Community service is a form of volunteer work that helps people in need. This can be done in many different ways, and it can have a positive impact on the broader society.
It can also help you learn about different careers. For example, you could work at an animal shelter if you want to become a veterinarian, or at a museum if you want to be a historian.
1. It Gives You a Chance to Learn
Whether you are picking up trash on the side of the road, cleaning cages at the local animal shelter or serving food to your neighbors at a soup kitchen, community service gives you a chance to learn. Many people also find that it helps them develop skills they can use in their daily lives, such as cooking or cleaning.
In addition, participating in community service can also help you figure out what kind of work you want to do in the future. For example, volunteering at a hospital may lead you to think about a career in health care, or working with homeless people might inspire you to consider social work.
For high school students, getting involved in community service can be a great way to set yourself apart from the competition when applying to college. It can also open the door to scholarships that you might not have otherwise been able to apply for.
2. It Helps You Make Friends
When you commit to a group, show up with a smile and go above and beyond to get the job done, you quickly build closeness. Whether it’s cleaning up graffiti or helping an elderly neighbor, consistency is key. Our office has had clients fulfill their community service requirements at the local VFW, Lions and Moose lodges, stacking chairs and doing inventory.
These personal relationships also help break down negative stereotypes. When people see you on a regular basis, they are more likely to reconsider the quick judgments they may have made about someone because of their appearance or other visible characteristics.
If you’re looking to expand your network, start by finding an organization that lines up with your interests and goals. You can search online or check with your school or place of worship for recommendations. Then, ask yourself what you want to gain from the experience — and be prepared to do the work!
3. It Gives You a Chance to Try Out a New Career
If you’re considering a new career path, community service is a great way to test out different careers and gain experience. Volunteering can teach you skills like project management, communication and more. Plus, it can help you build a network in your field.
Performing community service also gives you the opportunity to see how a specific career impacts people, which can give you a better sense of whether or not it is the right fit for you. For example, if you’re interested in working on community strategy, auditing communities and writing newsletters, then finding a role like that could be a great fit for you.
And if you’re worried about making the switch to a new field, volunteering can help you brush up on old skills and build your confidence. For instance, if you’re thinking of switching to content strategy, try auditing some top creators and posting your audits on social media. You might even make an impact and get hired!
4. It Helps You Gain Experience
Community service is a great way to gain experience and learn new things. It can also help you build up your resume and make connections with people in the industry you’re interested in working in. Plus, it can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment that can help boost your self-esteem.
The best part about community service is that it helps you feel like you’re making a difference in the world around you. This can be especially rewarding for young people, as it can teach them to be more empathetic and understanding of the different circumstances that other people face in their lives.
There are many different types of community service opportunities available. The key is to find one that lines up with your interests, goals, and skill set. You can do this by searching online or asking friends and family for recommendations. Alternatively, you can work with a community service company like Catchafire to help you find the right opportunity for you.