When we talk about the benefits that the community of a certain city or country receives through volunteer work, it is important to establish the economical contribution of this kind of job or service. According to the research done by an independent survey organization, the estimated dollar value of volunteer time in the U.S.A. is $19.51 per hour for 2007. Of course this number would be lower in Ecuador because of wage differences. However, to any countries’ economy the contribution that professionals and non professionals give to society through volunteer work is huge. Because there are many fields in which volunteers can help, it is difficult to picture its impact as a whole. This is why I am going to focus on the achievements of Operation Smile Foundation. Throughout the world, Operation Smile volunteers repair childhood facial deformities while building public and private partnerships that advocate for sustainable healthcare systems for children and families. Their mission is to create smiles, change lives, and heal humanity (Someday our hope will light up the world). In the last 25 years, this organization has helped 100000 kids from all over the world. In Ecuador, this foundation has been operating for 12 years. In this time, more than 400000 volunteer hours have benefited Ecuadorian children form 29 different cities. Well known surgeons, form Ecuador and different parts of the world have performed 7.000 hours of surgery in different Ecuadorian hospitals. This is a clear example of how volunteer work benefits a community by giving them the opportunity to improve their lives. Now that we have gotten to this point I am going to talk about the personal benefits of volunteering (Gestión: Operación Sonrisa Ecuador).
I am aware that for many of you obligatory community service is a requirement that all of us have to face before graduating from college. However, I think it is important to note that volunteering can give you personal and professional benefits that would make you an outstanding person. In the personal side, the benefits are plenty. However, most of them are very personal and affect your own mental happiness and satisfaction. A report done by the national community service, shows that volunteering leads to better health. Additionally, volunteer activities can strengthen the social ties that protect individuals form isolation during difficult times. The experience of helping others leads to improved self-esteem and moral. Furthermore, this study presents outstanding statistics about the relationship of volunteer workers and better health conditions. “According to the study, people volunteering 40 hours a year were 40% more likely than non-volunteers to live longer. A two-year control study ending in 2004 showed that 44% of those who volunteered felt healthier, as compared to non-volunteers, whom 36% felt less healthy” (Benefits of Volunteering).As we can see, the old saying that announces that the person who gives receives becomes true in this situation.
Volunteer work is a win-win situation through which you can obtain professional benefits and at the same time give back to the community and yourself. One of the main benefits that you can obtain for yourself is an increase in visibility for you and your business. The opportunities to meet powerful people and to create a network while doing volunteer work are immense and could boost your business career. While doing volunteer work you have to possibility of improving many business skills like creating contracts, running ad campaigns and managing groups of people.
As previously mentioned the benefits are not only for your professional life, but also for your community and yourself. A community of volunteers is one where everybody strives to make a difference and go beyond what is required. In a community of volunteers everybody works to preserve the wellbeing of his neighbours.
In my attempt to change your perspective on volunteer work we have seen how this could benefit you on both a personal and a professional level. Beyond the benefits and the rewards that such work can give to you, reach into your hearts and think in how you could help your community become a better place. Think of the poor boy that attempted to wash your windshield on the way to the university, think of the street vendors who withstand the cold weather in order to provide to their families. Think of the elderly who endure long nights in parks and shelters with nobody to care for them. Now imagine how a very small effort from you could lighten up their existence and mark their lives. Don’t wait for someone to tell you to volunteer, change is in your own hands, the choice is yours! Like writer and racial activist Kristin Hunter once said: “First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet. But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.” (Kristin Hunter, O Magazine, November 2003)
Bibliography:
"Benefits of Volunteering." National Community Service. 24 Nov 2008
"Gestión." Fundacion Sonrisa Ecuador. 24 Nov 2008
"Someday our hope will light up the world.." Operation Smile. 24 Nov 2008
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