Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead
Donating time and treasure to causes we believe in obviously benefits nonprofit and voluntary organizations, communities, the environment and society as a whole. But have you considered that volunteering can bring you personal benefits as well?
While volunteering you can learn a new skill, build upon the skills you have, or develop a new interest or hobby. You just might discover a hidden talent or passion. Through a volunteer organization you might meet a potential employer, or add an important line to your resume.
Networking is another valuable benefit of volunteerism. The people you meet may have a profound impact on your life. You can gain appreciation for your community by becoming a more integral part of it, or seek an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Volunteers overwhelmingly express a renewed sense of commitment, motivation and achievement. Doing something meaningful with your spare time is often a reward in itself: it simply feels good to give back to your community and the earth. These are some of the reasons that more than one-billion people, around the world, volunteer each year.
Where to Begin?
Perhaps you’ve been thinking about volunteering, but don’t know where to start. A first step might be to identify some causes or issues that are important to you. Since you’re visiting ecology.com, those interests likely include environmentalism. What aspect of the environment is inspiring to you? Do you love trees, plants and flowers? Is your passion the ocean or water conservation? Is your pet peeve the way our society wastes resources?
Whatever your interest, there is an organization that will appreciate your help and satisfy your desire to make a difference in the world. A variety of organizations that sponsor activities and events to restore and protect our natural world can easily be found on the internet, through a plethora of websites designed to match you up with opportunities close to home or across the globe (see the links below).
Or, consider gathering your friends and creating your own volunteer project! You can clean litter from your favorite beach or hiking trail; or help elderly neighbors make their homes more energy efficient. You can plant native trees and flowers, start a community vegetable garden, or collect and recycle bottles or used tires – to name just a few possibilities. USAService.org has a resource library to help you organize an event, with ideas, poster templates and so on.
Throughout the year there also are special events to inspire you to action. Here are a few coming up that we’ll report on.
- Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup
March 1st – May 31st - World Water Day
March 22nd - Earth Hour
March 28th - National Environmental Education Week
April 12 -18th - Global Youth Service Days
April 24th -26th - Earth Day
April 22nd
While you’re at it, be sure to take photos and send your stories to us at jane@ecology.com. Your actions just may inspire others — in your community and around the world — to step forward and volunteer.
Other Opportunities to Volunteer on Behalf of the Environment
To find other environmental volunteer projects on the web, visit these sites:
- Volunteer Match
- World Volunteer Web – Environment
- US National Parks Service – Get Involved
- DoSomething.org
- The Nature Conservancy – Volunteer Opportunities
- Americorps
- Keep America Beautiful – The Great American Clean Up
– J. Engelsiepen & B. Crowfoot
