Community service is a way to help those in need. It can be done by a variety of people, and can take many forms such as working at a soup kitchen, cleaning up a park, or making first aid kits for homeless shelters.
It’s also an important part of being a good citizen and can teach you a lot about life. Here are some of the benefits of community service:
1. Builds Character
Whether you are brushing up on old skills or learning new ones, community service is a great way to improve yourself and diversify your resume. Over half of Catchafire’s volunteers go on to become repeat volunteers, donors or even board members.
This is because volunteering allows you to learn more about yourself and what you are capable of doing, and also pushes you out of your comfort zone in a safe space. It gives you a unique perspective of the world and helps you develop empathy.
You may also be able to volunteer in an industry that you are thinking about pursuing down the road, and get hands-on experience to see if it is something you really want. This can be a very beneficial experience when trying to find the right career path for you. This is especially important for young people. It can help you discover your passions and make a long-term commitment before you actually start working in the industry.
2. Strengthens Relationships
Performing community service helps you get to know people in your area better. You also become more aware of the needs of your community and the challenges it faces, giving you a greater sense of empathy and compassion for those who live in it.
Infusing interactions with clients with empathy and understanding lays the foundation for strong client relationships in community services work, which are essential for providing effective support. This enables professionals like you to deliver meaningful interventions that empower clients and promote inclusivity and equity. The stronger these connections are, the more likely they are to break down preconceived stereotypes and foster a collaborative, mutually beneficial relationship that can yield positive results. Developing these relationships requires consistent, transparent communication and active listening skills paired with a genuine desire to make a difference. This is known as cultural competence, and it’s an important part of effective community services. Ultimately, these relationships allow you to provide the best possible support for the families and communities you serve.
3. Learn New Skills
Community service provides an opportunity for people to learn new skills, such as teamwork, leadership and planning. Many of the skills acquired through community service are ones employers look for in job applicants, so if a person is considering making a career change, volunteering can help them hone their skills and gain experience in an attractive field before they take the leap to a new profession.
Direct service activities, such as working at a food bank or answering crisis calls, provide an immediate, tangible sense of accomplishment. Indirect services, on the other hand, require more specialized skills and knowledge, such as coordinating events or managing databases. These projects are often complex, so volunteers must be able to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
Strategic youth can use their community service opportunities to learn skills they may be weak in, such as public speaking or record-keeping. This can give them the confidence they need to step outside of their comfort zone in a more challenging environment, such as a job interview.
4. Helps You Make Friends
Whether you’re new in school, or just moving to a new neighborhood, community service is the perfect way to make friends. Not only is it a fun and fulfilling activity, but you’ll be working with other people who share the same passion for making the world a better place.
You can find community service opportunities through your school, local charities, or places of worship. Some groups, like AMIGOS, even offer global community service trips that allow you to travel the world while volunteering abroad.
Ultimately, community service is a great way to make new friends and develop skills that employers love to see on resumes. So what are you waiting for? Find an opportunity that’s right for you, and start serving your community today! You may just be surprised at what a positive impact it can have on your life. You can even start by contacting your school or local charities to see what options are available to you!