The True Value Of Volunteers

The demand for volunteer work increases as the world becomes more connected.

Many nonprofit organizations rely on volunteers to accomplish their vital work. Some smaller organizations might even depend solely on volunteers for their first few years of operation. As such, volunteers are so critical to nonprofit organizations that they would not be able to do their work without the power of volunteer work.

How crucial are volunteers to nonprofit organizations? Studies have calculated the monetary value of volunteer hours at $28.54 per hour in 2021. While the actual amount varies from state to state, it’s clear that volunteers provide an enormous service to nonprofit organizations.

While you won’t receive a paycheck for your community service, volunteering also provides countless other personal benefits you may not have considered, including social, emotional, and physical benefits and we’ll get into those.

Benefits of Volunteering

Although people are always welcome to volunteer for longer periods of time, Gears in Heaven also recognizes that not everyone has that ability. There are still ways to help out and make a difference, even if it’s just for a short while or from the comfort of your home. Not sure where to start? Check out some benefits volunteering can bring you below.

Build Strong Communities

Not only does volunteering with Gears in Heaven gives you the opportunity to help those in your community, but you also get to connect with other like-minded individuals. And remember, even pitching in for something small can have a large and lasting impact on someone’s life. Just think–by helping out with tasks that one family member may not be able to do alone (or maybe they’re just feeling overwhelmed), such as decluttering a home or going through belongings, you could completely brighten up their day!

Volunteering can also help build strong communities by bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together. When citizens volunteer, it shows that they care about their community and are invested in making it a better place for everyone. This sense of community pride can be contagious, inspiring others to volunteer and get involved as well!

Increases Socialization

 

Loneliness and isolation are two serious epidemics affecting mankind today that may result in a variety of health problems. Although loneliness can affect anybody, people over the age of 65 have a greater chance of being lonely and socially isolated because they are more likely to face issues such as living alone and the loss of family or friends. Volunteering helps people get together and strengthen ties between acquaintances, family, and coworkers.

In addition, volunteering gives people the chance to meet new friends with similar interests. When working on a volunteer project together, it’s easy to find things in common and develop bonds that last beyond the volunteer experience. These social activities can help reduce stress levels, improve mental health, and increase overall happiness.

Improves Self-Esteem

 

 

Volunteering might be life-changing in a variety of ways, especially for people who have low self-esteem or are mourning. By assisting others and the community, you may boost your confidence by providing a sense of accomplishment. Volunteering can also offer you a feeling of pride and belonging.

In addition to the emotional benefits, volunteer work can also lead to new opportunities and career paths. Many companies encourage their employees to volunteer as a way of networking and building new relationships. Volunteer experience can also help build important skills that are transferable to the workplace. For example, if you’re interested in project management, you might volunteer to help organize a charity event. This would give you the opportunity to work on your project management skills while also giving back to the community.

Reduces Risk of Dementia

Millions of people across the world are concerned about Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. However, studies have shown that volunteer work can lower your risk of developing dementia. Social service has been found to increase cerebral elasticity in further research. As volunteers get older, thus, volunteering may aid in the maintenance of brain connections that frequently deteriorate in persons with dementia.

Volunteers also frequently report that they feel a greater sense of purpose in their lives. A sense of purpose has been linked with increased life satisfaction and happiness, as well as better physical health. In one study, individuals who reported having a sense of volunteerism had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who did not volunteer.

Improves Physical Health and Longevity

If you’re looking for a way to boost your health, volunteering may be the answer. Studies have shown that volunteers are generally healthier than those who don’t volunteer, with a lower mortality rate. One study even found that people who volunteer over 100 hours per year are some of the healthiest people in the United States! Volunteering can also help minimize chronic pain symptoms and reduce the risk of heart disease. So why not give it a try?

Provides a Sense of Purpose and Direction

Volunteering may provide young people and older adults, especially those who have retired or lost a spouse, with a new purpose in their lives. Volunteering can help you relax, keep your mind active, and add zest to your life, regardless of your age or circumstance. We have volunteers as young as 12 years old! And, research has shown that people who volunteer regularly are more likely to live longer than those who don’t volunteer.

In addition to the personal benefits of volunteering, there are also societal benefits. Volunteers often report feeling like they have made a difference in their community, and this sense of accomplishment can be contagious. As more and more people feel empowered to make a difference, society as a whole can become more altruistic. In turn, this can lead to positive social change on a larger scale.

Increases Happiness

According to contemporary social neuroscience research, when people give to charity, the mesolimbic system, which is responsible for emotions of pleasure, is activated. As a consequence, the brain releases feel-good neurotransmitters, encouraging you to perform additional good deeds—what psychologists call “helper’s high.”

So, the next time you are considering volunteer work, remember that the benefits extend far beyond the initial good deed. You may just find that volunteering makes you a happier, healthier person!

Helps Counteract the Effects of Stress, Anger, Anxiety, and Depression

There are few things that relieve stress better than speaking with and connecting to another person. The social contact involved in working together can have a profound effect on your psychological well-being, as well as increasing the size of your support system- both of which serve as protection from anxiety and depression. When you volunteer, you often work side-by-side with other people who share your commitment to a particular cause. These relationships can provide valuable social support that helps buffer the effects of stress and adversity.

In one study, people who volunteered for four or more organizations were significantly less likely to have died over a five-year period than those who didn’t volunteer at all. The study authors believe that the social support and sense of purpose provided by volunteering may help to offset the effects of stress, anger, anxiety, and depression.

Increases Self Confidence

Helping others and making a difference in your community can give you a sense of accomplishment. Volunteering can also provide you with a source of pride and self-identity. When you have a positive view of yourself, it is easier to see the good in your life and be optimistic about your future goals.

A recent study found that volunteer work is associated with increased self-esteem and feelings of control over one’s life. The study authors believe that volunteering may help to increase self-confidence by providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. So, if you are looking for a way to boost your self-esteem, volunteer work may be a good place to start.

Advances Your Career

Volunteering provides opportunities to build and practice valuable job skills used in the workplace—teamwork, communication, problem-solving, project planning, task management, and organization. Whether you’re considering a new career or simply interested in upgrading your skills, volunteering can include useful training.

Volunteer work is also a great way to experiment with a new profession without making any sort of long-term commitment. For example, if you think you might want to go into nursing, working as a volunteer at hospitals or nursing homes can expose you firsthand to that environment.

Improves School and College Experiences

If you’re still in school, volunteering is a great way to develop social skills and awareness. It can also boost college applications and job resumes. Volunteering can also help improve your application status for college! In one study, high school students who volunteered were more likely to get into their first-choice colleges than those who didn’t volunteer.

In addition, volunteering can enhance your college experience by helping you make new friends, learn new skills, and discover hidden talents. It is also a great way to get involved in your community and make a difference.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others. But it’s also important to remember that volunteer work can have many personal benefits as well. So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, boost your self-confidence, or advance your career, volunteer work may be a good place to start.

Becoming a Gears in Heaven Volunteer

Volunteering your skills, time, and resources is one of the most potent ways to make a difference, help others, and, as it turns out, enhance your life! There are multiple benefits of volunteering. If you have doubts about whether volunteering is right for you, you might be surprised by how much you’ll gain by becoming a volunteer.

Ways To Make a Difference

If you’re looking for ways to make a difference today, here are some easy ways you can start with Gears In Heaven!

Sympathy Card Writer

At Sympathy Card Writers, we send handwritten cards to families who have recently lost a loved one due to a motorsport accident to express our sympathy and support. By joining our team, you’ll be able to provide comfort and support to those who need it most. Sign up today and make a difference in someone’s life!

Join Us at An Event

We love attending car and motorcycle shows as they’re always so much fun. Although people go to these events primarily to show off their rides, we often have people approach us with stories of loved ones that they’ve lost. Sometimes all they need is an ear. You don’t need a degree to be a good listener. Hand out brochures at our next event and make a new friend or two!

Show Your Support

We go to vigils all over, wearing our Gears in Heaven T-shirts as a means of support, and distributing remembrance candles. Attend one with us and be a pillar by assisting others and giving them candles. Or you may lend a hand at funeral services to express your condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones.

Memorial Trees

Memorial trees are a great way to remember a loved one that was lost due to an accident. By volunteering with us for a memorial tree request, you can help us plant trees in their memory. All you have to do is bring a shovel and help us leave an everlasting token in remembrance of their loved one.

These are just a few examples of ways to volunteer with Gears in Heaven. Come help us make a difference in the community and in the lives we touch!

Core Values Of a Gears in Heaven Volunteer

Becoming a part of our nonprofit organization is such a beautiful way to give back and truly help others. We work with people trying to heal and be comforted. They put their trust in us and we put our trust in you.

Here are the core values and promises to our recipients.

Respect and Trust

We believe in inherent positive intent, individual dignity, and the power of teamwork accomplished through the genuine appreciation of the diversity of thought.

Integrity

We hold ourselves personally and collectively accountable to do right with transparency, candor, and adherence to ethical principles.

Ministry of Service

We are inspired to meet the diverse emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of people with compassion, grace, and an open heart.

Creativity and Innovation

We embrace a forward-thinking culture responsive to individual creativity, appropriate risk-taking, and effective decision-making to initiate meaningful changes in our communities.

If all this sounds like you, please reach out to us today! We’d love to have you on board as one of our newest volunteers! Gears in Heaven is always looking for more people to help us achieve our goals and make a difference in the world.

Volunteer Today

Find out how you can reap the benefits while helping as a Gears in Heaven volunteer now by signing up on our website here! We would be happy to answer any questions you have about volunteering with us. Thank you for your interest in supporting our mission!