The Personal Benefits of a Being a Volunteer
Meher Mount
“Selfless service consists in rendering service to others with no thought of gain, reward, or result; it is free from the thought of placing others under obligation.”
Better Health
FELLOWSHIP, CAMARADERIE and a sense of purpose are some of the benefits of volunteering. (Left to right) Jamshid Ebrahimzadeh, Ellie Azhang, Ron Holsey and Billy Goodrum. (Photo: Margaret Magnus, 2007)
Those who volunteer are healthier, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. They “…have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.” [1]
Scientific studies have shown that individuals who volunteer enjoy psychological and physical benefits, including increased satisfaction, an improved sense of belonging, lower blood pressure, increased protection from Alzheimer's, and decreased mortality. [2]
A Career Boost
Volunteering can help jump start a career or give it a longed-for boost. The benefits include learning or developing skills, teaching your skills to others, enhancing your résumé, gaining valuable work experience, making important networking contacts, and building self-esteem and self-confidence. [3]
A Way to Give Back
Volunteering is also a way to express gratitude for a place or an organization. Many consider it a way to give back for the benefits they have received and to make a personal contribution to a worthwhile effort. Being a volunteer can provide an opportunity for learning and personal development as well as provide a sense of belonging.
A Win-Win Opportunity
Part of finding the right volunteer opportunity is being honest about what you hope to learn and accomplish. If in the process of meeting your personal and professional goals, you are also serving as an effective volunteer, helping to meet the goals of your particular volunteer project or role, and/or helping to move Meher Mount's mission forward, it's a win-win situation.
Get Involved At Meher Mount
It takes a team to care for Meher Mount.
To learn more about being part of Team Meher Mount, just fill out the form on this page and click “I want to get involved” button.
For many, being a volunteer for Meher Mount is an opportunity to render service in honor of Avatar Meher Baba. For others it is a means of connecting with the land. And others find a sense of camaraderie in being part of the team.
You will find your own reasons and rewards.
References
[1] “The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research,” the Corporation for National and Community Service, accessed online March 31, 2017.
[2] "National Volunteer Week," Wikipedia, accessed online March 31, 2017.
[3] "Benefits of Volunteering," United Way, accessed online March 31, 2017.