10 Reasons To Volunteer

Volunteering: A Path to Personal Growth and Community Connection

It can be hard to find time to volunteer in our hectic lives. However, there are many reasons to prioritize giving back to others in your weekly routine. When you volunteer at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, you can genuinely make a difference in the lives of young people.

Walking into a Club, you immediately sense you are in a special environment. The vibrant sounds and energy of spirited children fill the air, thanks to caring professionals who are dedicated to making a difference. Whether you assist with an event, coach a game, or contribute to a beautification project, you’ll have the chance to positively impact the lives of youth who need our support the most.

Why Should You Volunteer?

Working with youth today means ensuring a brighter future for everyone. Here are several compelling reasons why anyone should consider volunteering.

1. Volunteering Can Make You Happy!

Studies show that the more you volunteer, the happier you’ll become. A research study from the London School of Economics found that volunteers reported a 16% increase in happiness compared to non-volunteers. Volunteering not only uplifts others but also boosts your own mood!

2. Volunteering Lowers Stress and Anxiety

When you help others, it significantly improves your psychological health. Working together to assist those in need can dramatically reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. There is nothing as uplifting and inspiring as collective efforts to foster change.

3. Volunteering Provides Work Experience

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain valuable career experience across various fields. Serving at Boys & Girls Clubs is particularly beneficial for anyone seeking a career in social work or education, like teachers, counselors, therapists, psychologists, social workers, or pediatricians. Even if you’re heading in a different career direction, working with local youth allows you to develop personal skills that can enhance your resume.

4. Volunteering Helps Connect You With Others

Volunteering helps create connections with diverse individuals. Whether you’re teaming up with other volunteers, beautifying a Clubhouse, or assisting at an event, the relationships formed can be meaningful. Volunteering unites people from different backgrounds toward a shared objective and purpose.

5. Volunteering Strengthens the Community

Community service and volunteerism represent an investment in both your community and its residents. At Boys & Girls Clubs, our program supports families, mentors local youth, and enhances academic performance. Your participation affects our community in significant, positive ways.

6. You Can Make New Friends

Volunteering often leads to genuine friendships. The people you volunteer alongside and those you assist can become lifelong friends. Sometimes these connections develop in the most unexpected ways!

7. Volunteering Initiates Personal Growth

Many who volunteer report improvements in self-esteem, gratitude, and generosity. When you place yourself in situations that require humility and giving back, you often gain a deeper introspection. Becoming a regular volunteer is an effective way to evolve into the person you aspire to be.

8. Volunteering Conserves Resources

The work you do significantly impacts BGCCA in various ways. Your volunteering helps save our community and the programs you serve thousands of dollars. Research shows that every $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs generates an astounding $10.32 in economic benefits for Club members, their families, and our society. These benefits extend beyond mere financial measures to include vital social impacts like mental health, education, and healthy behaviors.

9. Volunteering Teaches You New Skills

Engaging in volunteer opportunities introduces you to new skills. You might learn how to build relationships, create a website, or even master a new game. There are virtually no limits on the knowledge you can acquire through volunteer experiences.

10. You Will Feel Awesome

The satisfaction gained from volunteering is unparalleled. The happiness boost, the humility found in servitude, and the gratitude that stems from new perspectives can greatly enhance your self-esteem. You can take pride in knowing that you are making a positive difference in your community.

Joining Boys & Girls Clubs as a volunteer can benefit both our organization and your personal well-being. Volunteer today and help us make a positive impact in the lives of youth in the Capital Area.

Learn More About Volunteering

Discover more about volunteering with BGCCA: www.bgccapitalarea.org/volunteer

Please Note: Background checks are mandatory for any volunteer interacting regularly with youth. All prospective employees and recurring volunteers must be cleared according to New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations.

For more information, contact Soozey Walensky, Director of Community Engagement, at (518) 462-5528 ext. 1009 or swalensky@bgccapitalarea.org.

Explore More Involvement Opportunities

See other ways to get involved: www.bgccapitalarea.org/getinvolved