AEIOU Foundation is supported by an incredible army of volunteers. With National Volunteer Week looming on 9-15 May 2016, we take this opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful contribution of our volunteers.
These volunteers give generously and honourably of their time, energy and passion to boost the work of AEIOU, and for this we are eternally grateful. Our volunteers are an indispensable part of our organisation, making us the well-oiled machine that we are, bringing bucket loads of enthusiasm and key skills to assist us in creating brighter futures for children with autism.
Our volunteers comprise of philanthropic parents, corporates and individuals, who not only help in a wide range of disciplines to maximise funds, but also contribute to creating greater awareness about both autism and AEIOU in the community; an invaluable feat.
In addition to the plethora of benefits volunteers bring to not-for-profits and the positive impact they make on the community, there are a multitude of benefits that can be attained by the volunteer too, including:
Make new friends and contacts
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests. It is also an opportunity to increase your social and relationship skills, which is great for people who are shy or find it difficult to meet new people.
Improve your mind
Volunteering increases self-confidence, self-esteem, life satisfaction as well as giving a sense of purpose, pride, identity and accomplishment. Helping others can bring a new meaning to your life and help you feel better about yourself. As volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others, it can help protect you against stress, depression and social isolation.
Research has also proven that helping others ignites happiness; the more people volunteer, the happier they are!
Boost your career options
You may have selfless reasons for volunteering, but giving your time has career-enhancing power too. It is a valuable addition to your resume and shows an employer you are willing to try new experiences and demonstrate the motivation and initiative to make things happen. It also gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork. Research reveals that 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without.
Also, volunteering is a perfect way to explore new areas if you are thinking of a career change. It is an ideal way to expand your work experience and gain a real insight into your chosen domain.
Have fun!
Volunteering is a great way to explore your interests or help you discover a new hobby. It can be a great escape from day-to-day commitments and routines and allows you to revitalise your creativity, motivation and outlook, that can carry over into your personal and professional life. Volunteering is an enriching experience, offering the opportunity to do things you wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to do, whether on your doorstep or overseas, and engage with people from all walks of life that you wouldn’t otherwise have the pleasure of meeting.
When it comes to volunteering, passion, compassion and a positive attitude are the only prerequisites. In an era of infinite volunteer opportunities, why not pledge to volunteer this National Volunteer Week and reap the benefits of this two-way street.
About the author: Rebecca McDowell is AEIOU Foundation's Fundraising & Volunteer Coordinator, joining the team in 2015. She has spent time volunteering in Zimbabwe with HIV patients, orphanages and a special needs class, which she said was a very humbling experience.
Tags: AEIOU Foundation, Children, Volunteering
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