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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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April 21, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
What is the Purpose of Volunteering?
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
National Volunteer Week is
April 19-25. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “What is success? To
laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the
affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and
endure the betrayal of false friend; To appreciate beauty; To find the
best in others; To leave the world a bit better… To know even one life
has breathed easier because you have lived; That is to have succeeded.”
Winston Churchill said “We make a living by what we get, we make a life
by what we give.” Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the
only thing that ever has.” In Andrew Carnegie's words “No man can ever
become rich without himself enriching others.” Erma Bombeck said
“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who
reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience and just
plain love for one another.” These are a few quotes from some famous
persons about volunteering.
The statements above will not be surprising to anyone who has ever
volunteered, as you know the benefits that are gained through helping
others. But for those of you who have never volunteered, there are
documented health benefits (through social science research) to you that
come from volunteering.
We don't usually think of volunteering as a way to help ourselves. Isn't
it the recipient of your time that is supposed to benefit? While it is
true that your help does benefit the recipient, social science research
has also demonstrated the personal health benefits gained from
volunteering.
Volunteering can increase your overall sense of well-being. It can
increase your level of happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and
sense of control over your life. It has also been shown to decrease
depression and improve sleep. Sometimes, life changes, such as a death,
a divorce or the empty-nest syndrome can leave us feeling empty, lonely
or depressed. Volunteering gets you away from those feelings for a while
and helps you to view your life in a broader context. (Have you ever
heard the saying, “I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes until
I met the man who had no feet?”) Volunteering can help you to become
more social and less isolated.
There have also been some studies done on volunteering and its effect on
chronic pain. Research has shown that volunteering can lessen or
alleviate chronic pain. How this works is not known, but some study
participants relate that volunteering gives them a sense of connection
to others and a purpose for themselves. Perhaps this connection and
purpose leaves less time to focus on self.
Volunteering can also help you gain entry to a new profession or field.
You might learn new skills or learn about a different profession. Some
career counselors recommend volunteering as a first step into workforce
re-entry. Many employers will hire a person with volunteer experience
over someone who has no volunteer experience.
No matter what your reason for volunteering, you will undoubtedly reap
great rewards from the experience. If you are interested in
volunteering, but don't know where to start, try contacting: churches,
your town 's human services department, senior centers, local civic
organizations, libraries, schools, hospitals or nursing homes. You could
also contact InfoLine, 211 or call the Volunteer Center of Greater New
Haven, 562-1854. People volunteering together become “people power” and
are sometimes the sole reason something gets accomplished!
Volunteering does not have to be through an organized group. You can
help a friend or a neighbor. You can visit an elderly shut-in. You can
help an overwhelmed mom in the grocery store. It may seem small to you,
but to the person you helped, to the person you showed that you cared,
it is huge.
Quinnipiack Valley Health District thanks our dedicated volunteers who
help every year with our flu immunization program. Couldn't do it
without you!
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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