(Posted 2025 January)
Why should volunteering be on your new year’s resolution list, you ask? First, let’s take a look at some of the rewards of volunteering with five surprising health benefits discussed in an Iona article1:
- You are likely to live longer because you have volunteered. “According to a study by the Corporation for National & Community Service, those who gave social support to others had lower rates of mortality than those who did not.”
- Volunteers feel better and are happier, “when people volunteer, they feel a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment, thus leading to a healthier life.”
- Volunteering helps create new relationships, and as we get older it’s important to our health to have strong relationships. “As a volunteer, you are likely to meet a variety of new people from diverse backgrounds, thus helping to build your social network.”
- Volunteering helps give your brain a workout. A study showed “that volunteering can delay or even reverse decline in brain function among older adults.”
- Volunteering helps decrease stress levels. “Distracting our minds from the day-to-day concerns of our own lives can reduce our cares and help us worry less. Even more, volunteering can give us a greater sense of gratitude for the positive aspects of our own lives.”1
Volunteering also has significant benefits for the community. Volunteers that contribute to community initiatives enhance economic growth and sustainability, they help organizations see the need for positions and stimulate growth, in turn giving them the opportunity to offer more jobs. 2
As we mentioned earlier, volunteering offers the opportunity to meet different people from all kinds of backgrounds promoting cultural exchange and understanding, meeting people that you might never have interacted with before. “Through volunteering efforts, various infrastructure projects can be undertaken to improve the living conditions and quality of life for residents.” 2
Volunteering also provides the opportunity for personal growth, utilizing and building existing skills, while also developing new ones. Through these social and educational enrichment initiatives, volunteers foster community development and help individuals reach their full potential. 2
By making the choice and commitment to volunteer this year, you will not only reap the health benefits and enhance your community you can impact a child’s life.
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services’ Volunteer and Partner Services team has two programs in need of volunteers from all backgrounds, who are willing and able to donate their time and make a difference.
If you happen to be available during the day, during the week and feel comfortable in a classroom setting, teaching kids about Body Safety with the Body Safety Program is for you! Simply email the team to start observing classes this month!
If you prefer to become a positive role-model for an individual child, and you happen to be available in the evenings and weekends, then the BeFriend-A-Child Mentoring program is for you! You can contact them to get started now.
1Franke, A. (2018, January 15). Five surprising health benefits of Volunteering - IoNA. Iona. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://iona.org/five-surprising-health-benefits-volunteering/
2Brandt, C. (2023, November 11). How does volunteering benefit the community? 5 key impacts. Giving Getaway. Retrieved December 20, 2024, https://givinggetaway.com/how-does-volunteering-benefit-the-community-5-key-impacts/
This article posting is part of The Volunteer Post Newsletter for current and potential volunteers, sponsors and donors interested in supporting children and families in crisis. Learn more about Fairfax County Department of Family Services' Volunteer & Partner Services Program (VPS).