As the holiday season nears and we wrap up our year, we begin to look forward to the New Year and what is in store for us. Armed with our New Year’s resolutions, we make the promise to ourselves to begin with a clean slate, make the year better, and improve on ourselves. For many people this means committing to a healthier lifestyle in one way or another. Many people vow to eat healthier, head to the gym more or drink more water. This year, why not think about adding volunteering to the list of resolutions?
Volunteering is a huge benefit to people on a personal level. Some of the benefits according to the United Way website and the Corporation for National and Community Service website are making community contacts, building a resume, gaining work and life experience, meeting new people, improving your health, and making a difference in another person’s life. All of these are tangible lifelong benefits. What we hear about less because there is no way to truly measure it is the feeling of good that volunteering gives you. This feeling of satisfaction has been called “helper’s high”.
Health benefits of volunteering are abundant. Being active, and getting out of the house, especially for seniors, improves mental health as well as keeping the body fit. It gives people something to continue to work on, engaging the mind, but also there is the feeling of accomplishment and happiness that is associated with the giving of yourself to something you care about.
One of the questions that gets brought up this time of year with college application deadlines closing in quickly is how do younger kids get recognized for being a hard worker, good team player and member of the community before they are employed? With colleges looking for well-rounded kids more and more as part of the college application process, volunteering is a great way to set yourself apart. The work experience, learning of life skills and dedication to service in the community is an invaluable tool that can be carried with you your whole life and is recognized by employers and schools as a worthy use of your time.
So when you make you resolutions this year, consider adding volunteering to the list. Not only does it benefit you individually, but it benefits all that you touch in the community. By bringing your skills and talents to the table, you can make the year better for all. Anyone who is looking to make volunteering part of their New Year’s resolution can contact Greta Mannen or Rita Jacobson at (406)433-2207 at the RSVP Program through the Health Department to find the volunteer experience that is right for you. Make the season bright by volunteering this year!
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