If there was one thing you could do that would strengthen your community, support your local economy, help local government be more effective all the while making yourself healthier, would you do it? Well there is and it's called volunteering. It does all those things and more for a community.
Volunteering enhances the social connections between different sectors, builds the bridges for governments, business and citizens. It promotes people to be more active in civic engagement and citizenship. Moreover, the increase in social networking between members helps builds a more cohesive, safer, stronger community. Volunteering makes a significant contribution to the local economy. It helps maximize fiduciary resources, extend local budgets and enable services that may not otherwise exist in our cities. It is difficult to have any community event without those who are willing to put in time without compensation.
Volunteering also has positive effects on the individual level - increases their self- esteem, enhances various skills and capacities, expand career paths and promotes good health both physically and mentally. This in turn, has another positive effect on the community.
Citizens volunteering can be one of most important assets a community possesses and there is always a need for the willing in each one of ours. Be it the library, community recreation department, business organizations, religious institutions, or just giving a bit of yourself to your next door neighbor, volunteering will do your community, and yourself, some good. Where to start? Check out this link for some great suggestions.
