Reasons for Volunteering, Essay Example

Almost everywhere one goes one sees or hears of a volunteer. Many individuals and organizations simply could not exist without hours and hours of unpaid work carried out on their behalf. Many people cannot comprehend why so many individuals give so freely of their time, energy, and some incurred expense to “help out.” The reasons for volunteering are many, but the one that volunteers seem to give most often is that they do it “to give back.”The reasons for giving back are many. Volunteering is also good for people: It takes their thoughts away from their situations while focusing on others. People who volunteer are usually happier than those who do not. They meet all sorts of people, and many times social connections result.
Some people volunteer in areas where they either want to see change or where they want to maintain the status quo. Examples of this could be working for candidates running in municipal, state or federal elections; pro choice movements; and capital punishment.
Volunteers may get a chance to learn skills that they otherwise have no opportunity to learn. It also looks good on their resume. Some volunteer in areas, such as hospitals, where they see if they really want a particular career, such as nursing. Some volunteer in third world countries because they genuinely care, but also because it gives them a chance to travel and to see more of the world. Some people volunteer to raise funds for a certain illness, such as cancer, either because someone close to them died from it, or because they are survivors.