Andrew Mina

Volunteering has shaped almost every season of my life.

It has introduced me to lifelong friends, taught me unexpected skills, opened doors I never imagined and, on more than one occasion, changed the direction of my life. Looking back, I struggle to think of another decision that has given me so much while asking so little in return.

Over the years I’ve volunteered in schools, churches, community organisations and charities. I’ve led children’s camps, hosted events, run live auctions, organised logistics, knocked on doors collecting donations, joined community working bees, participated in peaceful demonstrations and even helped pick up rubbish. Every opportunity taught me something different.

Volunteering hasn’t always been healthy for me. There have been seasons where I confused being helpful with being available. I said yes too often, neglected my own limits and occasionally served from obligation instead of joy. Learning healthy boundaries hasn’t made me volunteer less it actually has made my “yes” far more meaningful.

Okay, so there is a bit about me an my relationship with volunteering but here is why I think you should create a lifestyle that includes volunteering and before you read on here is the Cambridge definition I am working with a person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it.

Why volunteer?

Research consistently shows that volunteering benefits both individuals and communities. Volunteers often report greater wellbeing, stronger social connections and a deeper sense of purpose. Communities with active volunteers are generally more resilient, connected and trusting.

My own experience mirrors this. Every season of volunteering has given me far more than I expected.

For me, volunteering is also deeply connected to my Christian faith. Jesus modelled a life of service, and Scripture repeatedly encourages us to use our gifts for the benefit of others (1 Peter 4:10). Volunteering isn’t about earning favour with God; it’s a response to the grace we’ve already received.

The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.

Albert Schweitzer

How can you volunteer?

Physically

Volunteering physically can match your current professional role, but there is also nothing like doing physical. From kayaking collecting rubbish in waterways, to community gardening, to building something, taking the elderly on bike rides, and sitting with people in hospice care.

When you say yes to volunteer ensure you given a ‘job description’ with clear expectations about the role and responsibilities.

Digitally

There are some great options to digitally volunteer and this could look like

• advocate for a charity or cause across the social media platforms you use
• Give you time to projects on Zooniverse
• Become a UN Volunteer

Workplace volunteering

Regarding to workplaces it best to setup a policy to helps create a culture of volunteering. Remove the grey and give your team the clarity they need serve others. Here are some tips for success

• Skill-based volunteering – focus on getting your team to using their professional skills and thus it links with their work and this also means it would probably project-based which means the employees can also see the impact over a shorter period of time.
• Volunteering policy – Have this to remove the grey but it is not about the policy as a whole but how it support the workplace culture you want to develop.
• Measure and celebrate impact – By taking the time to record the volunteering of your team on platform and celebrate the impact and thus promote the culture of giving to the community.

Three workplace volunteering observations I have made:

1. Voluntold – this is my least favourite word – when someone senior to volunteers you without asking and you don’t really have an option to decline.
2. Scope-creep – is where you take on a task as that quietly becomes part of your role. Ensure you keep records of any scope-creep to discuss with your manager and at mention at salary review time.
3. Nudge Volunteer – This is my favourite one- when a trusted manager, mentor or colleague sees an opportunity and encourages you to consider it.

When should you volunteer?

Volunteering should add life and drain it. Before committing, consider:

• your health
• your finances
• your existing commitments
• your family
• your capacity

There are also times when I might seem counterintuitive but can actually be powerful times to volunteer and perhaps you have something you’d also suggest to add:

• Between jobs – Volunteering keeps your skills fresh, expands your network, and reminds you that your value isn’t defined by your employment status.
• Retirement – Time to dedicate to as you see fit
• When your kids younger – Volunteer at their school or care centre, or when they are at school.
• Sabbatical – Be especially clear how any why to ensure you get the most out of this special time away from work.

Where do you start?

So you want to give some of your time to volunteering? Here are five steps to get started:

1. Decide you want to contribute
2. Identify a charity or cause you genuinely care about
3. Understand what you can offer
4. Start small
5. Build a sustainable rhythm

When starting take time to think about what causes you’re passionate about and ask where your friends and family think you’d fit. There probably platforms that collate opportunities like here in Denmark (Volunteering DK, The Danish Institute for Voluntary Effort, and the one I use is Kulturens Frivillige.)

If you’re feeling skeptical about a charity or cause take some time to learn more and ask the questions that could be preventing you from volunteering.

Final thoughts

Looking back, I don’t remember every meeting I attended or every project I completed at work.

I do remember the camps.

I remember the conversations.

I remember serving meals.

I remember carrying boxes.

I remember laughing with strangers who became friends.

It has been one of the ways I’ve learned what kind of person I want to become.

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, perhaps this is your nudge.

Start small.

Show up consistently.

You might be surprised by how much changes, not only around you, but within you.