July 2016

When was the last time?

Have you filled the role of volunteer recently? Like charitable giving, volunteering seems to be one of those things we’d like to do, or even resolve to do, but life gets in the way. With all the pressures of daily life, spending time helping others can seem like a luxury that few get to enjoy. Pitching in to make a difference, though, can be low-commitment and high-reward. Dedicating a morning or afternoon to a cause you care about can super-charge other areas of your life.

Make new memories.

Unlike the compulsory (often boring) participation we all remember from childhood, adult volunteerism can be meaningful, socially and physically beneficial, and even fun. By definition, volunteering doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. It just has to be voluntary, done for the common good, and not undertaken primarily for financial reward.

Make a difference.

Volunteering is an opportunity for each of us to play a role in building a better neighborhood, city, or planet. It advances the ideas you care about, and it reflects the issues that are important to you. It’s also a great way to connect with like-minded (or open-minded) members of the community. Volunteers stay connected to their community; build their resumes with real-life experience; expand their social networks; and give back to their communities in a meaningful way.

Rochester Volunteer Opportunities

Thanks to this list from the City of Rochester, it’s easy to keep up with a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Volunteer Match lets you search opportunities close to home based on cause areas and participant groups. RIT maintains a comprehensive list of places to volunteer in the Rochester area, and the Community Wishbook details opportunities to give time or items, along with the organizations that need them. It’s easy to find ways to pitch in locally, and the benefits are sure to exceed the effort donated.