Have you ever heard of a ‘helpers high’ or catching the ‘feel-goods’? Statistics show that by volunteering our time or giving back in some way, we feed our own positive mood. Helping others is also related to physical health and a positive contributor to mental health.
Volunteers are the backbone of our society however throughout the pandemic, formal volunteer participation rates have dropped as much as 30%. Meanwhile, informal volunteering is increasing with search engines recording spikes in people looking for ways to volunteer in their communities.
ABC Gives works closely with Volunteering Australia and their member organisations to encourage Aussies to get creative and come together to help each other out. Let’s all catch the ‘feel goods’ and help support this vital sector!
Formal and informal volunteering - what's the difference?
According to Volunteering Australia, volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain. This definition of volunteering covers a wide range of activities, including formal volunteering that takes place within organisations and informal volunteering which takes place outside an organisational setting.
Formal volunteering can include work undertaken with arts, sports, school, faith-based, aged care, social support, environmental, health care, or emergency services organisations. It generally requires higher levels of preparation and time committed than informal volunteering and can offer volunteers a coordinated program including protections such as volunteer insurance, screening, training, management, and equipment.
Informal volunteering can be undertaken anytime and anywhere, including in your community or neighbourhood.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
There is a great deal of satisfaction that comes from helping people in our local communities and making a difference to the lives of others. Volunteering offers plenty of benefits:
Support a cause you are passionate about
Meet new people and make new friends
Make a difference to the lives of others
Help improve the environment
Feel valued and part of a team
Spend quality time away from work or your busy lifestyle
Build your confidence and self-esteem
Develop new skills, knowledge and experience
Use volunteering to explore a potential new career
Improve your employment prospects
Help a community organisation reach its full potential