Volunteering: A Win-Win for You and Your Community

We're on a mission to increase the organized capacity of people in Central Georgia communities to care for one another, by working collaboratively, to disrupt the cycle of poverty in our community. Volunteers play a crucial role in our success, just as they do in many other nonprofit organizations in Central Georgia. Volunteering has a lot more value than just being kind; Independent Sector, a nonprofit organization that tracks volunteer hours across the nation, estimates that in 2023 volunteer time was worth $31.80 an hour. Consequently, every hour that a volunteer donates to a nonprofit organization or community cause provides $31.80 of value to that organization or cause. So far in 2023, our community's dedicated volunteers contributed 2,635 hours resulting in an incredible $83,793 worth of impact!

Volunteering also has numerous social and personal benefits, making it a valuable activity for both the community and the individual.

Here are a few benefits of volunteering:

  1. Building a strong community: Volunteering brings people together and creates a sense of community. When individuals volunteer their time and skills, they are actively working to improve their community and create a positive environment for everyone.
  2. Making a difference: Volunteers have the power to make a difference in their community. By offering their time, skills, and resources, they can help organizations and individuals who may not have access to the same resources otherwise.
  3. Personal growth: Volunteering provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. By working with others and stepping out of their comfort zone, volunteers can build new skills, gain confidence, and broaden their perspective.
  4. Networking: Volunteering can also provide networking opportunities for individuals. By working with organizations and community leaders, volunteers can build connections and relationships that can benefit them both personally and professionally.
  5. Giving back: Volunteering is a way to give back to the community and contribute to something bigger than oneself. It is a way to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy.

Volunteering, like many other areas of life, is subject to constant change and evolution. In recent years, various trends in volunteering have emerged, with many organizations responding to the pandemic and the rise of remote work by offering virtual volunteering opportunities. As an example, Read United switched to providing virtual reading support during the pandemic and continues to offer this option as a means of helping children with their literacy skills. Many volunteers are seeking shorter-term, project-based volunteer opportunities that allow them to make an impact without making a long-term commitment. This includes one-day events, weekend projects, and other episodic volunteer opportunities. More and more companies are recognizing the benefits of corporate volunteering programs, which not only provide employees with opportunities to give back but also help build stronger connections with the community and improve company culture.

With our online volunteer platform, you can discover causes and organizations in Central Georgia. You can easily find upcoming volunteer opportunities, register for them, and track your volunteering hours, all in one place.

In addition to making a positive impact on your community, volunteering can also provide a sense of fulfillment, new skills, and meaningful connections. Become a volunteer today and discover the many rewards that come with giving back.