The Volunteer factor: making connections
Credit to Author: Hazel Morley| Date: Sun, 02 Jun 2019 16:33:54 +0000
A few weeks ago, I participated in National Volunteer Week, an annual event that formally recognizes, celebrates and gives thanks for Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers. That’s 44% of the population in Canada, or approximately, 1 in 2 Canadians, aged 15 years and above, who give their time (collectively 2.07 billion hours), energy and skills to charities and non-profit organizations. A stunning statistic and one of which this country is justifiably proud.
This year’s theme: “The Volunteer Factor – Lifting Communities.” The Volunteer Factor celebrates and recognizes the exponential impact of volunteers and how they lift our communities. The image selected for the theme is one of hot air balloons of different sizes, shapes and colours that reflects the diversity of community volunteers. It illustrates that when people volunteer together, the sky is the limit, in terms of what they can achieve.
Volunteering has a direct impact on the lives of Canadians, whether it is through teaching, coaching, mentoring, educating, fundraising, organizing events, providing healthcare or emotional support, or offering companionship and practical help with day-to-day activities such as household tasks and errands. There are a multitude of activities you can engage in, be it with family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, or strangers.
In a General Social Survey on Giving, Volunteering and Participating, when asked why volunteer, 93% said they were motivated to contribute to their community. In return, they meet new people, expand their network and identify new strengths. Almost two thirds of respondents said they had too benefited – from increased interpersonal skills, such as communication, organizing and managerial skills, technical and office work. These are important skills that employers look for when recruiting and can help new immigrants get work. When I arrived in Canada ten years ago, I started volunteering. I learned about Canadian culture and my local community. By pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I developed new skills and forged relationships with people with whom I am still friends, today. I was offered paid work as a direct result of volunteering, for which I will always be grateful.
The benefits of volunteering and giving may be even broader for society. Previous research has suggested that ‘volunteerism, by bringing together persons from all walks of life to work on a common project or objective, contributes to ‘social cohesion’- increasing a sense of belonging in communities’.
Research tells us that a sense of belonging contributes to improved wellbeing and health. Author Johann Hari in his book ‘Lost Connections’ states that human beings have innate psychological needs just as we have basic physical needs (i.e. for food, water, shelter, clean air). We need to feel we belong, that we have meaning and purpose. We need to feel valued. We need to feel we’re good at something. We need to feel we have a secure future. When these needs aren’t being met, it can lead to feelings of unhappiness and a life that is unfulfilled. For some, it manifests as depression or anxiety. As a new immigrant, with the challenges of starting over in unfamiliar territory, meeting these needs can become more of a priority for our wellbeing. If you can find the time, volunteering can be one solution to fill the void. You will be making a positive impact on your health and your community.