Back to the December Issue
Give and Receive Good Cheer
By Emily Glover
In early winter, over the holidays and perhaps a break from school, you may want to contribute to your community by volunteering. Julia Barnard, former co-director of alternative breaks (a volunteering program) at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, says, “Breaks from school give students time to learn in ways that aren’t possible during school time.”
The benefits of volunteering are numerous: providing assistance to people in need, supporting your community, and according to a 2010 survey by United Healthcare and VolunteerMatch, 95 percent of volunteers agreed that their emotional health improves, too. Ninety-six percent felt helping other people increases happiness, and 68 percent indicated that volunteering made them feel physically healthier. Do good for others, do good for you!
In a recent Student Health 101 survey, students said they volunteer through religious organizations, places of employment, community health centers, and more.
Many schools and non-profits offer programs that bring volunteers to locations around the country or even abroad for a few days or weeks. Barnard says her experiences have helped her develop cross-cultural relationships and learn about non-profit work.
You can also get a group of people together to spend time at a food pantry, shelter, or children’s organization, or travel to a place that has ongoing needs, like New Orleans or Haiti.
It’s easy to find opportunities that coincide with your interests, so it’s worth your while to find meaningful ways to offer your time and energy. Volunteering is a great to way to enhance and use your skills, will give you a lot to talk about, a résumé boost, and more appreciation for the world around you.
EMILY GLOVER is a recent journalism graduate from the University of Kansas. She writes Pursuit of Healthfulness, a wellness blog.
More Resources for Volunteering
There are many places to look for volunteer opportunities on campus. Here are some offices and organizations to contact at your school:- School alumni groups
- Honor societies
- Religious organizations
- Town or City Halls
- Local elementary, middle, and high schools
- Goodwill Industries International
- International initiatives, such as Amnesty International
Starting Your Own Initiative
Here are more tips for creating your own volunteer program:- Contact your school’s community service office and ask about volunteering opportunities. If you’re a member of a fraternity, sorority, or honor society, your group may have established programs as well.
- Many religious organizations offer service opportunities. Even if you’re not a member, your help will likely be welcomed. The holiday season is a particularly busy time.
- If you want a little adventure, consider contacting a non-profit organization in another community or country.
- Some organizations will provide housing, often with a local family or in a shared environment. This is a great way to soak up the language and culture of a place, and get to know new people. Don’t expect the Ritz, though.
Find Out More or Get Help
