National Student Volunteer Week: The Power of Volunteering for Students August 4, 2022July 21, 2022 by admin This week launches National Student Volunteer Week for 2022. It celebrates and acknowledges all the student volunteers and young people across Australia who volunteer. The theme for this year is Passion, opportunity and change which explores how students can realise their dreams and effect change across the world. Volunteering is so beneficial for those that need the services of volunteering but there is also a power to volunteering that many may not know about. Volunteering is so much more than we all think! Volunteering can change the lives of many including those that decide to volunteer. It can create a positive change in the lives of students, it can make them feel more confident and connected to others and their community, skills that can be applied in education, training and everyday life. It can also help future employment and leave a lasting important impact on themselves and their future. The power of volunteering for students: Volunteering creates a connection to others and to your community Probably one of the most well-known but important benefits of volunteering is the connections you make and the impact of this on the community. Working in groups forces interaction with all demographics and helps you make new friends, expand your network and boost your social skills. All of this can be used in your day-to-day life and is a great way to expand your friendship circle. Volunteering is great for your mental health: mind and body The social aspect of volunteering can also improve your overall psychological well-being by creating meaningful connections with people (and animals). It gives you a solid support system, someone to talk to, and we feel happier knowing we are doing something good and giving back to others; which in turn protects you from depression. There have also been proven studies that show those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. As you tend to walk more, train your cognitive skills and lead a more positive outlook on life. Volunteering can advance your career 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. For example, you could become an experienced crisis counsellor while volunteering for a women’s shelter or a knowledgeable art historian while donating your time at a museum. Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organisations or internships that could benefit your career. Volunteering can bring a sense of fulfilment Volunteering is a great way to give back and from this people who volunteer often find a sense of fulfilment and happiness from giving back. It’s the feeling of knowing you are making a difference for someone else and that you are making effective use of your time. This carries through into your personal and professional life as it can make you have a different outlook on what you want to gain from life and certain experiences. There are thousands of ways to support, encourage and enhance volunteering within your school, university or individually. We have a comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities available at the moment that you can find here. 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. Contact us if you want to know more about how you can get involved.
