The word volunteer is both a noun and a verb. Noun - a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task. Verb - freely offer to do something.
The common denominator here is the word "freely." A volunteer is a person who provides a service with no compensation. Volunteer tasks offer no financial gain. Nor are they part of a barter arrangement. It would not only be dismissive to say volunteers or volunteer work have no value, but it would be undeniably false. In this case, zero dollars has infinite value.
There are organizations that rely almost entirely on volunteer labor to operate. They could not, would not be in existence without the valuable service hours provided by volunteers. Without volunteers, kids would not have mentors, seniors would not receive a warm meal and a smile, crisis lines would go dark and the list goes on. The vast majority of non-profit organizations need the time so many give freely to help them meet the needs of their constituents.
On the flip side, as a volunteer there are benefits that make the work valuable to you, too. Being a volunteer connects you to others socially and professionally. You can be physically active, learn new skills or advance your career. Being a volunteer can bring fun and fulfillment into your life while reducing the effects of stress. There is a lot to gain from giving your time and talent freely, generously.
Volunteering is an ultimate win-win for our communities...and for you. Thanks for making the choice to be a volunteer.
