Members of Squad for Change, the Wishes and Blessings volunteering wing, shared their understanding of volunteering and why it is so important in today’s world. Read on for their unique insights!
Ketan Nanda
Volunteering as a definition is defined as a voluntary act of helping others, but it is much more than that. It is about giving back to the community by those who have a desire to do some good for others around them. Not only does it allow one to spread some positivity in the world, but it also allows one to discover their hidden talents, gives a new perspective on life, enables one to have new experiences and most importantly helps them learn more about themselves as a person.
As our lives get busier with each passing day, it may seem that it is impossible to take time out of our daily routines and help others. But the satisfaction and joy one gets after doing good for others without expecting anything back, goes a long way in boosting our self-esteem and self-confidence. It also helps us to keep our mental as well as physical health in check, by being around other like-minded people regularly and building an effective bond with them.
Volunteering also gives us a set goal to achieve every week, to try and help others who may not have been as fortunate in their lives as us. It makes everyone just try and make a positive impact on at least one other person, which is all it really takes to make this world a better place every day.
Volunteering also reinforces the idea that true change starts from within. A little kindness truly goes a long way, and benefits everyone involved. Whether one is volunteering at a school to teach students, spreading awareness about different issues in today’s world, or just preparing content for their NGO’s, it is not all that different, because that person is actively trying to make a difference, and in the end, ‘It’s the thought that counts.’
Manya Garg
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.
Volunteering has so many benefits including improving health and happiness. It should be fun and not a chore. Getting involved in your local community, helping local people and causes can be inspiring. You can make new friends and develop new skills. 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, neighbourhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities.
Since joining the Wishes and Blessings, I have progressed from being a nervous volunteer to being a confident and responsible volunteer. Everyone is so friendly, and I have found the organisation to be very supportive and appreciative, and very proactive in developing myself and the other volunteers here. Now I have a wider understanding of the voluntary sector as a result of volunteering in Wishes and Blessings. I think that volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore my interests and passions. Doing volunteer work I find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from my day-to-day routine of online classes or family commitments. Volunteering also provides me with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into my personal and professional life. One of the many beauties of volunteering is that there are endless ways that I can get involved and make a difference. The thing is, I won’t know which is right for me until I get out into the community and start.
Volunteering in Wishes and Blessings increases my self-confidence. I am doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. My role as a volunteer can also give me a sense of pride and identity. And the better I feel about myself, the more likely I can have a positive view of my life and future goals. The more opportunities I take to learn new skills and gain knowledge, the more fully I will develop as a person. Stepping out of my comfort zone and building new skills is the best way to develop my self-esteem. Volunteering has increased my sense of pride and thus, my self-confidence. When I challenge myself through volunteering tasks and receive appreciation from others, it can also make you feel better emotionally and mentally.
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”- Winston Churchill