Volunteers around the world contribute billions of dollars worth of work and millions of man hours every year. From international IGO’s like UNICEF down to grassroots organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa, there are dedicated volunteers giving up their free time for a cause they believe in. Most organisations simply would not be able to survive without the continued support of volunteers. Every year, people are made happier and safer by the hard work of volunteers.
The value of volunteers to NGOs in indisputable. They enable organisations to increase their capacity and achieve more than they would otherwise. Volunteers work in every area from fundraising and legal affairs to field work and administration. Their wealth of skills allow NGOs to direct as much resources as possible towards their beneficiary communities, helping them to create a better world.
Many people, quite incorrectly, see volunteering as something that people do either when they are younger or when they have retired. Certainly these two groups make up a large chunk of volunteers and their schedules enable them to volunteer where people in full time jobs may not be able to.
However, this group of skilled and experienced people are the ones we need to persuade to continue volunteering throughout their lives. People with experience in the workplace often have qualities that can be applied to NGOs that can help them out significantly. Most charities are run like a business and they need appropriate business skills to be successful. Some of these skills can br brought in but these costs detract from money that could be used to support their core mission. When people volunteer their time, NGOs save money and are better able to support their cause.
Imagine a world where every person volunteered for just a few hours a week? Where every one of us dedicated just a small proportion of our time to supporting people in need. How many lives could we change? How much better could we make the world for every single one of us?
This is an appeal to every human being out there. We all know that there are people with less opportunities than us. We know that there are organisations working to create a better world who we could support. And we all have something that we can contribute. Volunteer for life and help create a better world today.
To help inspire you to volunteer we’ve created a list of the top ten reasons why you should volunteer now and in the future!
1. Make a difference: Charitable causes the world over always need more support to achieve their goals. You can be that difference that helps to change lives for the better. When it comes to NGOs every small action really does contribute to something bigger. What better reason is there than to help change the world for the better?
2. Enjoy yourself: Volunteering can be an amazing experience full of laughter, new experiences and new friends. You will get to see and do things that you may not have the chance to otherwise. Volunteer and you’ll create memories that will last you a lifetime.
3. Improve you health: Yes, really! Recent research has shown that volunteering makes a measurable positive difference on individuals overall happiness and mental well being. Forget about the gym, take care of others and yourself at the same time by volunteering!
4. Develop new skills: Volunteering often pushes people to develop new skills and new ways of thinking. Just being in a different environment where people work differently can help you to develop life long skills that help you in every part of your life.
5. Give your career a boost: Volunteering is one of the most respected ways of gaining experience according to employers. If you want to get ahead try volunteering for an organisation that works in a similar field to where you want to work and try to absorb as much as you can. It will not only look great on your CV, it will give you an edge when going for your dream job.
6. Be inspired: Most charitable organisations are full of interesting people with stories to tell, but often the beneficiaries your NGO supports are even better! Whether you are being regaled with stories from the past by an elderly couple or a young child is showing you all the different ways to look at the world, often you can’t help but be inspired!
7. Give something back: Many of us live extremely fortunate lives. We have a roof over our head, family, friends and rarely go to sleep hungry. The world isn’t like that for everyone. In fact, there is unimaginable suffering taking place in almost every country in the world. A lot of us leave privileged lives and if we have the opportunity to give something back to the world then we really should.
8. Be part of something big: A lot of us will only be able to donate a relatively small amount of time each week, but it is important to see the bigger picture you are contributing to. Powerful work is made up of thousands of actions from any number of people who come together to build something better. Contribute to something amazing and help create a better world for everyone.
9. Change lives: Many volunteering roles offer you the chance to contribute to people’s lives directly. Whether you are helping out in an old peoples home or at a centre for disabled people, many NGOs will give you the opportunity to make personal connections. Sometimes all it takes is a smile and a pleasant conversation to brighten up someones day. Volunteering gives you the chance to make a unique contribution to peoples lives, don’t miss out!
10. Use your skills: Often referred to as pro bono support, this type of volunteering involves donating your professional skills to a charitable organisation. Whether you are an accountant, lawyer, nurse, teacher, manager, mechanic or almost any other profession, you can find an organisation that is badly in need of your professional skills. Help organisations you believe in to save their money on professional fees and support them to help more people in more ways than before.
Do you volunteer? What are you experiences? Should people volunteer throughout their lives? Let us know in the comments.
Related:
- Fundraising Essentials: Recruiting Volunteers to Raise Funds
- How to Motivate Volunteers in your NGO: A Free Guide
- Bring out the best from your Interns and Volunteers
i would like to be an international volunteer currently a university student living in kampala uganda
Hello Moru,
We appreciate your interest. Please find organizations seeking volunteers or apply to organizations to become volunteer.
Thank you!
Actions speaks louder then words !
Give me a shout when you have an Opportunity.
I am a Pharmacist by Qualification but can hold multitasks to manage.
Volunteering is very good but volunteers should be dressed and always dress well not in very short shorts like as if they are putting on knickers.
Especially in new environments of Africa where there are kids and the elderly.
THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE YOURSELF IS TO HELP SOMEONE ELSE.
I have been a volunteer for three years now and I am enjoying it. I struggle to survive but that doesn”t stop me from volunteering for the good of those who need my services.
Thank s
within the pass five years after my university education i chose to volunteer with an ART site (care and treatment ) center at a local General Hospital were there were over 20,000 client receiving treatment and care support, after 3 years i got a job at a civil society, CBO were i work with HIV/AIDS victim and PLAWH/PABA and OVC/VC, within these five years i have grown to know that their is no great love or enjoy than given a helping hand< till date i still volunteer and will keep doing it cause making the world a better place begins with you .
I am a full time worker ,but indeed fond of spirit of voluntarism, I heard from my Japanese teacher about commitment of voluntarism in Japaneses society ,where every person is committed on average 1.5 hour daily doing voluntarily activity , that advice impacted me a lot and I do voluntarily activities for some full days, when I get leave from duty.
I met my husband through volunteering. I did it for long periods abroad and weekly at home. You get to know the place from a very deep perspective. However, we should not forget that however much we give of our ime and energy – we will always be the ones to gain the most.
With over 12 year of working experience in Bangladesh rural development section especially on socio economic development for rural community and empower women through entrepreneurship development, build community level of institution, micro finance management of CBOs/SHGs in rural level; I would like to share my wisdom, expertise and experience as well as keep learning from different angle in the globe.
Therefore, I will accept the opportunity working as a volunteer anywhere in the world. .
I would like to work as a volunteer at one of the UN programs I have a good experience in micro finance ,advocacy and networking
My future vision is to serve and help poor communities reap the fruits of development and improve their lifestyle. I have been pursuing my dream by working in various capacities in the development sector. Spanning over more than a decade, my struggle has bestowed upon me a sense of fulfilment and my journey towards the cherished dream of empowering the poor and vulnerable communities is continuing with without any hiatus.
I have also plans to set up and lead a civil society organization, which will be completely dedicated to the service of the poor and vulnerable segments of the society. The poor people of Pakistan need huge help and I am very confident that I can perform in better way if I avail of this opportunity. This program will provide me a unique opportunity to improve my professional career as well as personal life.
Hailing from a humble background, I am used to tough living and working conditions and have closely observed and experienced the problems of the poor communities. If selected for this program, I can stand to gain tremendously as an individual and as a potential leader.
Respected Followers,
Since 2009, I am leading a small child led initiative developed by me namely ‘SUROVI’ commonly known as “SUROVI Shishu Panchayat” located at Guwahati Assam, India truly on child rights, child participation and understanding of grass root democracy with no external funding or financial supports till date. Earlier days it was running well as per my capabilities and financial flexibilities to some extend. As the days coming forward my hands are being to short so to run and do as per need of the initiative and especially as per the needs and demands of the children involved with it due to my financial constraints. In this regards I strongly need yours supports advice and assistance to carry forward my venture.
sincerely,
rihan ali
WIFEDEV, Inc. is a SEC registered NGO in Mindanao, Philippines working towards initiatives of women for climate change mitigation and adaptation to be able to pursue enterprise development. We are working at the farmer household and farm based-ecosystem.
We need volunteer to help us find funding for our project. Please find us one.
Thanks for this opportunity you give to sectors in need.
REGARDS AND MORE Power to development and volunteer work!
I need support to run my project. How can you help me?
Hello Debasish,
Please keep your eyes in funding opportunities and apply for the relevant one. There are many government funding schemes in India. You must keep yourself updated and you will definitely find one or more grant projects that match your organization’s and project’s criteria. Good Luck!
I have an NGO that is currently looking out for Online Volunteers to help us raise funds online. How could you disseminate this information to your subscribers as you have been doing for other NGOs?
I could not find out the details on applying for volunteering. Is it possible to inform me this particular important factor?
Hello Rohan,
It is up to you to find the organization where you would like to volunteer and submit relevant documents along with an application.
Wish you good luck!
Any volunteer who can help us in resources mobilization is highly welcome to our organization in Tanzania. He can work for us from any where s/he is but living with us in Kigoma will be a great thing for us
I am a development worker in the Philippines..I have also volunteered in the past for responsible voting during two elections. At present I am volunteering for my own project for my beloved hometown as a way of giving back for all the happy moments and blessings I have received in life. I have set up a book project intended to provide children’s books for early learners and elementary kids. Although I want to volunteer also to other organizations in my country and outside, I feel that my hometown too has great need for assistance..
We are christian in holistic devt and registered with NGO board in Uganda.
We are interested in sponsors and volunteer who are willing to help us growth this newly
registered NGO working in North Eastern Uganda.
Hi FundsforNGOs,
Thanks for the great work, helping us help people in need around the world. I keenly follow each newsletter you send me hoping to one day get an organization willing to fund our activities.
Our CBO is currently looking out for Online Volunteers to help us raise funds online. How could you disseminate this information to your subscribers as you have been doing for other NGOs? I mean, including this information on your website, newsletters and facebook page.
Thanks.
Hello,
Ibrahim
You can post this opportunity in our jobs website i.e http://www.jobsinngos.com/, after review the job opportunities we will publish job.
Thanks!!
I am retiring next month from 39 years working experience as an Administrative Assistant. I would like to volunteer with an organisation based in Mbale Uganda. Please advice me of one.
Thanks
Hello everyone,
I am Charles from Benin Republic and I am a lifetime volunteer. In fact volunteerism is the reason for my coming to life. Since I lots my parents while still a teenager, and having being brought up by people with none affiliation with my family, I understand that I have to give back to the community in so far as I succeeded.
Here at home, I host the Global Youth Service Day and the Global Entrepreneurship. These worldwide events occupy nearly 80% of my daily time and I coordinate both as a volunteer. I don’t get paid for that because I need to inspire millions of people to succeed, and discover opportunities, be them rich or poor.
I would like to call on every single person to contribute to making the world a safe and better place.
Thanks
Dear,
I am Hilary Asiah from Ghana. I work as Health Coordinator for the Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organisation (ADDRO) an FBO/NGO. We provide health education and interventions on HIV&AIDS, STIs, TB, Malaria and Hepatitis to people in very deprived rural communities in Northern Ghana. Please we need volunteers skilled in fund raising to to help us secure funding. We also have community-based foot volunteers (community members) who are not have basic skills in our areas of operation but are willing to serve. Any capacity building support is needed by volunteers.
Many thanks and I hope for favourable response.
I am from Palestine and I am 30 years old and I have been volunteering for almost 12 years now. doing something for your people means a lot and it helps you to create a large social web. I just want to add that voluntary work gives hope for the one who volunteer and the one you are volunteering for. Unfortunately in our community volunteering isn’t a priority anymore and I hope that associations would create new volunteering program in my homeland because we are in a big need to bring back the spirit of volunteering.
yours
khader
I am a Nigerian living in Nigeria, i wa nt to be a volunteer as i know that it is worth doing. Please link me with any NGO, that or want to have affiliation in Nigeria. Am ready to volunteer in any area of human endeavour. Please, as many NGO or agencies you can get. Thanks as am waiting for your reply!
Hi,
Akala Adeyinka
For this you have to visit our website on daily basis i.e http://fundsforngos1.wpengine.com/ or you can register to our newsletter http://newsletters.fundsforngos.org/ for daily updates.
Thanks!!
I am Ashok Ray from India and serving people through the local ngo from 2000 to today. currently i am serving as a coordinator for peace building and environment program in India Orissa without any payment.
please help me to work or serve in aboard among the different people for there providing.
Please keep your eyes on different kinds of opportunities for NGOs around the world to find a suitable opportunity you are seeking for. Good Luck!
Mary ;
says i would like to have a vollunteer who would be able to riase some funding for our organisation in cape town south africa , baecouse we realy need a person who would be able to vollunteer to riase funds without asking for payment .
Best Regards .
Village Care Centre
we welcome volunteers in our organisation, volunteers has help and will continue to help NGO will like to if you will like to volunteer please indicate your interest.
I have interest in your NGO, though i don’t know the details. Am a matured man from South West Nigeria, i can volunteer in any aspects of human endeavors.
Volunteering is a sacrifice one do to serve humanity. There are such an inner peace one would never experience in this world unless you offer your services free from monetary compensation. That is the way to go to the top!
As volunteer you have the access in every development sector. You can flourished your life style . I an agree with your comments, It is the way to go to the top. Like Aam Aadmi Party in India. You start with a small role and that will change your life !
I started volunteering 12 years ago for the Ayuda Foundation under one of its programs, Island Girl Power. At the time I was only a parent volunteer. Their mission is to empower girls by educating them about sexual assault, suicide, substance abuse and teen pregnancy, encourage girls by building their skill, providing positive role models and inspire cultural pride and environmental stewardship in our community.
Through many years of training and experience with my NGO I am now the Program Director and volunteer in other capacities. I love what I do and I recommend it to others… Our world is not perfect, but people are making it better, one NGO at a time… if you are in our area please come and volunteer.
I am from Johannesburg in South Africa, am interested in volunteering. Just would like to know where to start and what are the requirements.
I believe on volunteerism and started working as a volunteer since my childhood although i am a professional and working with organization named Institute of Rural Management despite that i work as a volunteer with different organizations at national and international level.
Feeling pleasure to share with you that now i have started a program known as International Youth Volunteer Programme (IYVP)
Regards,
Israr Hussain Tunio
Institute of Rural Management (IRM)
Islamabad, Pakistan
Last time, I was volunteer for an NGO orgnization. I learned many things from this. Now I ‘m a project staff for NGO, work in field develop project, suport for poor people. I’m happy about this. I want make volunteer many country all over the world If have opportunity.
Hi,am a Kenyan youth passionate about helping the communities in Kenya,whole of Africa by extension to empower them socially,economically and politically.Ihave been volunteering from 2009 to date with USAID Yes Youth Can programe through World Vision and this saw me rise to be elected County Vice President of the the youth organisation.A position Ihold to date and beside am a volunteer Resource Mobilizer with an NGO,Omni One International dealing with corporate,private and public[communities] by helping them develop through various innitiatives.Volunteering in these fields is total commitment because you give your time,experience,energy and sacrifice your family,and other needs to help organisations help the communities.Volunteers are really God sent.We can change this world if we all had this spirit.My wish and request to serve as a volunteer with a like-minded organisation who really appreciates and motivates volunteerism for longer,sustainable and lasting service.Indeed the world needs us.
I am a graduate with a bachelor of arts degree in community deveopment, i live in kenya n i would like to make a difference by volunteering .
I have worked as a volunteer in Kenya with several projects in the community, i am currently a Director of a small NGO that benefits a lot from volunteers input part of my job is coordination of volunteers. The organization invites volunteers and professionals who bring skills, dedication , experience and resources that aim to further objectives of community intervention projects in return in the organization we all are pleased to join other initiatives in different parts of the world and offer voluntary support or simply to learn and exchange ideas in the community work..We will be pleased to receive and also give volunteers to work in other places
I am a full-time volunteer for Niketan. A foundation which support intellectual and complex disabled people in Bangladesh. It is a great adventure and I don’t want to miss it. It is true that it is good for your health, I am never ill. It is wonderful to make a difference in the life of disadvantage children and their parents. But I did not only play a role in changing lifes in Bangladesh, I changed my life, attitude and character too. I developed a lot of skills. The only thing I do not like is that you always have to defend yourself why you are a fulltime volunteer. Raising fund to continue your program abroad becomes more difficult, that makes it difficult for NGO’s to continue the fantastic work what they are doing. There should be a fund for volunteers to help them volunteering for a better world.
i am Simon Mobegi from Kenya and have been volunteering as Counsellor in my Local Hospital. Besides i’m a volunteer in my Community where we have a CBO by the Name ‘Ten Bob Project Youth CBO’ whereby we save 10 shillings per day to assist the community in all areas.
kindly want to be exposed to many volunteers anywhere in the world. link me please
Yes, I have volunteered before, but it has been so many years ago. I was sent to Kumasi to education both old and young how to live a healthy life. It was done under Home Health Education Service with support from WHO. It was a big time experience for me. Interacting with people who couldn’t speak English, and I couldn’t speak the local dialect (Twi), it was a great experience for me, a real eyes opening to a different world. I did enjoy it, I hope one day you guys can help me do another volunteer service. I love to volunteer, no matter the location or distance, I just love to make a little impact on somebody.
Thank you all for your good works.
Hillary M Sackie
ACCA II/CPA II student,
Early Childhood instructor
I’ve worked as a volunteer for the past one year with Parent-Child Intervention Centre Enugu, Nigeria. As a Psychology graduate, I diligently helps in restoring the child to the parents and the parents to the child. the experience is worth it as I feel fulfilled when I see broken homes unite again. I encourage more people to volunteer and contribute to global development.
I want to volunteer. I live im kigali, Rwanda. How can do this and with which ngo?
dear sir/madam
i am fairoos from srilanka and serving people through the local ngo from 2000 to today,now i am serving as a coordinator for peace building and environment programe in pearls srilanka. without any payment.
please help me to work or serve in aboard among the different people for there providing.
please help me to visit for any where of the world.
thanks,
best regard,
fairoos,
pc,pearls org
srilanka