Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Why we Volunteer

Volunteering can be as simple as spending time with children while their parents run errands or as big as creating a philanthropic event to support cancer research. But why do we volunteer?

Logically, it doesn't make sense. Why give your time and expect no monetary or other compensation? Is it because we have to? Because our job or school requires us to? Or do we truley feel the need to make a difference?

Why do you Volunteer? What inspires you to go out of your way to make a difference?

For me, volunteering is a way to connect with others and learn more about them. I volunteer at homeless shelters, women's shelters and with low-income families so that I can better understand the causes behind poverty and abuse and help end the cycle.

This summer I am interning at the Volunteer Center of Story County not just for my college degree but so I can help inspire those in the community to volunteer. I've found my passion is

1. Helping those in need
2. Inspiring others to do the same

'Volunteer to Change the World' was created to inspire, inform and educate on 'why we volunteer'. So drop us a line...why do you volunteer and what inspires you?

Hope to hear from you soon!