, but if you're stuck in a rut and thinking “I hate my life”, then it's time to take action. Psychologist

18 comments

Join the conversation.

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

×   Pasted as rich text.    Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.    Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.    Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

• Insert image from URL
• Submit Comment

Posted June 26, 2023

Love Spell to get Ex Husband/boyfriend Or Ex Wife/girlfriend back works within 24hrs email [email protected] WhatsApp +15859811203

Share this comment

Link to comment, share on other sites.

Posted May 11, 2023

Posted May 20, 2022

On 1/26/2021 at 4:33 PM, Guest Nicky34 said: I've down some volunteering and it's been so important to build back my mental health. Mixing with new people again has lifted me from my depression and help rebuild my social skills, as well as other skills. Just having a reason to get out of the house every day. And knowing what I am doing is helping others make it all the better. If you are reading this because you are wondering whether to volunteer or not, I say give it a go! There are so many benefits. Enjoy. 

Lets be happy all the time.

Posted January 28, 2022

Posted December 8, 2021

Posted December 5, 2021

Posted December 4, 2021

Posted June 4, 2021

volunteering = vitamin "V"

Posted January 26, 2021

I've down some volunteering and it's been so important to build back my mental health. Mixing with new people again has lifted me from my depression and help rebuild my social skills, as well as other skills. Just having a reason to get out of the house every day. And knowing what I am doing is helping others make it all the better. If you are reading this because you are wondering whether to volunteer or not, I say give it a go! There are so many benefits. Enjoy. 

Posted January 21, 2021

Volunteering work is something that helps me to get my head right when I ruminate too much. It's just the little things that can give a direct push to a positive thought once again. Helping others in whatever way is my medicine to feel better directly

Posted October 21, 2020

The importance of volunteering has never been more clear than this year where so many people have been isolated and perhaps unable to get out and meet people, get groceries, or even earn money. It's easy to turn a blind eye to the need for volunteering when it's 'far away', but when it's in your physical proximity, or even in your apartment building - it becomes much more obvious. 

The benefits of volunteering are sometimes what makes or breaks it for some organizations and communities, so any act of service or donations can really make the whole difference. I think we can all contribute in the capacity we each have individually, and it's important to remember that no matter how small you think you and what you can do is in the grand scheme of things - it really does matter!

Posted October 20, 2020

A few years ago, I suddenly felt the need to volunteer, to contribute to something bigger than myself, to help alleviate the suffering of my fellow humans.  I started looking into hippie communities, volunteering projects and then life happened, and now I am stuck in a city with my partner and a global pandemic.  The irony is that I feel more people need support at the moment, and I am in the lucky position to have a job that allows me to work from home. But now volunteering is even more complicated as I limit my social contacts and that also means limits on my ability to volunteer. I am keeping my eyes open, and I am poking around. I am sure I'll find something fulfilling sooner or later as I am really looking for it and forward to it.

Posted September 6, 2020

Volunteering is always a great way to help others and yourself in a way. I just came across this article about people who volunteer to run for people with disabilities. https://www.ez.insure/landing/2020/09/i-run-4-organization/ They run to raise awareness for disabilities and it is so interesting. Definitely worth looking into! My kids and I are going to try to run so we can feel like we are giving back in a way.

Posted August 26, 2020

In a world where time has become a commodity, choosing to spend your time doing something you're not paid for is an invaluable act of service.

There is no questioning the importance and benefits of volunteering for our own well-being and happiness. However, volunteering also has a huge impact on the well-being and health of the communities, animals, or organisations that rely on volunteers to act our their missions and fulfill their goals. It communicates that there's a group of individuals who care and are willing to commit to help and improve their communities.

Posted July 6, 2020

Thank you very much for this valuable information. Because of volunteering, I have got the opportunity to travel to Canada in 2013.

Posted January 22, 2020

I think volunteer is a job, the feeling when your volunteer is over and you feel you and what you have impacted has change is worth more than a million dollars

Thanks for this valuable information. It will indeed help me and, my students start thinking about a good program for volunteering. 

Calvin77 1,341

Posted December 5, 2019

Similar articles

5rhythms as a movement meditation practice.

When we think of meditation, we often think of sitting still in the lotus position. However, meditation can involve moving your body too, and

How writing and teaching BDSM brought me balance

After struggling with a divorce and orgasming, Kayla Lords went from writing about her sexual fantasies to teaching BDSM to others. Here's how she

Self-compassion: a visual guide

Having a bad day? Don't beat yourself up: get some self-compassion instead. Thankfully, this infographic from Anna Vital is the perfect

A brief history of the School of Life

Have you heard of The School of Life? It's an organization set up by experts in their field dedicated to improving lives, especially when it comes

Forum discussions

The community seems inactive.

By Guest User, May 20, 2023 in Happiness & Life Advice Forum

• May 22, 2023

The trappings of the work home cycle.

By Pa**** , May 18, 2023 in Introduction Circle - A warm welcome to happiness!

• 1,029 views

• May 19, 2023

New to this online community. Nice to meet everyone!

By Guest User, May 14, 2023 in Introduction Circle - A warm welcome to happiness!

• 1,054 views
• May 14, 2023

Pray for me! I'm fighting Addiction, Your Community is Wounderful.

By Mr**** , February 18, 2023 in Happiness & Life Advice Forum

• 1,222 views
• March 8, 2023

Travelling for work and business

By Li**** , May 1, 2020 in Happiness & Life Advice Forum

• 3,717 views
• February 24, 2023

Happiness.com » Magazine » PERSONAL GROWTH » Why is volunteering important? Here are 7 benefits it offers

Making Good Friends

Finding the right career.

• Self-Care Tips to Prioritize Your Mental Health
• Self-Esteem: How to Feel Good About Yourself
• How to Break Bad Habits and Change Negative Behaviors
• Imposter Syndrome: Causes, Types, and Coping Tips

Personality Types, Traits, and How it Affects Mental Health

• Online Therapy: Is it Right for You?
• Mental Health
• Health & Wellness
• Children & Family
• Relationships

Are you or someone you know in crisis?

• Bipolar Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Grief & Loss
• Personality Disorders
• PTSD & Trauma
• Schizophrenia
• Therapy & Medication
• Exercise & Fitness
• Healthy Eating
• Well-being & Happiness
• Weight Loss
• Work & Career
• Illness & Disability
• Heart Health
• Learning Disabilities
• Family Caregiving
• Teen Issues
• Communication
• Emotional Intelligence
• Love & Friendship
• Domestic Abuse
• Healthy Aging
• Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia
• End of Life
• Meet Our Team

Why volunteer?

Benefit 1: volunteering connects you to others, benefit 2: volunteering is good for your mind and body, benefit 3: volunteering can advance your career, benefit 4: volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life, how to find the right volunteer opportunity, getting the most out of volunteering, volunteering and its surprising benefits.

Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even feel happier and healthier. Learn how to find the right volunteer opportunity for you.

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.

Benefits of volunteering: 4 ways to feel healthier and happier

• Volunteering connects you to others.
• Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
• Volunteering can advance your career.
• Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.

One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

Make new friends and contacts

One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.

Increase your social and relationship skills

While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests. Once you have momentum, it’s easier to branch out and make more friends and contacts.

Volunteering as a family

Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you’ll show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people and animals and enact change. It’s also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.

Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.

Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. The social contact aspect of helping and working with others can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Working with pets and other animals has also been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.

Volunteering combats depression. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against depression.

Volunteering makes you happy . By measuring hormones and brain activity, researchers have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. Human beings are hard-wired to give to others. The more we give, the happier we feel.

[Read: Cultivating Happiness]

Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and direction in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more zest to your life.

Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Speak to a Licensed Therapist

BetterHelp is an online therapy service that matches you to licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.

I have limited mobility—can I still volunteer?

People with disabilities or chronic health conditions can still benefit greatly from volunteering. In fact, research has shown that adults with disabilities or health conditions ranging from hearing and vision loss to heart disease, diabetes or digestive disorders all show improvement after volunteering.

Whether due to a disability, a lack of transportation, or time constraints, many people choose to volunteer their time via phone or computer. In today’s digital age, many organizations need help with writing, graphic design, email, and other web-based tasks. Some organizations may require you to attend an initial training session or periodical meetings while others can be conducted completely remotely. In any volunteer situation, make sure that you are getting enough social contact, and that the organization is available to support you should you have questions.

If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if you’re not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization. You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first.

Teaching you valuable job skills

Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. For example, you could become an experienced crisis counselor while volunteering for a women’s shelter or a knowledgeable art historian while donating your time as a museum docent.

[Read: Finding the Right Career]

Volunteering can also help you build upon skills you already have and use them to benefit the greater community. For instance, if you hold a successful sales position, you can raise awareness for your favorite cause as a volunteer advocate, while further developing and improving your public speaking, communication, and marketing skills.

Gaining career experience

Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long-term commitment. It is also a great way to gain experience in a new field. In some fields, you can volunteer directly at an organization that does the kind of work you’re interested in. For example, if you’re interested in nursing, you could volunteer at a hospital or a nursing home.

Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could benefit your career.

When it comes to volunteering, passion and positivity are the only requirements

While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable assets you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and a positive attitude.

Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

[Read: Building Better Mental Health]

Many people volunteer in order to make time for hobbies outside of work as well. For instance, if you have a desk job and long to spend time outdoors, you might consider volunteering to help plant a community garden, walk dogs for an animal shelter, or help out at a children’s camp.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the organization’s needs. Ask yourself the following:

• Would you like to work with adults, children, animals, or remotely from home?
• Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
• Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?
• How much time are you willing to commit?
• What skills can you bring to a volunteer job?
• What causes are important to you?

Consider your interests

You will have a richer and more enjoyable volunteering experience if you first take some time to identify your goals and interests. Think about why you want to volunteer. What would you enjoy doing? The opportunities that match both your goals and your interests are most likely to be fun and fulfilling.

What are your volunteering goals?

To find a volunteer position that’s right for you, look for something that matches your personality, skills, and interests. Ask yourself if there is something specific you want to do or achieve as a volunteer.

For example, you might want to:

• Improve your neighborhood.
• Meet new people with different outlooks or experiences.
• Try something new.
• Do something rewarding with your spare time.
• See new places or experience a different way of living.
• Try a new type of work that you might want to pursue as a full-time job.
• Expand on your interests and hobbies.

Consider several volunteer possibilities

Don’t limit yourself to just one organization or one specific type of job. Sometimes an opportunity looks great on paper, but the reality is quite different. Try to visit different organizations and get a feel for what they are like and if you click with other staff and volunteers.

Where to find volunteer opportunities

• Community theaters, museums, and monuments.
• Libraries or senior centers.
• Service organizations such as Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs.
• Local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers.
• Youth organizations, sports teams, and after-school programs.
• Historical restorations, national parks, and conservation organizations.
• Places of worship such as churches or synagogues.
• Online directories and other resources (see below).

How much time should you volunteer?

Volunteering doesn’t have to take over your life to be beneficial. In fact, research shows that just two to three hours per week, or about 100 hours a year, can confer the most benefits—to both you and your chosen cause. The important thing is to volunteer only the amount of time that feels comfortable to you. Volunteering should feel like a fun and rewarding hobby, not another chore on your to-do list.

You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. To make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit:

Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. Sample questions for your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.

Make sure you know what’s expected. You should be comfortable with the organization and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed.

Don’t be afraid to make a change. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit or feel compelled to stick with a volunteer role you dislike. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or look for a different organization that’s a better fit.

If volunteering overseas, choose carefully. Some volunteer programs abroad can cause more harm than good if they take much-needed paying jobs away from local workers. Look for volunteer opportunities with reputable organizations.

Enjoy yourself. The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable simply because the situation is new and unfamiliar? Pinpointing what’s bothering you can help you decide how to proceed.

VolunteerMatch  – Find opportunities that match your volunteer interests, from location to type of work. (VolunteerMatch)

Idealist  – Find volunteer opportunities in your local area or internationally. (Idealist)

National and Community Service  – Federal organization offering volunteer positions across the U.S. (National Service)

Volunteer  – Directory of environmental volunteer opportunities. (Volunteer.gov)

U.S. Peace Corps  – Offers volunteer opportunities overseas and includes a  50 Plus  division. (Peace Corps)

American Red Cross  – Volunteer in any of the Red Cross’s key service areas. (Red Cross)

More Information

• Simple Changes, Big Rewards - A Practical, Easy Guide for Healthy, Happy Living. (Harvard Medical School Special Health Report)
• The Health Benefits of Volunteering: Recent Research (PDF) - Research on the benefits of volunteering, especially for seniors. (Corporation for National and Community Service)
• The many ways volunteering is good for your heart - Includes resources for finding volunteer positions. (Harvard Health Publications)
• 10 Tips on Volunteering Wisely - Tips to make the most of your volunteering experience. (Network for Good)
• Carr, D. C., Kail, B. L., & Rowe, J. W. (2018). The Relation of Volunteering and Subsequent Changes in Physical Disability in Older Adults. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B , 73(3), 511–521. Link
• Kim, E. S., Whillans, A. V., Lee, M. T., Chen, Y., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2020). Volunteering and Subsequent Health and Well-Being in Older Adults: An Outcome-Wide Longitudinal Approach. American Journal of Preventive Medicine , 59(2), 176–186. Link
• Lawton, R. N., Gramatki, I., Watt, W., & Fujiwara, D. (2021). Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? Addressing the Problem of Reverse Causality When Estimating the Wellbeing Impacts of Volunteering. Journal of Happiness Studie , 22(2), 599–624. Link
• Okun, M. A., Yeung, E. W., & Brown, S. (2013). Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging , 28(2), 564–577. Link
• Salt, E., Crofford, L. J., & Segerstrom, S. (2017). The Mediating and Moderating Effect of Volunteering on Pain and Depression, Life Purpose, Well-Being, and Physical Activity. Pain Management Nursing , 18(4), 243–249. Link

More in Well-being & Happiness

Tips for meeting people and making meaningful connections

How to choose or change career paths and find job satisfaction

Tips to staying healthy as you get older

Self-Care Tips

Strategies to improve your mental health

Self-Esteem

How to feel good about yourself

How to Break Bad Habits

Tips for changing negative behaviors

Imposter Syndrome

What to do when you feel like a fraud at work, school, or in relationships

Your personality impacts your health, mood, and relationships. Here’s what you need to know.

Professional therapy, done online

BetterHelp makes starting therapy easy. Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist.

Help us help others

Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. Please donate today to help us save, support, and change lives.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Sweepstakes
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering?

Halfpoint Images / Getty Images

What Is Volunteer Work and Why Is It Important?

• Mental Health Benefits
• Physical Health Benefits

Ways to Volunteer

When you spend your time volunteering, you’re certainly using your time constructively. Whether it’s building houses for Habitat for Humanity or working at a food bank on the weekends, volunteering also makes you feel good.

At the same time that you’re giving back to others, volunteering also gives you a variety of physical and mental health benefits.

When you volunteer, you freely give your time with no expectation of any compensation. Many people enjoy assisting in their community. You can also volunteer at your work place or through various charities and philanthropic organizations online. 

Altruism , which focuses on acting out of concern for others’ happiness and well-being even if it’s at a cost, might be one reason people volunteer. Driven by empathy , humans put themselves in the shoes of others facing hardships and often want to help.

Volunteering enables you to feel that you’re part of something greater than yourself. That might mean being part of your child’s education when you volunteer to put on a Career Day for the high school. Or feeling more connected to the world after the GoFundMe you set up for your Ukranian friend generates thousands of donations from across the world.

You don’t feel lonely , isolated or alone when you volunteer. Volunteering prevents you from worrying about your own battles and gives you a new perspective. It also enables you to contribute positively to the world.

Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering

Behaviors that help others are often called pro-social behaviors by psychologists. Helping a great cause is a pro-social behavior that can elevate your mood. It can also affect your health in myriad ways.

Volunteering Makes You Feel Good

Giving really does make you feel good. Your body releases endorphins which Harvard Health calls the “brain’s natural pain reliever” when you volunteer or do something you enjoy. Endorphins create a sense of well-being. Sometimes people call what you’re feeling a “helper’s high.”

Volunteering Boosts Your Happiness

Enjoyable and meaningful activities like helping others can increase your happiness . In a study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies , researchers found that people who volunteer are happier than those who do not.

Using data from about 70,000 participants in the United Kingdom, scientists found that compared to participants who didn’t volunteer, those who volunteered in the past year were more satisfied with their lives. They rated their overall health as better, too.

Another outcome of the study: the researchers found that people who volunteered at least once a month reported better mental health than those who volunteered rarely or not at all.

Volunteering Reduces Loneliness and Stress

Lacking human contact or feeling alone can flood your body with cortisol. According to the Cleveland Clinic, high levels of cortisol in your system not only cause more stress, but you risk impairing your cognitive performance. You also increase your risk of developing inflammation and heart disease as well as impairing your immune system.

Volunteering Builds Friendships, Social Interaction, and Engagement

Participating in a shared activity brings people closer together. You’ll likely be actively walking and getting more exercise. You won’t be thinking about your troubles for a while and you’ll probably make new friends.

Having friends is important as friends offer emotional support, build your confidence, and help you reduce stress.

When volunteering, you’ll also become more socially engaged. Social engagement promotes brain health .

Volunteering Reduces Depression

Saying yes to a volunteer opportunity can also contribute to diminishing your rate of depression. Scientific research has shown that volunteering lowers depression levels for those over 65. So, volunteering is beneficial for seniors.

Physical Health Benefits of Volunteering

Based on one study that included adults over age 50, those who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure than the non-volunteering participants. High blood pressure is a key health indicator because it contributes to heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

Being of service to others and participating with others in a group to better the world can lift our spirits. It can also have real-world effects on our bodies. As you keep your brain and body active, you ward off cognitive decline and keep yourself healthy.

Volunteering by dropping off dinner for a sick friend is also valuable. Performing acts of kindness , like cleaning the house for your mom who worked a double shift at the hospital the night before matters, too. You don’t necessarily have to volunteer in a consistent manner.

If you do want to volunteer regularly, which has many benefits as discussed previously, there are deserving organizations that would welcome your help. In fact, some organizations, like non-profits, count on volunteers to carry out some duties due to limited funding.  

Here are possible ways you can volunteer in your community:

• Deliver food for programs like Meals on Wheels
• Tutor students in reading, English or math
• Visit or play games at a senior center
• Sing or dance in performances that raise money for your favorite charity
• Coach at a local middle school
• Participate in beach cleanup days for the Surfriders Foundation
• Drive neighbors to doctor appointments
• Mow the lawn of elderly community members
• Restock shelves of books at your local library
• Work on behalf of human rights organizations like Amnesty International
• Play music for those in hospice
• Host a neighborhood block party
• Fundraise on disaster relief efforts for the International Red Cross
• Help with park clean-up events
• Serve food at a soup kitchen
• Offer apples and oranges whenever you see the homeless
• Help promote an animal rescue center
• Sit on the board of your condo association
• Facilitate activities like Bingo games at a nursing home
• Help with a community center’s building maintenance projects

Remember that if you can’t volunteer in these ways, you might make use of a special talent or skill instead. For example, if have great tech skills, you can volunteer to be the “go to” person for an organization’s computers and printers once a week.

If you’re good at and love taking pictures, you might volunteer to submit photos for an institution’s brochure or update a charity’s website over the summer. Don’t forget that if you can’t volunteer with your time, you can also donate financially.

Digital Ways to Find Volunteer Opportunities

You can find opportunities in your community as well as online. Check out these two great organizations online to find out about amazing groups and how you can help those in need:

• Volunteer Match is an award-winning database that has been around for over 20 years. You’ll find many ways to volunteer on the web’s largest and most popular volunteer recruiting platform. It connects a million interested volunteers per month with 130,000 nonprofits.
• DoSomething.org is the largest not-for-profit digital platform for young people devoted to social change issues. With millions of members across the world, members join to volunteer for social change and civic action campaigns. Their goal is to make an impact on the causes they are passionate about.

Harvard Health Publishing. Endorphins: The Brain's Natural Pain Reliever .

Lawton RN, Gramatki I, Watt W, Fujiwara D. Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? Addressing the Problem of Reverse Causality When Estimating the Wellbeing Impacts of Volunteering . Journal of Happiness Studies . 2021;22(2):599-624.

Cleveland Clinic. What Happens in Your Body When You're Lonely?

Musick MA, Wilson J. Volunteering and depression: the role of psychological and social resources in different age groups .  Soc Sci Med . 2003;56(2):259-269. doi:10.1016/s0277-9536(02)00025-4

Sneed RS, Cohen S. A prospective study of volunteerism and hypertension risk in older adults .  Psychol Aging . 2013;28(2):578-586. doi:10.1037/a0032718

By Barbara Field Barbara is a writer and speaker who is passionate about mental health, overall wellness, and women's issues.

Essay on Volunteering

Students are often asked to write an essay on Volunteering in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Volunteering

Introduction.

Volunteering is a selfless activity where individuals give their time and energy to help others. It’s a way to contribute to society without expecting any monetary rewards.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering has many benefits. It helps develop new skills, build strong relationships, and foster a sense of community. It also boosts self-esteem and happiness.

In conclusion, volunteering is a noble act that benefits both the individual and society. It’s a great way to make a positive difference in the world.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Volunteering

Volunteering, an altruistic activity where individuals or groups provide services for no financial gain, is a cornerstone of modern society. It is a means of promoting goodwill, fostering social cohesion, and enhancing personal development.

The Essence of Volunteering

Volunteering is not just about giving. It’s a two-way street, offering profound experiences that can change the way we view the world. It provides a sense of purpose, a chance to contribute to a cause we’re passionate about, and an opportunity to connect with diverse communities.

The Impact of Volunteering

The impact of volunteering extends beyond the individual, influencing societal structures. It can bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups, fostering understanding and empathy. In addition, it bolsters community resilience by promoting social integration and providing essential services.

Personal Growth through Volunteering

Volunteering also cultivates personal growth. It enhances skills, broadens perspectives, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. It can boost self-esteem, improve leadership abilities, and promote a sense of belonging, which are essential for mental well-being.

In conclusion, volunteering is an invaluable aspect of our society. It not only contributes to social cohesion and community resilience but also fosters personal growth and development. As we engage in volunteering, we become agents of change, shaping a more compassionate and understanding world.

500 Words Essay on Volunteering

Volunteering is a selfless act, where individuals invest their time, energy, and skills to assist others without expecting any monetary compensation. It is a powerful vehicle for delivering a significant impact in communities and societies. Volunteering can be seen as a journey of personal, professional, and social growth, and it has profound benefits not only for the recipients but also for the volunteers themselves.

Volunteering has a transformative effect on society. It fosters a sense of community, encourages social inclusion, and contributes to a healthier society. When individuals volunteer, they become active agents of change, addressing societal issues like poverty, illiteracy, and inequality. They contribute to the development of resilient communities by providing essential services, building capacities, and promoting social cohesion.

Personal Growth and Development

On a personal level, volunteering provides a platform for individuals to develop new skills, gain practical experience, and build a network of contacts. It helps in personal growth by enhancing self-confidence, fostering empathy, and promoting a sense of achievement. Volunteering can also be a stepping stone to new opportunities, offering a chance to explore different career paths and gain valuable work experience.

Volunteering and Mental Health

Volunteering has been proven to have significant mental health benefits. It provides a sense of purpose and helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Engaging in volunteering activities can improve mood, reduce stress, and even contribute to a longer life. It is a form of social interaction that can help individuals feel connected to their community, thus improving their overall well-being.

Challenges in Volunteering

Despite the numerous benefits, volunteering is not without challenges. Issues such as lack of resources, inadequate training, and limited recognition can hinder the volunteering experience. It is essential for organizations to provide adequate support and resources to volunteers to ensure their efforts are productive and rewarding.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

One Comment

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The power of volunteerism

People the world over engage in volunteerism for a great variety of reasons: to help to eliminate poverty and to improve basic health and education, to tackle environmental issues, to reduce the risk of disasters or to combat social exclusion and violent conflict. In all of these fields, volunteerism makes a specific contribution by generating well-being for people and their communities.

Volunteers are motivated by values like those of justice, equality and freedom as expressed in the United Nations Charter. A society which supports and encourages different forms of volunteering is likely to be a society which also promotes the well-being of its citizens.

More than 1 billion people volunteer globally , the majority of them serving in their own countries. Many are in the forefront of efforts to improve the way they and their fellow citizens are governed and engaged. Moreover, volunteers are playing a vital role in making governments worldwide more accountable and responsive to their citizens.

They are working with governments and civil society to hold those in power to account and to represent the voices of those who are often left out of development decisions such as women, youth and marginalized groups. The end result is more inclusive –and ultimately more effective– development.

Volunteerism is a basic expression of human relationships. It is about people’s need to participate in their societies and to feel that they matter to others. We strongly believe that the social relationships intrinsic to volunteer work are critical to individual and community well-being. The ethos of volunteerism is infused with values such as solidarity, reciprocity, mutual trust, belonging and empowerment, all of which contribute significantly to quality of life.

Volunteerism and well-being

People the world over engage in volunteerism for a great variety of reasons: to help to eliminate poverty and to improve basic health and education, to provide safe water supply and adequate sanitation, to tackle environmental issues and climate change, to reduce the risk of disasters or to combat social exclusion and violent conflict. In all of these fields, volunteerism makes a specific contribution by generating well-being for people and their communities.

Volunteerism also forms the backbone of many national and international non-governmental organizations and other civil society organizations, as well as social and political movements. It is present in the public sector and is increasingly a feature of the private sector.

There is a widespread view today that gross domestic product (GDP) does not provide an adequate picture of a society because it does not account for the well-being of individuals and their communities. Nor does it include activities that have an economic value but that fall outside the market and therefore have not, traditionally, been reflected in national accounts.

Where mainstream economics fosters values of self-interest and competition to achieve maximum satisfaction, a focus on well-being finds greater reason to value compassion and cooperation, both core values of volunteerism. The discourse on quality of life and well-being, and its place in the evolving development paradigm, must recognize the solidarity and reciprocal values of volunteerism as part of the dynamics that enhance human wellbeing.

A healthy society is one in which importance is given to formal and informal relationships that facilitate interaction and engagement and thus engender a sense of belonging. It is also one in which there is broad participation by all sections of the population. Communities with these characteristics do better in moving forward to meet common aspirations.

Volunteers are more likely to develop civic skills, to attach more importance to serving the public interest as a personal life goal and to be more politically active. Thus, in going about their voluntary activities, individuals are also cultivating an outlook that contributes to a social environment that nurtures the well-being of all.

State on the World`s Volunteerism

Our mission is to promote volunteerism

• youtube-play

This website benefits from the continuous support of Online Volunteers. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

UNV Scam Alert

UNV Privacy Policy

UNV Website Terms of Use

Benefits of a Volunteering Essay Sample

The main advantage of the following volunteering essay sample is that you can use it to write your own paper. If you have difficulties with writing, this essay will help you.

What Are the Benefits of Volunteering and Giving Back? Volunteering means that you willingly give your free time for a cause. You are not paid for volunteer work, but can help people or animals in need, or the environment. But how does the volunteer benefit from volunteering? What do volunteers gain from doing this? 1. Improves your social and relationship skills 2. Improves your well-being 3. Gives new experiences for your career 4. Makes you feel self-fulfilled Improves Your Social and Relationship Skills When you volunteer, you will meet new people with similar interests and have new connections. In the future, these people might support you and help you when you are in need. Volunteering helps you practice and develop your social skills especially if you are reserved (Segal & Robinson). If you volunteer as a group with friends or family, it boosts your relationship with each other as you collaborate in your volunteer work. It also improves teamwork in general whether you are working with people you know or with new people. Improves Your Well-Being Volunteering aids in fighting stress, anxiety, and even in combating depression. It also redirects your attention away from your daily tasks, thus helping you to clear out your mind and feel relaxed. When you connect with people, you will have a support system to help in combating depression, and you will feel less lonely and isolated. It also improves your outlook in life. Meanwhile, working with animals in shelters can ease stress and uplift your mood (Segal & Robinson). Physically, volunteer work makes you more active, especially in a crisis or in emergencies. It also helps to burn fats, as well (Fritz). For seniors, it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This improves the elasticity of the brain, according to studies from the Journal of Gerontology (Fritz). Moreover, it slows down aging, as seniors feel younger when they are active. Gives New Experiences for Your Career You can volunteer for work that is related to your dream job and add this as working experience in your resume. You can also add the skills in your resume and discuss this during the interview. Some volunteer work needs specific skills like project management, public speaking, and other communication skills. For fresh graduates, volunteer jobs could already serve as work experience since most of them do not have paid working experience yet. Even if your volunteer work is not related to your dream job, some soft skills such as being a team player, responsiveness, and being people-oriented can be added to your cover letter and interview. Makes You Self-Fulfilled When you volunteer, you feel rewarded in assisting others. Making a difference in someone else’s life improves your self-worth and self-esteem, as this can make you feel that you have a purpose in life. Making strangers feel better also makes you feel better and happier. Also, when you willingly work on something that you are passionate about, it energizes you. It is also a way to find out your interest and passion. You can also work for free on similar jobs that you would have liked to work before but were unable because of some criteria you did not meet. A good example of this is working as a reserve for military service. Volunteer work may not make you rich but it is the fulfillment that makes you feel complete as a person. In conclusion, volunteering does not only benefit the recipient of the help, but also the volunteer. You may not receive money from it, but the experience itself is enough payment for the work that you have done. Works Cited Fritz, Joanne. “15 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering that Will Inspire You.” The Balance Small Business, 24 June 2019, www.thebalancesmb.com/unexpected-benefits-of-volunteering-4132453. Accessed 29 July 2019. Segal, Jeanne, and Lawrence Robinson. “Volunteering and Its Surprising Benefits.” Help Guide, June 2019, www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm. Accessed 29 July 2019.

From this volunteering essay, you can get valuable ideas and thoughts for your writing. In addition, you can see how to structure the paper and format it in the right way. Our samples always give hints on how to write a paper on the particular topic, but never give direct instructions, because your paper should have your own voice. If it turns out that you don’t know how to start your writing, you can always check out our blog to find helpful guides. We believe that on our blog, you can find all the necessary information that will help you with your writing.

If you can’t write your volunteering essay, then a necessary step should be to place an order on WritingCheap. Despite the fact that there are many cheating writing services, there is no need to be afraid of using our service, because we do everything possible to satisfy customers’ needs. For example, our writers write unique papers, stick to customers’ requirements, and follow academic standards. Moreover, they writer papers of different academic levels, such as high school, college, university, and so on. At the same time, you won’t spend much if you decide to get help from our cheap custom writing service . Don’t hesitate any minute.

~ out of 10 - average quality score

~ writers active

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Springer Nature - PMC COVID-19 Collection
• PMC10159229

Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An Umbrella Review

Beth nichol.

1 Department of Social Work, Education, and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

2 Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Angela Rodrigues

3 Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England

Catherine Haighton

Associated data.

Volunteering provides unique benefits to organisations, recipients, and potentially the volunteers themselves. This umbrella review examined the benefits of volunteering and their potential moderators. Eleven databases were searched for systematic reviews on the social, mental, physical, or general health benefits of volunteering, published up to July 2022. AMSTAR 2 was used to assess quality and overlap of included primary studies was calculated. Twenty-eight reviews were included; participants were mainly older adults based in the USA. Although overlap between reviews was low, quality was generally poor. Benefits were found in all three domains, with reduced mortality and increased functioning exerting the largest effects. Older age, reflection, religious volunteering, and altruistic motivations increased benefits most consistently. Referral of social prescribing clients to volunteering is recommended. Limitations include the need to align results to research conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022349703).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z.

Introduction

Social prescribing is a person-centred approach involving referral to non-clinical services including those within the third sector (Public Health England, 2019 ), which describes groups or organisations operating independently to government, where social justice is the primary goal (Salamon & Sokolowski, 2016 ). It is an intervention that directs patients with non-medical health needs away from healthcare and towards social means of addressing their needs (Muhl et al., 2022 ), such as support with the social determinants of health including finance and housing, activities around art and creativity, and exercise (Thomson et al., 2015 ). Social prescribing can also involve referring clients to engage in volunteering (Thomson et al., 2015 ; Tierney et al., 2022 ), defined as unpaid work or activity to benefit others outside of the family or household, in which the individual freely chooses to participate (Salamon & Sokolowski, 2016 ). Volunteering, also known as community service in the USA, can be regular and sustained or ad hoc and short term (episodic) (Macduff, 2005 ) and encompasses activity directed towards helping others (civic) (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ), environmental conservation (environmental) (Husk et al., 2016 ), and as part of education (service learning), often accompanied by structured reflection of the voluntary activity (Conway et al., 2009 ).

Unique to other referrals within social prescribing, volunteering may provide a twofold benefit. Volunteering provides clear economic benefits to organisations (NCVO, 2021a ) and acts as a ‘bridge’ of welfare services to deprived communities (South et al., 2011 ). There are also distinct benefits for recipients in comparison with professional help including increased sense of participation, self-esteem and self-efficacy, and reduced loneliness, due to a more neutral and reciprocal relationship (Grönlund & Falk, 2019 ). As utilised by social prescribing, volunteering as an intervention in itself is supported by clear health benefits to the volunteer, particularly improved mental health and reduced mortality (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ). There are many primary studies which find significant positive effects of volunteering on social, physical and mental health, including mortality and health behaviours (Casiday et al., 2008 ; Linning & Volunteering, 2018 ). Furthermore, there is evidence that these benefits occur from adolescence across the lifespan (Mateiu-Vescan et al., 2021 ; Piliavin, 2010 ), although they may increase with age (Piliavin, 2010 ). However, due to the poor quality of this evidence, it is unclear which of the benefits, particularly concerning mental health, predict rather than result from volunteering (Stuart et al., 2020 ; Thoits & Hewitt, 2001 ).

An investigation of the benefits of volunteering can therefore inform on the utility of this practice in improving the health and well-being of clients (Tierney et al., 2022 ) and support a twofold benefit (Mateiu-Vescan et al., 2021 ). Also, establishing the benefits may help retain volunteers within organisations (Mateiu-Vescan et al., 2021 ), as low volunteer retention (Chen et al., 2020 ) has been a key debated issue (Snyder & Omoto, 2008 ; Studer & Schnurbein 2023 ), with suggested solutions including maintaining motivation through opportunities for evaluation and self-development (Snyder & Omoto, 2008 ), improved management of volunteers (Studer & Schnurbein 2023 ), and recognising their value (Studer & Schnurbein 2023 ). However, outcomes of volunteering such as self-efficacy (Harp et al., 2017 ) and sense of connection (Dunn et al., 2021 ) have also been shown to predict retention.

An umbrella review methodology is appropriate to provide a systematic and comprehensive overview of the vast evidence on the benefits of volunteering and to determine which are most supported, making clear and accessible recommendations for research and policy (Pollock et al., 2020 ). An umbrella review can also help establish what works, where, and for whom, through comparison of different settings, volunteering roles, and populations from systematic reviews with different focuses (Smith et al., 2011 ). Thus, it is important that an exploration of the benefits of volunteering consider potential moderators. Umbrella reviews also assess the quality of the included systematic reviews and weight findings accordingly (Smith et al., 2011 ), which may help to establish a causal influence of volunteering. The emerging use of an umbrella review methodology in third sector research has enabled clear recommendations for practice, exploration of moderators and mediators, identification of gaps in the research, and recommendations for future reviews (Saeri et al., 2022 ; Woldie et al., 2018 ).

The aims of this umbrella review were to;

• Assess the effects of volunteering on the social, mental and physical health and well-being of volunteers, and;
• Investigate the interactions between outcomes and other factors as moderators or mediators of any identified effects.

Establishing clear conclusions to these aims helped identify gaps in the literature to direct future research and provided directions to support research and implementation of interventions involving volunteers. Specific outcomes explored within this review are displayed in Fig.  1 .

Outcomes identified and analysed within the current umbrella review, grouped by coding of outcome

This umbrella review was pre-registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (Nichol et al., 2022 ) following scoping searches but prior to the formal research (registration number: CRD42022349703). Reporting of the umbrella review methodology followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) (Page et al., 2020 ). Prior to formulating the research question, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Systematic Review Register, and the Open Science Framework Registry were checked for pre-registrations of umbrella reviews of the same or a similar topic. No such umbrella review protocols were retrieved.

Inclusion Criteria

Intervention: volunteering.

Volunteering was defined as conducting work or activity without payment, for those outside of the family or household. Participants of all ages were included. There were no limits by country or organisation or group that the volunteering was for. Although part of the definition of volunteering is that it is sustained (Salamon & Sokolowski, 2016 ), all durations of volunteering were included in this review to ensure a comprehensive search. Additionally, only reviews of volunteering involving some interpersonal contact with other volunteers or recipients were included. Reviews of volunteering in disaster settings such as warzones and aid for natural disasters were excluded, as these represent volunteering in extreme circumstances that is unusual and highly stressful (Thormar et al., 2010 ).

Systematic reviews were required to investigate the effect of volunteering on the volunteer. Reviews were excluded if volunteering was a component of a wider intervention. Reviews only assessing the effect of volunteering on the recipient were also excluded. The distinction between volunteer and recipient was sometimes less clear for reviews assessing the effect of intergenerational programmes. In this case, outcomes were only extracted for the group(s) that were performing work or activity, and no data was extracted from primary studies where neither group were.

The outcome of interest was health and well-being. This was categorised into general, psychological, physical, and social. Of additional interest was the interaction between these effects and with other factors such as demographics or factors associated with volunteering such as duration and type. Outcomes could be self-reported, or objective for physical outcomes (e.g. body mass index (BMI)). Reviews that did not assess effect were excluded, such as those exploring implementation, feasibility, or acceptability of volunteering as an intervention.

Types of Studies

The focus of this umbrella review was on systematic reviews of quantitative studies with or without meta-analyses to assess effect, although reviews of mostly quantitative studies were also included. The adopted definition of a systematic review was a documented systematic search of more than one academic database. Primary studies, reviews of qualitative or mostly qualitative literature, opinion pieces and commentaries were excluded.

Search Strategy

The search was conducted on the 28th July 2022 via 11 databases including EPISTEMONIKOS, Cochrane Database, and PsychARTICLES, ASSIA and the Health Research Premium collection via ProQuest (Consumer Health Database, Health & Medical Collection, Healthcare Administration Database, MEDLINE®, Nursing & Allied Health Database, Psychology Database and Public Health Database). The search was applied to title and abstract and restricted to peer-reviewed systematic reviews published in English, as all reviewers were English language speakers with no translation services available. Initial scoping searches helped to build the search strategy (Supplementary Material 1). To maximise scope, forward and backward citation searching was applied, and the results of scoping searches and further sources such as colleagues and other academics were combined into the final umbrella review.

Study Selection

Search results were exported via a RIS file and uploaded onto Rayyan for screening. Reviewer BN screened all reviews by title and abstract against the inclusion criteria, before screening the remaining (not previously excluded) articles based on full text. Details on independent screening and inter-rater reliability are available in Supplementary material 2.

Quality Appraisal

Quality was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 checklist (Shea et al., 2021 ), which is designed to assess the quality of quantitative systematic reviews of healthcare interventions (Shea et al., 2021 ) and has the highest validity in comparison to other quality assessment tools (Gianfredi et al., 2022 ). Also, the accompanying guidance sheet ensures consistent use across reviewers. The 16 checklist items are presented under Table ​ Table1. 1 . Further details on quality appraisal for both the included reviews and primary included studies are available in Supplementary Material 3.

Quality of the included reviews, as rated using the AMSTAR 2

Q1: Did the research questions and inclusion criteria for the review include the components of PICO?

Q2: Did the report of the review contain an explicit statement that the review methods were established prior to the conduct of the review and did the report justify any significant deviations from the protocolreview?

Q4: Did the review authors use a comprehensive literature search strategy

Q5: Did the review authors perform study selection in duplicate?

Q6: Did the review authors perform data extraction in duplicate?

Q7: Did the review authors provide a list of excluded studies and justify the exclusions?

Q8: Did the review authors describe the included studies in adequate detail?

Q9: Did the review authors use a satisfactory technique for assessing the risk of bias in individual studies that were included in the review?

Q10: Did the review authors report on the sources of funding for the studies included in the review?

Q11: If meta-analysis was performed did the review authors use appropriate methods for statistical combination of results?

Q12: If meta-analysis was performed, did the review authors assess the potential impact of RoB in individual studies on the results of the meta-analysis or other evidence synthesis?

Q13: Did the review authors account for RoB in individual studies when interpreting/discussing the results of the review?

Q14: Did the review authors provide a satisfactory explanation for, and discussion of, any heterogeneity observed in the results of the review?

Q15: f they performed quantitative synthesis did the review authors carry out an adequate investigation of publication bias (small study bias) and discuss its likely impact on the results of the review?

Q16: Did the review authors report any potential sources of conflict of interest, including any funding they received for conducting the review?

Data extraction and Synthesis

The data extraction form was created with guidance from Cochrane (Pollock et al., 2020 ). To increase transparency, data extraction was completed via SRDR plus, and made publicly available ( https://srdrplus.ahrq.gov//projects/3274 ). Further information on data extraction, including on inter-rater agreement, is available in Supplementary Material 4.

Data Analysis

The strategy of summarising rather than re-analysing the data of the reviews was adopted (Pollock et al., 2020 ). Vote counting by direction of effect was applied (McKenzie & Brennan, 2019 ), relying on the reporting of included systematic reviews. Variables were formed to allow for votes to be counted across reviews (e.g. self-esteem, self-efficacy and pride and empowerment were collapsed due to them regularly being combined by reviews). To test for significance, a two-tailed binomial test was applied with the null assumption that positive effects were of a 50% proportion (McKenzie & Brennan, 2019 ). Given that vote counting does not indicate magnitude of effect, results of meta-analyses are also presented. To estimate the degree of overlap of primary studies between the included reviews, the equation for calculated covered area (CCA) (Pieper et al., 2014 ) was applied. To prevent underestimating overlap, only primary studies addressing the effect of volunteering on the health of the volunteer were included when calculating overlap. Although vote counting also accounts for overlap, the resulting CCA was used as an additional tool for assessing the credibility of conclusions made.

Search Outcomes

Initially 8325 articles were retrieved, as shown in Fig.  2 . After removal of duplicates, 7118 remained for screening based on title and abstract and 62 articles remained to screen based on full texts, of which 21 reviews were included in the final review. A further 10 articles were retrieved from google scholar and citation searching, of which 7 were included, providing a total of 28 reviews. Excluded articles and the reasons for exclusion are available in Supplementary Material 5. Details on the inter-rater agreement of article screening can be found in Supplementary Material 6.

PRISMA flow diagram of retrieved articles (Page et al., 2020 )

Authors of three included reviews were contacted to gain sufficient information to accurately calculate overlap, for example to separate studies of volunteering from those on prosociality in general (Goethem et al., ( 2014 ); Howard & Serviss, 2022 ; Hui et al., 2020 ). For one review (Goethem et al., ( 2014 )), sufficient information to calculate true overlap was not obtained and thus it was excluded from the calculation of CCA. The excluded review was the only one that focused on adolescents; thus the exclusion is more likely to result in a conservative estimate of overlap rather than an underestimation. Despite this, CCA was 1.3%, indicating slight overlap. The overlap table used to calculate CCA is available from the corresponding author on request.

Methodological Quality of Included Primary Studies

Only 12 of the included reviews assessed primary studies for quality or risk of bias (Chen et al., 2022 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Hui et al., 2020 ; Hyde et al., 2014 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ; Manjunath & Manoj, 2021 ; Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ; Owen et al., 2022 ; Willems et al., 2020 ). The tools most commonly used to assess study quality were the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool (Lovell et al., 2015 ; Owen et al., 2022 ) and JBI checklists (Manjunath & Manoj, 2021 ; Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ). Those that assessed risk of bias mainly utilised Cochrane tools ROB-2 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (Gualano et al., 2018 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ), and ROBINS-I for non-RCTs (Chen et al., 2022 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ). Only two reviews removed studies from the narrative review (Milbourn et al., 2018 ) or meta-analysis (Filges et al., 2020 ) based on quality. Reported study quality varied, but most often was reported as mainly poor quality or high risk of bias.

Methodological Quality of Included Reviews

As shown in Table ​ Table1, 1 , the quality of included reviews varied hugely. Only seven reviews scored more than 50% (Chen et al., 2022 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ; Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ; Owen et al., 2022 ; Willems et al., 2020 ). One review was found to be significantly higher quality than the rest (Filges et al., 2020 ). None of the included reviews reported the funding source of the included studies, and most did not report a pre-registration or protocol, or reference to excluded studies.

Characteristics of Included Reviews

The main characteristics of included reviews are displayed in Table ​ Table2. 2 . Publication of reviews spanned from 1998 (Wheeler et al., 1998 ) to 2022 (Chen et al., 2022 ; Howard & Serviss, 2022 ; Owen et al., 2022 ), with search dates up to 2020 (Chen et al., 2022 ; Howard & Serviss, 2022 ; Owen et al., 2022 ). Most reviews focused on older people (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Chen et al., 2022 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Manjunath & Manoj, 2021 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ; Okun et al., 2013 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ; Owen et al., 2022 ; Wheeler et al., 1998 ), with inclusion criteria ranging from aged over 50 years (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Manjunath & Manoj, 2021 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ) to a sample with a mean age of 80 years or above (Owen et al., 2022 ). Only one review focused specifically on adolescents (Goethem et al., ( 2014 )). The number of included primary studies included in the reviews ranged from 5 (Blais et al., 2017 ) to 152 (Kragt & Holtrop, 2019 ), although not all related to the benefits of volunteering. For those that reported on location of included samples, most reviews included participants mostly from the USA (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Blais et al., 2017 ; Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Giraudeau & Bailly, 2019 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ; Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ; Okun et al., 2013 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ; Owen et al., 2022 ; Wheeler et al., 1998 ), followed by North America (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Blais et al., 2017 ; Hyde et al., 2014 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ), the UK (Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ), and Australia (Kragt & Holtrop, 2019 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ). Four reviews focused on intergenerational programmes (Blais et al., 2017 ; Galbraith et al., 2015 ; Giraudeau & Bailly, 2019 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ), two on service learning (Conway et al., 2009 ; Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ), and five on specific roles including crisis line (Willems et al., 2020 ), environmental conservation (Chen et al., 2022 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ), care home work (Blais et al., 2017 ), and water sports inclusion (O’Flynn et al., 2021 ). One review limited the search to volunteering at a frequency less than seasonally (Hyde et al., 2014 ).

Characteristics of included reviews

Several of the included meta-analyses, whilst employing a systematic search, did not perform any form of narrative synthesis alongside the results of the meta-analyses, meaning information about the characteristics of included studies was missing.

Publication Bias

Seven of the included reviews applied a meta-analysis (Conway et al., 2009 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Goethem et al., ( 2014 ); Howard & Serviss, 2022 ; Hui et al., 2020 ; Okun et al., 2013 ; Wheeler et al., 1998 ). Of these, five reported testing for publication bias (Filges et al., 2020 ; Goethem et al., ( 2014 ); Howard & Serviss, 2022 ; Hui et al., 2020 ; Okun et al., 2013 ; Wheeler et al., 1998 ). Generally, there was no strong evidence to indicate publication bias, although one review found a likelihood of publication bias specifically for the analyses of moderators on the risk of mortality (Okun et al., 2013 ). Also, one review reported three approaches to assess publication bias which gave mixed findings (Hui et al., 2020 ), and as the remaining reviews assessed publication bias in a variety of ways such as funnel plots (Filges et al., 2020 ), publication as a moderator (Goethem et al., ( 2014 )), trim and fill procedure (Okun et al., 2013 ), and Rosenthal’s failsafe (Wheeler et al., 1998 ), results may not be reliable.

Results of vote counting by direction of effect from the 18 included reviews are shown in Table ​ Table3. 3 . Five meta-analysis did not provide sufficient information to be included (Conway et al., 2009 ; Goethem et al., ( 2014 ); Howard & Serviss, 2022 ; Hui et al., 2020 ; Wheeler et al., 1998 ), and one only provided sufficient information to include one variable (Cattan et al., 2011 ).

Summary table of direction and strength of evidence for each outcome, and strength of potential moderators and mediators

Coding used to describe strength of the evidence: Highly consistent: vote counting significant at the p  < .001 level. Consistent; vote counting significant at the p  = .05 level. Insufficient evidence; all in favour, but binomial test non-significant, Inconsistent: highly mixed. Magnitude of effect; small (OR of between .30 and .20), very small (OR below .10). Overall judgement: very strong (highly consistent, largest effect size), strong (highly consistent, small effect size), moderate (consistent, no pooled effect size determined or small to very small effect), weak (insufficient evidence), very weak (inconsistent evidence)

General Effects on Health and Well-being

Fifteen of the included reviews reported general effects on health and well-being (Table ​ (Table4). 4 ). Reviews reporting on composite, general measures of health mainly assessed well-being, although others measured quality of life. Generally, most reviews reported that volunteering improved well-being (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Hui et al., 2020 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ; Kragt & Holtrop, 2019 ; O’Flynn et al., 2021 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ; Owen et al., 2022 ) and quality of life (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Höing et al., 2016 ). However, the relationship with well-being was often small and with exceptions (Conway et al., 2009 ), and one review found most studies reported no significant impact on well-being or quality of life (Lovell et al., 2015 ), possibly because the review assessed environmental volunteering specifically. The review that reported on quality of life with the highest quality reported only significant positive relationships between volunteering and well-being and quality of life (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ), although there was evidence to suggest an impact on quality of life only when volunteers felt their contribution was appreciated (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ). One review found only organisational level and not individual level participation in volunteering to significantly increase well-being (Howard & Serviss, 2022 ), another found increased well-being for older but not younger people (Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ), and another found a curvilinear relationship such that a moderate intensity of volunteering was most beneficial (Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ).

General benefits

Psychological Effects on Health and Well-being

Psychological effects were the most commonly reported health and well-being outcome of volunteering, reported by 23 reviews (Table ​ (Table5). 5 ). The reviews that reported on general mental health reported mixed findings (Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ), likely due to the large variation in how mental health was defined and measured. Whilst some considered mental health to be a distinct factor (Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ), others combined factors such as life satisfaction into a composite measure of mental health (Milbourn et al., 2018 ).

Psychological benefits. Displayed in brackets are the number of primary included studies to support the review findings. Where no brackets are provided, findings are the result of meta-analyses

The main effects of volunteering on psychological well-being clustered around those affecting mood and affect, and self-evaluations and concepts. For affect outcomes, reviews mostly reported a significant positive improvement in depression scores (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Giraudeau & Bailly, 2019 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ). Only one review reported highly mixed findings (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ), possibly attributable to the higher quality of included primary studies (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ). Reviews reporting a smaller number of contributing studies found possible moderators; two reported a reduction in depression in women but not men (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ), one found a reduction in older but not younger populations (Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ), and another found a reduction for general volunteering but increased depression for volunteering involving high empathetic arousal (Höing et al., 2016 ). In support of age as a moderator, the reviews finding a consistent positive effect on depression mainly focused on older adults (Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Filges et al., 2020 ), and the review with mixed findings included adults of all ages (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ).

There was more consistent evidence to support other mood and affect benefits, such as life satisfaction (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Chen et al., 2022 ; Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ; Manjunath & Manoj, 2021 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ; Owen et al., 2022 ), positive affect (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Chen et al., 2022 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Kragt & Holtrop, 2019 ; Manjunath & Manoj, 2021 ; Willems et al., 2020 ), and motivations (Goethem et al., ( 2014 ); Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ), although a minority of evidence found non-significant effect of volunteering on life satisfaction (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Howard & Serviss, 2022 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ) and positive affect (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ). The heterogeneity of findings is most likely attributable to all volunteering types being included (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ). Additionally, single reviews found a significant reduction in anxiety (Galbraith et al., 2015 ) and an increase in psychological well-being (Cattan et al., 2011 ). Although symptoms of burnout and emotional exhaustion was cited as a significant consequence of volunteering by one review (Höing et al., 2016 ), this included emotionally demanding volunteering roles including working with medium to high risk sex offenders.

Some reviews grouped prominent psychological benefits into self-evaluations or self-concepts (Conway et al., 2009 ; Goethem et al., ( 2014 )). The most commonly reported effects on self-concepts were an increase in self-esteem (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Chen et al., 2022 ; Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ), purposefulness, meaningfulness, satisfaction or accomplishment (Chen et al., 2022 ; Galbraith et al., 2015 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Willems et al., 2020 ), pride and empowerment (Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Giraudeau & Bailly, 2019 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ), and self-efficacy (Goethem et al., ( 2014 ); Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ). However, there was some evidence of no significant effect on self-esteem (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ) or purposefulness (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ).

Physical Effects on Health and Well-being

Outcomes relating to physical effects were the least commonly investigated, reported by only 13 reviews (Table ​ (Table6). 6 ). The most consistent positive effect on physical health was an increase in physical activity (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Chen et al., 2022 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ). Increased self-reported health (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Chen et al., 2022 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; O’Flynn et al., 2021 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ) and functional independence (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Höing et al., 2016 ) and reduced functional disability (Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ) and mortality (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ; Okun et al., 2013 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ) were also commonly cited benefits, although the evidence for these effects was more inconsistent (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ). For example, there was evidence to suggest that benefits associated with self-reported health find a curvilinear relationship with intensity of volunteering, such that benefits only increase up until a moderate amount of hours spent volunteering (Anderson et al., 2014 ). The evidence for a decrease in mortality was the most substantial and, although reduced by the inclusion of covariates including SES, age, religious attendance, social support and health habits, remained significant (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ; Okun et al., 2013 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ).

Physical benefits

Evidence for improvements in blood pressure (Chen et al., 2022 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ) and grip strength (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Chen et al., 2022 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ) was sparse and inconsistent. There was no evidence for volunteering as a significant predictor of number of medical conditions (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ), BMI (Chen et al., 2022 ; Lovell et al., 2015 ), frailty (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ), or living in a nursing home (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ). One review concluded that whilst volunteering helped to maintain good health, it did not improve bad health (Höing et al., 2016 ). Only one review reported decreased smoking (Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ).

Social Effects on Health and Well-being

A total of 15 reviews reported social outcomes from volunteering (Table ​ (Table7). 7 ). When social support, sense of community and social network were combined, the evidence mostly found volunteering to improve social outcomes (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ). Individually, there was evidence in support of volunteering increasing social integration (Lovell et al., 2015 ; Marco-Gardoqui et al., 2020 ), but most commonly social network (Blais et al., 2017 ; Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Höing et al., 2016 ), and social connectedness or a sense of community (Chen et al., 2022 ; Kragt & Holtrop, 2019 ; O’Flynn et al., 1971 ; Willems et al., 2020 ), with only a minority of evidence indicating no significant effect of volunteering in increasing one’s social network (Anderson et al., 2014 ). Volunteering was found to increase social support from both other volunteers (Höing et al., 2016 ) and friends and neighbours (Milbourn et al., 2018 ). There also appeared to be some knock-on effects, as an increased number of friendships in turn increased social integration (Farrell & Bryant, 2009 ) and increased social connectedness increased motivations (Willems et al., 2020 ). Only one review reported a negative effect, namely that whilst the number of positive social ties were increased, so were the number of negative social ties (Milbourn et al., 2018 ). Another caveat reported was that although social ties was beneficial, less than half of volunteers reported forming connection with volunteers (Hyde et al., 2014 ).

Social Benefits

Moderators and Mediators on the Effects on Health and Well-being

Several moderators were explored around the aspects of volunteering. Evidence for the most beneficial frequency of volunteering was mixed; whilst some reviews reported a positive linear relationship between volunteering frequency and benefits (Cattan et al., 2011 ; Goethem et al., ( 2014 ); Höing et al., 2016 ), others including the best quality evidence to report on optimal frequency (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ) reported inconsistent findings (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ; Okun et al., 2013 ). Some reviews reported a curvilinear relationship between frequency and benefits (Conway et al., 2009 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ), such that a moderate intensity of volunteering maximised the benefits, although these reviews were poor quality. The suggested optimal intensity was suggested to be around 2 h per week or 100 h per year (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ). There was disagreement as to whether formal volunteering is more (Cattan et al., 2011 ; Conway et al., 2009 ; Wheeler et al., 1998 ) or less (Cattan et al., 2011 ; Hui et al., 2020 ) beneficial than informal volunteering. This was possibly due to the outcome measure, as direct formal volunteering significantly increased life satisfaction (Wheeler et al., 1998 ), whilst mixed or informal helping significantly increased well-being and psychological functioning compared to formal volunteering (Hui et al., 2020 ). One review focusing on adolescents found no moderation of type of volunteering (Goethem et al., ( 2014 )), but another higher quality review reported only beneficial effects of environmental volunteering on physical health in comparison to civic volunteering (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ). In contrast, there was consistent evidence that structured reflection was an important positive predictor of health outcomes (Conway et al., 2009 ; Goethem et al., ( 2014 )). Religious volunteering was also a consistently reported moderator for positive health benefits (Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Manjunath & Manoj, 2021 ; Okun et al., 2013 ), with one review finding a partially mediating role of volunteering on the beneficial effects of religiosity on well-being (Kragt & Holtrop, 2019 ).

Several factors were explored in relation to the characteristics of the volunteer. Age was the most consistently reported demographic factor as a significant moderator of the effects of volunteering on well-being. Generally, older age predicted larger effects on positive health outcomes (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Goethem et al., ( 2014 ); Gualano et al., 2018 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ), and there was inconsistent evidence to suggest these increased effects were related to retirement (Höing et al., 2016 ; Hui et al., 2020 ). Whilst one review reported older adults volunteering to experience greater satisfaction than older adults in employment (Kragt & Holtrop, 2019 ), another higher quality review found older adults both working and in employment saw the most beneficial effects on health and well-being (Milbourn et al., 2018 ). On the other hand, younger age predicted higher emotional exhaustion and distress in emotionally demanding volunteering roles such as crisis line, with positive coping strategies and organisational support key to reducing this (Willems et al., 2020 ). There was minimal evidence of gender as a moderator of volunteering and well-being (Okun et al., 2013 ), with mostly no effect found (Goethem et al., 2014 ; Hui et al., 2020 ). The issue of self-selection was frequently discussed. Some reviews reported that those of higher SES were more likely to volunteer, creating a sampling bias in the results (Bonsdorff & Rantanen 2011 ; Cattan et al., 2011 ). However, the effect of volunteering on mortality was reduced but still significant when adjusting for covariates such as SES (Okun et al., 2013 ). Also, there was some evidence to suggest that those of lower SES felt more empowered by volunteering (Cattan et al., 2011 ) and reported more health benefits (Cattan et al., 2011 ; Höing et al., 2016 ). However, higher education was found to decrease stress when volunteering for crisis line (Willems et al., 2020 ).

Motivations for volunteering was found to be a significant moderator, such that those with altruistic or intrinsic motivations for volunteering saw increased benefits than those motivated for other reasons (Anderson et al., 2014 ; Höing et al., 2016 ; Okun et al., 2013 ). In support, one review found prosociality to be a far stronger predictor of health and well-being than volunteering alone (Hui et al., 2020 ). Feeling appreciated was found to be necessary to see improvements in quality of life (Jenkinson et al., 2013 ) or moderated the effects (Anderson et al., 2014 ). A moderating effect of feeling appreciated on health outcomes was also reported for depression, life satisfaction, and general well-being (Anderson et al., 2014 ). Although empathising with the recipient was important for spiritual development, it also increased the likelihood of burnout in emotionally demanding volunteering roles (Willems et al., 2020 ).

Some interactions were explored between the effects. The most frequently discussed was social factors including social connection, support, and interaction, which often moderated the relationship between volunteering and other health outcomes (Höing et al., 2016 ; Milbourn et al., 2018 ; Okun et al., 2013 ; Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ), with one review finding them to be a complete mediator of volunteering and life satisfaction (Anderson et al., 2014 ). For emotionally demanding volunteering such as crisis line, social support helped to increase well-being and buffer any negative effects (Wheeler et al., 1998 ). In keeping with this, one review hypothesised that volunteering generates social capital for both the recipient and the volunteer, with subsequent benefits on health and well-being (Onyx & Warburton, 2003 ).

Findings from Meta-Analyses

Results from reported meta-analyses (Table ​ (Table8) 8 ) varied on measures used to calculate both pooled estimates and heterogeneity, meaning comparison between reviews was difficult. There was also a lack of reporting heterogeneity at all, reflecting the general poor quality of included reviews. There were no available meta-analyses for social outcomes, aside from an aggregate measure of personal and social competence. Although many were significant, the pooled estimates for most outcomes were small, aside from mortality (Filges et al., 2020 ; Okun et al., 2013 ), and measures of physical functionality such as maintenance of functional competence (Filges et al., 2020 ). Mortality (Filges et al., 2020 ; Okun et al., 2013 ) and well-being (Conway et al., 2009 ; Howard & Serviss, 2022 ; Hui et al., 2020 ) were the only two outcomes reported by meta-analyses of more than one review. For both outcomes, pooled estimates were similar across reviews.

Table of meta-analyses

*Adjusted mortality controlled for covariates including age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, work status, marital status, religiosity, emotional health, health behaviours, social connection, social interaction, and physical health

The current umbrella review identified 28 eligible reviews, mostly focusing on older adults, based in the USA, and including a range of forms volunteering. An overview of the strength of the evidence for each variable is shown in Fig.  3 . Reduced mortality and improved physical functioning showed the largest effect sizes with consistent supporting evidence. There was also consistent evidence to support effects on general health and well-being and quality of life, psychological well-being, pride and empowerment, motivation, self-efficacy, life satisfaction, positive affect, reduced depression, and purposefulness related to psychological constructs, improved self-reported health and physical activity relating to physical benefits, and improved social support, sense of connectedness and community, and network. The evidence suggests no effect of volunteering on medical conditions, BMI, frailty, or living in a nursing home. More research is required to establish whether there are effects of volunteering on blood pressure and grip strength. Organisational-level participation, older age, reflection, religious volunteering, altruistic motivations, and feeling appreciated all amplify the relationship between volunteering and health and well-being. Additionally, social factors have a knock-on effect for other health and well-being outcomes, with protective effects for any potential negative outcomes. There was no evidence of moderation of gender. More research is needed to explore the optimal intensity of volunteering, the role of SES, whether formal or informal volunteering is most beneficial, and whether the moderation of age is related to retirement, as current evidence is inconsistent.

Summary of strength of evidence for each variable outlined in Fig.  1 . Labelled according to vote counting results; ‘very strong’, ‘strong’, ‘moderate’, ‘weak’, and ‘very weak’

Age was the most supported moderator, namely that those of older age received greater health benefits from volunteering. One reason is that volunteering compensates for the loss of the health and well-being benefits of career success (Spurk et al., 2019 ), easing the adjustment to retirement. In support of this, work related satisfaction and perceived rewards significantly predicted life satisfaction in retired volunteers, even when controlling for demographic factors and self-efficacy (Wu et al., 2005 ). However, the current umbrella review found inconsistent evidence to support retirement as the explanation. Instead, the findings indicate that although many of the benefits associated with volunteering do relate to a sense of purpose, the benefits of volunteering are also distinct from usual work activity, through feelings of altruism and self-actualisation. This perhaps explains the complex relationship with age. Age has been established as a positive predictor of altruistic motivations (Sparrow et al., 2021 ), which was found to predict better health outcomes of volunteering. More research is needed to explore the role of retirement and alternate explanations in the relationship between age and the benefits of volunteering, including the interaction of age with other moderators.

On the contrary, there was no evidence to support gender as a moderator for the relationship between volunteering and health and well-being. Although women are more likely to volunteer than men (NCVO, 2021b ), the results of this review indicated that once volunteering, there is no effect of gender on the subsequent health benefits. This provides a case for future volunteering initiatives to be targeted towards men, and for more research to explore the barriers to volunteering for men specifically, such as through qualitative methodology (Males, 2015 ).

The findings of this review suggest a complex relationship between SES and volunteering and its benefits. There is vast research to support the finding that those of higher SES are twice as likely to volunteer than those of the lowest SES (NCVO, 2021b ). However, the current review also indicated that those of lower SES may benefit more from volunteering. If so, the use of volunteering must be maximised to help reduce health inequalities. It is key to note that those of lower SES are more likely to engage in informal volunteering, which is often overlooked by the volunteering literature (Dean, 2022 ). Thus, it is important that future research further explore the influence of the formality of volunteering on the health benefits, as the current umbrella review found inconsistent results. Dependent on this, particularly during retirement, the findings of this review indicate that public health campaigns to enable volunteering should be particularly focused on those of lower SES.

More research is needed to determine the relationship between frequency of volunteering and health and well-being, as the current review found it was not related to the age of volunteers or type of volunteering. The rationale behind a curvilinear relationship is that time spent volunteering positively predicts burnout (Moreno-Jiménez & Villodres, 2010 ). However, the only evidence linking volunteering to burnout in the current umbrella review related to volunteering that was emotionally demanding (Höing et al., 2016 ; Willems et al., 2020 ) rather than frequency, as suggested by Linning and Jackson (Linning & Volunteering, 2018 ). Indeed, emotional exhaustion is one of three subscales within the concept of burnout, which is explained as a result of prolonged and intense emotional involvement (Maslach & Jackson, 1981 ). The current umbrella review found that sufficient support from the organisation helped mitigate the effects of emotionally demanding volunteer roles on burnout and increased well-being (Höing et al., 2016 ; Kragt & Holtrop, 2019 ; Willems et al., 2020 ). Systematic reviews of healthcare providers have found a negative prediction of positive social support to burnout, leading the authors to recommend that interventions to reduce burnout should focus on social support (Guilaran et al., 2018 ; Velando-Soriano et al., 2020 ). Thus, it is at upmost importance that organisations recruiting for emotionally demanding volunteer roles must ensure a sufficient and positive support network to avoid negative health and well-being outcomes such as burnout. For example, sufficient support from supervisors and a stable and supportive organisational environment are essential.

A particularly useful finding of this review is that positive social outcomes of volunteering in turn encourage other positive health and well-being outcomes. Indeed, social capital has been established to reduce mortality and improve physical and mental health (Ehsan et al., 2019 ). Interestingly, the current review also found that volunteering predicted self-reported health, functioning, mortality, and mental health outcomes much better than for other objective indicators of health such as living with medical conditions, BMI, and frailty. This highlights the need for a holistic view of health to assess mortality risk rather than only focusing on physical indicators. For example, lack of flourishing mental health was shown to significantly predict mortality in a 10-year longitudinal analysis, even when controlling for a number of factors including physical disease (Keyes & Simoes, 2012 ). Another longitudinal study found that although the prediction of life satisfaction on mortality was partially shared with physical health and social orientation, it also exerted an independent effect on mortality (Hülür et al., 2017 ). Thus, it is essential to also focus on the mental and social outcomes of volunteering to capture all the potential benefits.

There was consistent evidence to suggest religious volunteering to be a moderator of the effects of volunteering on health and well-being. Whilst one suggested explanation for the moderating effect on well-being is that religiosity is an indication of benevolent and altruistic motives (Krause et al., 2017 ), the social science literature suggests that volunteering offers a chance to enact a group identity (Caricati et al., 2020 ; Gray & Stevenson, 2020 ), in this case a religious group (Wakefield et al., 2022 ). Indeed, for volunteers high in religiosity, identification with the religious organisation they were volunteering for predicted their sense of being enable to enact their religious group three months later, which in turn predicted mental health improvements (Wakefield et al., 2022 ). Subsequently, the relationship between religion, volunteering and well-being is not only explained through altruistic motives, but also because volunteering provides those high in religiosity a space to enact their religious norms, strengthening their group identity and consequently their well-being (Wakefield et al., 2022 ). However, more research is needed to determine whether this also applies when volunteering for secular organisations.

Strengths and Limitations

The current umbrella review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the benefits of all types of volunteering (Gianfredi et al., 2022 ). Furthermore, the very low overlap of primary studies provides credibility to the conclusions drawn. However, there are a number of limitations to consider. The relatively high proportion of articles retrieved from other sources, despite scoping searches being conducted prior to the search, indicates that the databases searched were not comprehensive. Forward and backward citation searching aimed to address this limitation. Secondly, the included reviews were mainly low quality, and for those reviews that assessed quality, the quality of primary studies was mixed. However, as higher quality reviews tended to use a more stringent measure of risk of bias (Chen et al., 2022 ; Filges et al., 2020 ; Gualano et al., 2018 ; Jenkinson et al., 2013 ), it is important that the quality of the review was also considered when weighting findings. Whilst the very low percentage of overlap between primary was a strength, it also may indicate that the included reviews were not thorough, reflected in the general poor quality ratings. Also, the vote counting method applied could not account for the curvilinear relationships identified, highlighting the importance of describing these within the text. More significantly, although efforts were made to conduct vote counting via direction of effect rather than significance, this was not always possible to attain due to insufficient reporting of reviews.

Another limitation is that although three reviews were published in 2022, none of the searches went beyond 2020, meaning no research conducted during or after the COVID-19 pandemic was included. There is evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic created lasting changes to volunteering, mainly that it encouraged digital volunteering which has sustained even after restrictions were lifted (Kanemura et al., 2022 ). This digitalisation has attracted a new group of volunteers who may experience volunteering differently (Kanemura et al., 2022 ). More importantly, digitalisation has impacted on the opportunity for social connection (Kanemura et al., 2022 ), which, as established by this review, has a knock-on effect on the mental and physical benefits of volunteering. A systematic review of research conducted after 2020 would be useful to compare to the findings of the current umbrella review to explore these differences further.

This review has established a multitude of benefits of volunteering on mental, physical, and social health and well-being, particularly reduced mortality, and increased functioning, quality of life, pride, empowerment, motivation, social support, and sense of community. To ensure the generalisability of these findings, more research is needed outside of the USA, and specifically focusing on adolescents. More quantitative research to aid meta-analyses on the social benefits of volunteering would be beneficial to quantify the effects and aid comparison with the mental and physical benefits. However, any future systematic review and meta-analysis on the topic should ensure to follow quality criteria from the AMSTAR-2 (Shea et al., 2021 ), specifically ensuring to pre-register methods and hypotheses, cite excluded studies, report their funding source, and account for their risk of bias. Concerning interacting factors, more research is needed to explore the likely complex relationship of volunteering with both SES and religiosity, and the optimum ‘dose’ of volunteering to gain the established benefits. Volunteering should be considered as an intervention in itself, particularly within the context of social prescribing, where referral to engage in volunteering should be encouraged. Where volunteering roles are emotionally demanding, an appropriate support system should be ensured by the organisation to prevent negative health outcomes such as burnout.

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Declarations

As the current study dealt with only secondary data, ethical approval was not required.

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

• Anderson ND, Damianakis T, Kröger E, Wagner LM, Dawson DR, Binns MA, Bernstein S, Caspi E, Cook SL. The benefits associated with volunteering among seniors: A critical review and recommendations for future research. Psychological Bulletin. 2014; 140 (6):1505. doi: 10.1037/a0037610. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Blais S, McCleary L, Garcia L, Robitaille A. Examining the benefits of intergenerational volunteering in long-term care: A review of the literature. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships. 2017; 15 (3):258–272. doi: 10.1080/15350770.2017.1330056. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Caricati L, Panari C, Melleri M. Group identification and self-efficacy associated with quality of life in emergency medical services volunteers: A cross-sectional investigation. Journal of Applied Social Psychology. 2020; 50 (8):476–488. doi: 10.1111/jasp.12675. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Casiday R, Kinsman E, Fisher C, Bambra C. Volunteering and health what impact does it really have. Volunteering England. 2008; 9 (3):1–13. [ Google Scholar ]
• Cattan M, Hogg E, Hardill I. Improving quality of life in ageing populations: What can volunteering do? Maturitas. 2011; 70 (4):328–332. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.08.010. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Chen H-L, Chen P, Zhang Y, Xing Y, Guan Y-Y, Cheng D-X, Li X-W. Retention of volunteers and factors influencing program performance of the senior care volunteers training program in Jiangsu, China. PLoS ONE. 2020; 15 (8):e0237390. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237390. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Chen P-W, Chen L-K, Huang H-K, Loh C-H. Productive aging by environmental volunteerism: A systematic review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2022; 98 :104563. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104563. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Conway JM, Amel EL, Gerwien DP. Teaching and learning in the social context: A meta-analysis of service learning's effects on academic, personal, social, and citizenship outcomes. Teaching of Psychology. 2009; 36 (4):233–245. doi: 10.1080/00986280903172969. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Dean J. Informal volunteering, inequality, and illegitimacy. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. 2022; 51 (3):527–544. doi: 10.1177/08997640211034580. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Dunn J, Ng SK, Hyde MK, Legg M, Zajdlewicz L, Stein K, Savage A, Scuffham P, Chambers SK. Characteristics that predict volunteer retention and fundraising in community-based challenge events. Journal of Philanthropy and Marketing. 2021; 27 :e1732. [ Google Scholar ]
• Ehsan A, Klaas HS, Bastianen A, Spini D. Social capital and health: A systematic review of systematic reviews. SSM-Population Health. 2019; 8 :100425. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100425. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Farrell C, Bryant W. Voluntary work for adults with mental health problems: A route to inclusion? A review of the literature. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2009; 72 (4):163–173. doi: 10.1177/030802260907200405. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Filges T, Siren A, Fridberg T, Nielsen BC. Voluntary work for the physical and mental health of older volunteers: A systematic review. Campbell Systematic Reviews. 2020; 16 (4):e1124. doi: 10.1002/cl2.1124. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Galbraith B, Larkin H, Moorhouse A, Oomen T. Intergenerational programs for persons with dementia: A scoping review. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. 2015; 58 (4):357–378. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2015.1008166. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Gianfredi V, Nucci D, Amerio A, Signorelli C, Odone A, Dinu M. What can we expect from an umbrella review? Advances in Nutrition. 2022; 13 (2):684–685. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmab150. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Giraudeau C, Bailly N. Intergenerational programs: What can school-age children and older people expect from them? A systematic review. European Journal of Ageing. 2019; 16 (3):363–376. doi: 10.1007/s10433-018-00497-4. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Goethem A, Hoof A, Orobio de Castro B, Van Aken M, Hart D. The Role of reflection in the effects of community service on adolescent development: A meta-analysis. Child Development. 2014; 85 (6):2114–30. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Gray D, Stevenson C. How can ‘we’help? Exploring the role of shared social identity in the experiences and benefits of volunteering. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. 2020; 30 (4):341–353. doi: 10.1002/casp.2448. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Grönlund H, Falk H. Does it make a difference? The effects of volunteering from the viewpoint of recipients–A literature review. Diaconia. 2019; 10 (1):7–26. doi: 10.13109/diac.2019.10.1.7. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Gualano MR, Voglino G, Bert F, Thomas R, Camussi E, Siliquini R. The impact of intergenerational programs on children and older adults: A review. International Psychogeriatrics. 2018; 30 (4):451–468. doi: 10.1017/S104161021700182X. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Guilaran J, de Terte I, Kaniasty K, Stephens C. Psychological outcomes in disaster responders: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of social support. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science. 2018; 9 (3):344–358. doi: 10.1007/s13753-018-0184-7. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Harp ER, Scherer LL, Allen JA. Volunteer engagement and retention: Their relationship to community service self-efficacy. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. 2017; 46 (2):442–458. doi: 10.1177/0899764016651335. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Höing M, Bogaerts S, Vogelvang B. Helping sex offenders to desist offending: The gains and drains for CoSA volunteers - A review of the literature. Sexual Abuse. 2016; 28 (5):364. doi: 10.1177/1079063214535816. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Howard MC, Serviss E. The antecedents and outcomes of corporate volunteering: An employee- and organizational-level meta-analysis. Journal of Managerial Psychology. 2022; 37 (2):93–110. doi: 10.1108/JMP-01-2021-0018. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Hui BPH, Ng JCK, Berzaghi E, Cunningham-Amos LA, Kogan A. Rewards of kindness? A meta-analysis of the link between prosociality and well-being. Psychological Bulletin. 2020; 146 (12):1084. doi: 10.1037/bul0000298. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Hülür G, Heckhausen J, Hoppmann CA, Infurna FJ, Wagner GG, Ram N, Gerstorf G. Levels of and changes in life satisfaction predict mortality hazards: Disentangling the role of physical health, perceived control, and social orientation. Psychology and Aging. 2017; 32 (6):507. doi: 10.1037/pag0000187. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Husk K, Lovell R, Cooper C, Stahl-Timmins W, Garside R. Participation in environmental enhancement and conservation activities for health and well-being in adults: A review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016; 5 :CD010351. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Hyde MK, Dunn J, Scuffham PA, Chambers SK. A systematic review of episodic volunteering in public health and other contexts. BMC Public Health. 2014; 14 :992. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-992. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Jenkinson CE, Dickens AP, Jones K, Thompson-Coon J, Taylor RS, Rogers M, Bambra CL, Lang I, Richards SH. Is volunteering a public health intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the health and survival of volunteers. BMC Public Health. 2013; 13 :773. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-773. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Kanemura, R., Chan, O., Farrow, A. (2022). Time well spent: Impact of Covid-19 on the volunteer experience. NCVO
• Keyes CL, Simoes EJ. To flourish or not: Positive mental health and all-cause mortality. American Journal of Public Health. 2012; 102 (11):2164–2172. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300918. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Kragt D, Holtrop D. Volunteering research in Australia: A narrative review. Australian Journal of Psychology. 2019; 71 (4):342–360. doi: 10.1111/ajpy.12251. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Krause N, Ironson G, Hill PC. Volunteer work, religious commitment, and resting pulse rates. Journal of Religion and Health. 2017; 56 (2):591–603. doi: 10.1007/s10943-016-0347-z. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Linning M, Jackson G. (2018). Volunteering, health and wellbeing
• Lovell R, Husk K, Cooper C, Stahl-Timmins W, Garside R. Understanding how environmental enhancement and conservation activities may benefit health and wellbeing: A systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2015; 15 (1):1–18. doi: 10.1186/s12889-015-2214-3. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Macduff N. Societal changes and the rise of the episodic volunteer. Emerging Areas of Volunteering. 2005; 1 (2):49–61. [ Google Scholar ]
• Manjunath J, Manoj N. Interventions against social isolation of older adults: A Systematic review of existing Literature and Interventions. Geriatrics. 2021; 6 (3):82. doi: 10.3390/geriatrics6030082. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Marco-Gardoqui M, Eizaguirre A, García-Feijoo M. The impact of service-learning methodology on business schools’ students worldwide: A systematic literature review. PLoS One. 2020; 15 (12):e0244389. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244389. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Maslach C, Jackson SE. The measurement of experienced burnout. Journal of Organizational Behavior. 1981; 2 (2):99–113. doi: 10.1002/job.4030020205. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Mateiu-Vescan R, Ionescu T, Opre A. Reconsidering volunteering: Individual change as a result of doing good for others. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations. 2021; 32 (6):1213–27. doi: 10.1007/s11266-020-00247-0. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• McKenzie JE, Brennan SE. Synthesizing and presenting findings using other methods. In: Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, Welch VA, editors. JPT Higgins. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. John Wiley & Sons; 2019. pp. 321–347. [ Google Scholar ]
• Milbourn B, Jaya S, Buchanan A. The relationship between time spent in volunteering activities and quality of life in adults over the age of 50 years: A systematic review. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2018; 81 (11):613–623. doi: 10.1177/0308022618777219. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Moreno-Jiménez MP, Villodres MCH. Prediction of burnout in volunteers. Journal of Applied Social Psychology. 2010; 40 (7):1798–1818. doi: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2010.00640.x. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Muhl C, Mulligan K, Bayoumi I, Ashcroft R, Godfrey C. Establishing internationally accepted conceptual and operational definitions of social prescribing through expert consensus: A delphi study. medrxiv. 2022 doi: 10.1101/2022.11.14.22282098. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• NCVO . What is the economic contribution of the voluntary sector? NCVO; 2021. [ Google Scholar ]
• NCVO . What are the demographics of volunteers? NCVO; 2021. [ Google Scholar ]
• Nichol, B., Wilson, R., Rodrigues, A., Haighton, C. (2022) The effect of volunteering on the health and wellbeing of volunteers: protocol for an umbrella review. PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews. CRD42022349703
• O’Flynn A, Barrett E, Murphy J. A brief literature review of the psychological benefits of volunteerism in watersports inclusion (1971-) Irish Journal of Medical Science. 2021; 190 (2):731–4. doi: 10.1007/s11845-020-02393-2. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Okun MA, Yeung EW, Brown S. Volunteering by older adults and risk of mortality: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging. 2013; 28 (2):564–577. doi: 10.1037/a0031519. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Onyx J, Warburton J. Volunteering and health among older people: A review. Australasian Journal on Ageing. 2003; 22 (2):65–69. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2003.tb00468.x. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Owen R, Berry K, Brown LJE. Enhancing older adults' well-being and quality of life through purposeful activity: A systematic review of intervention studies. The Gerontologist. 2022; 62 (6):e317. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnab017. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, Shamseer L, Tetzlaff JM, Akl EA, Brennan SE, Chou R. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Bmj. 2021; 2021 :372. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Pieper D, Antoine S-L, Mathes T, Neugebauer EA, Eikermann M. Systematic review finds overlapping reviews were not mentioned in every other overview. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 2014; 67 (4):368–375. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.11.007. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Piliavin JA. (2010) Volunteering across the life span . The psychology of prosocial behavior: Group processes, intergroup relations, and helping . p 157–72.
• Pollock, M., Fernandes, RM., Becker, LA., Pieper, D., Hartling, L. (2020). Chapter V: overviews of reviews. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version p 6
• Public Health England P (2019) Social Prescribing: applying all our health . https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-prescribing-applying-all-our-health/social-prescribing-applying-all-our-health
• Saeri AK, Slattery P, Lee J, Houlden T, Farr N, Gelber RL, Stone J, Huuskes L, Timmons S, Windle K, Spajic L. What works to increase charitable donations? A meta-review with meta-meta-analysis. VOLUNTAS International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations. 2022 doi: 10.1007/s11266-022-00499-y. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Salamon LM, Sokolowski SW. Beyond nonprofits: Re-conceptualizing the third sector. Voluntas. 2016; 27 (4):1515. doi: 10.1007/s11266-016-9726-z. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Shea BJ, Reeves BC, Wells G, Thuku M, Hamel C, Moran J, Moher D, Tugwell P, Welch V, Kristjansson E, Henry DA. AMSTAR 2: a critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews that include randomised or non-randomised studies of healthcare interventions, or both. bmj. 2017 doi: 10.1136/bmj.j4008. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Smith V, Devane D, Begley CM, Clarke M. Methodology in conducting a systematic review of systematic reviews of healthcare interventions. BMC Medical Research Methodology. 2011; 11 (1):1–6. doi: 10.1186/1471-2288-11-15. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Snyder M, Omoto AM. Volunteerism: Social issues perspectives and social policy implications. Social Issues and Policy Review. 2008; 2 (1):1–36. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-2409.2008.00009.x. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• South J, Branney P, Kinsella K. Citizens bridging the gap? Interpretations of volunteering roles in two public health projects. Voluntary Sector Review. 2011; 2 (3):297–315. doi: 10.1332/204080511X608753. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Sparrow EP, Swirsky LT, Kudus F, Spaniol J. Aging and altruism: A meta-analysis. Psychology and Aging. 2021; 36 (1):49. doi: 10.1037/pag0000447. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Spurk D, Hirschi A, Dries N. Antecedents and outcomes of objective versus subjective career success: Competing perspectives and future directions. Journal of Management. 2019; 45 (1):35–69. doi: 10.1177/0149206318786563. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Stuart J, Kamerāde D, Connolly S, Ellis A, Nichols G, Grotz J. The impacts of volunteering on the subjective wellbeing of volunteers: A rapid evidence assessment. What Works Centre for Wellbeing; 2020. [ Google Scholar ]
• Studer S, Von Schnurbein G. Organizational factors affecting volunteers: A literature review on volunteer coordination. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations. 2013; 24 (2):403–440. doi: 10.1007/s11266-012-9268-y. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Thoits PA, Hewitt LN. Volunteer work and well-being. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 2001; 42 :115–31. doi: 10.2307/3090173. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Thomson L, Camic P, Chatterjee H. Social prescribing: a review of community referral schemes. London University College; 2015. [ Google Scholar ]
• Thormar SB, Gersons BPR, Juen B, Marschang A, Djakababa MN, Olff M. The mental health impact of volunteering in a disaster setting: A review. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. 2010; 198 (8):529–538. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0b013e3181ea1fa9. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Tierney S, Mahtani KR, Wong G, Todd J, Roberts N, Akinyemi O, Howes S, Turk A. The role of volunteering in supporting well-being–What might this mean for social prescribing? A best-fit framework synthesis of qualitative research. Health & Social Care in the Community. 2022; 30 (2):e325–e346. doi: 10.1111/hsc.13516. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Velando-Soriano A, Ortega-Campos E, Gómez-Urquiza JL, Ramírez-Baena L, De La Fuente EI, Cañadas-De La Fuente GA. Impact of social support in preventing burnout syndrome in nurses: A systematic review. Japan Journal of Nursing Science. 2020; 17 (1):12269. doi: 10.1111/jjns.12269. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• von Bonsdorff MB, Rantanen T. Benefits of formal voluntary work among older people: A review. Aging clinical and experimental research. 2011; 23 (3):162–9. doi: 10.1007/BF03337746. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Wakefield JRH, Bowe M, Kellezi B. Thy will be done: Exploring the longitudinal rewards of religious group membership enactment during volunteering. British Journal of Social Psychology. 2022; 61 (1):253–275. doi: 10.1111/bjso.12478. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Wheeler JA, Gorey KM, Greenblatt B. The beneficial effects of volunteering for older volunteers and the people they serve: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Aging & Human Development. 1998; 47 (1):69–79. doi: 10.2190/VUMP-XCMF-FQYU-V0JH. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Willems R, Drossaert C, Vuijk P, Bohlmeijer E. Impact of crisis line volunteering on mental wellbeing and the associated factors: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (5):1641. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17051641. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Williams K. Males as mentors: a qualitative assessment of volunteer recruitment. NY: University of Pittsburgh; 2015. [ Google Scholar ]
• Woldie M, Feyissa GT, Admasu B, Hassen K, Mitchell K, Mayhew S, McKee M, Balabanova D. Community health volunteers could help improve access to and use of essential health services by communities in LMICs: An umbrella review. Health Policy and Planning. 2018; 33 (10):1128–1143. doi: 10.1093/heapol/czy094. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Wu A, Tang CS, Yan EC. Post-retirement voluntary work and psychological functioning among older Chinese in Hong Kong. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology. 2005; 20 (1):27–45. doi: 10.1007/s10823-005-3796-5. [ PubMed ] [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]

Home / Essay Samples / Life / Experience / Volunteering

Volunteering Essay Examples

An essay on volunteering serves as a platform to explore the selfless act of contributing time, skills, and effort for the betterment of others and the community. The purpose of such an essay is to highlight the meaningful impact of volunteering, showcase the values it fosters, and inspire readers to engage in acts of service. Essays on volunteering emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility, while also addressing the personal growth and fulfillment that volunteers experience. Promotion of Social Good One of the primary goals of an essay on volunteering is to promote the concept of social good and community welfare. These essays shed light on the positive change that volunteers bring to various social, environmental, and humanitarian causes, showcasing the power of collective action. Essays about volunteering emphasize the values of empathy and compassion that underlie acts of service. They encourage readers to step into the shoes of others, understand their challenges, and offer assistance to alleviate their hardships. Volunteering essay examples aim to inspire readers to take action and become active participants in their communities. These essays showcase how even small contributions can make a significant difference, encouraging readers to get involved and contribute their skills and time to causes they care about. Structure of an Essay on Volunteering:

Introduction: Begin with an engaging introduction that introduces the topic of volunteering and provides context for its significance. Thesis Statement: Include a clear thesis statement that outlines the main points you will address in the essay. Body Paragraphs: Divide the body of the essay into paragraphs that discuss different aspects of volunteering. This could include personal experiences, benefits of volunteering, impact on the community, and the values it fosters. Real-Life Examples: Include specific examples of volunteer work or organizations to illustrate your points. Personal Reflection: Share your personal reflections on the impact of volunteering, whether you’ve volunteered yourself or witnessed its effects. Encouragement and Call to Action: Conclude the essay by encouraging readers to consider volunteering and offering suggestions for getting involved.

An essay about volunteering serves as a reminder of the positive impact that individuals can have on society by giving back. By discussing the values, benefits, and personal growth associated with volunteering, these essays motivate readers to engage in acts of service that contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world.

Why I Want to Volunteer: a Commitment to Giving Back

Volunteering is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to the well-being of communities. It is a selfless act that not only benefits those in need but also enriches the lives of volunteers. Exploring the question of...

Reasons Why Volunteering is Important in Australian Sport

One of the last persuasive speeches on volunteering which I have heard was about the urgent importance of voluntary work these years as it has an important input in society, letting many organizations, to meet the demand for their services. Volunteers are the backbone of...

Volunteering at a Hospital: a Journey of Compassion and Contribution

Volunteering at a hospital is a unique and rewarding experience that offers insights into the healthcare field while allowing individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. This essay explores the significance of volunteering at a hospital, highlighting the...

The Motivators and Barriers for Blood Donation Amongst Male and Female Donors

A suitable blood supply relies on individual who are volunteer non-rewarded donors. In this paper, we would determine the selection and retaining sufficient normal voluntary non-rewarded blood benefactors the motivators and hindrances behind them should also be comprehended. Likewise, with fast increment in the use...

Formal Volunteering as a Protective Factor for Older Adults’ Psychological Well-being

Volunteering not only helps strengthen communities, but also promotes individual well-being. More specifically, volunteering among the geriatric community has been shown to yield a greater benefit than that of the younger population regarding emotional, psychological, and physical health. The study I will be analyzing asserts...

Personal Report on Volunteering at Dorothy Children’s Home

The USIU-A educational experience is pitched on helping the community as its major stronghold; building a culture and a community that both reflects and fosters togetherness, and demonstrate progress towards measurable community goals. This is done by ensuring that all students do community service in...

Fostering Team Bonding Through Corporate Volunteering Abroad

The effects of volunteerism on employees is well documented. So why not blend your next team-building effort with community outreach and volunteer efforts? Better yet, do it overseas! Volunteering overseas is a life-changing experience that can benefit the volunteer as much as it does the...

Cultural Development Through Acts of Kindness and Good Deeds

Many positive influences in society today have contributed to the development of a sustainable environment. Through multiple acts of altruism and teamwork, this has remained a possibility. Positive influences and human characteristics can both be developed through good deeds such as community services or mission...

An All-volunteer Force as the Better Alternative to Compulsory Military Service

“If a country cannot save itself through the volunteer service of its own free people, then I say: Let the damned thing go down the drain!”, once said Robert A. Heinlein at the 29th World Science Fiction Convention’s Honor Speech. In the last century, there...

The Main Skills I Acquired During My Time Volunteering

One of my weaknesses is working and collaborating in teams when working on various projects and/or assignments. In the past, there have been times, whether in school or on the job, where I have not collaborated with my team members as much when working on...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!

You may also like

• Responsibility
• Parenting Styles
• Memories Essays
• Personal Experience Essays
• Ignorance Essays
• Success Essays
• Why did you Choose Nursing Essays
• Professionalism Essays
• Why is College Important Essays
• Deja Vu Essays
• Why i want to be a Nurse Essays
• Happiness Essays

About Volunteering

A volunteer is someone who does work without being paid for it, because they want to do it. Volunteering is an act of an individual or group freely giving time and labour for community service.

Formal. Governance. Non-formal. Social action. Project based.

Volunteering is important as it offers essential help to worthwhile causes, people in need, and the wider community. Volunteering combats depression, and helps stay physically healthy.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->