Australians really like doing good – especially young Australians.
In 2016, over half a million 15 – 24 year-old Australians volunteered their time, including over 140,000 Victorians. (Now that’s what we like to see!)
Studies have shown that all that doing good has some real benefits, especially for us young people.
But what exactly are the perks of giving back to the community? Let's break it down, shall we?
01. Your Social Circle Gets a Lot Bigger
Volunteering can get you into places you’ve never been and meeting people you never would have met otherwise. It’s a great way to socialise with people who have similar interests, find role models or mentors, and even become a mentor yourself!
This can be especially important for non-local volunteers – for instance, volunteering outside of your university as an international student can get you out of the dreaded ‘student bubble’ and into the wider community.
02. You Learn How to Have (And Stick To) A Routine
Besides jazzing up your iCal, having a solid routine from volunteering improves your time management, organisational and prioritising skills – all important skills for employment and life in general!
With student life getting busier than ever, the discipline and habits you develop while volunteering will stay with you for the rest of your life.
03. You Feel Really Good About Yourself (Like, Really Good)
It’s no secret that volunteering is good for your mental wellbeing. Many volunteers report feeling satisfaction from helping others and being primarily motivated by wanting to help their local community. Taking independent steps towards this by volunteering for a cause that you’re passionate about can be a huge confidence boost, while also setting you up for a lifetime of giving back to the community.
04. It Develops Your ‘Adulting’ Skills – Life, Work, Wherever!
When it comes to learning through volunteering, you’re spoilt for choice.
Tutoring? You’ll be working on your empathy, active listening and mentoring skills.
Event organisation? Watch your leadership, detail coordination and teamwork skills shoot through the roof.
Environmental clean-up job? Learn about sustainability and connect with your peers.
The hardest part can be deciding where to start!
05. You Become Inspired For the Future
You’ll spark new interests and discover new industries that can help you figure out what you want to be doing in the future.
By utilising your time to give back and doing things that you’re passionate about, you can learn a lot about yourself and where you want to go.
Now get out there, do good and feel good!
Vineeta works in all things communications and community. In her spare time, you'll find her eating her way around Melbourne and trying her best to keep her succulents alive. #plantlady