Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is a big commitment that can also be incredibly rewarding. Below are some tips to help you find the service opportunity right for you.

In addition, University of Minnesota staff and faculty who participate in the Wellbeing Program can earn up to one-hundred and fifty Wellbeing Points through volunteering. To earn points for volunteering, visit the University's Wellbeing Program website and, once logged into Virgin Pulse, select "Wellbeing My Way." Staff and faculty can earn twenty-five Wellbeing Points—up to 6 times—for volunteer activities. 

The Value of Volunteering

Volunteering is not just an altruistic act. It's an opportunity to advance in all areas of your life. Here are a few of the things you can gain when you give your time and yourself:

  • Connect with your community and create positive change
  • Conserve funds for charities, nonprofits, and faith-based and other community organizations by contributing your time
  • Share your skills and gain new ones
  • Develop self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Meet new people from all walks of life
  • Enhance your resume and make important networking contacts
  • Promote a worthwhile activity
  • Feel needed and valued
  • Experience something new
  • Serve your country

Some questions to ask yourself before you sign up to serve: 

DO YOU HAVE A PASSION?

  • Do you love sports or outdoor pursuits, or would you rather be involved in issues pertaining to local or national heritage?
  • Do you care deeply about environmental and conservation issues and want to focus your efforts in that area?
  • Are you interested in working in a healthcare or mental health setting?
  • Do you prefer working with children, young people, or older adults?

HOW MUCH TIME CAN YOU GIVE?

  • Can you serve during the week, or does your schedule limit the amount of time you can commit?

WHAT DO YOU BRING, OR WANT TO ACQUIRE?

  • What skills do you bring? For example, are your skills and interests more administrative and managerial? Would you want to help run an organization?
  • Are you willing to go through a training program?
  • Is service a way for you to get practical training and experience to help you get a job, or to get certification or credentials for a current job or educational pursuit?
  • What do you hope to gain from the experience?  Do you want to build skills, help people, work on a team, make friends?

WHERE AND HOW DO YOU WANT TO SERVE?

  • Would you like to work with someone on a one-on-one basis, such as mentoring a teen or helping an adult learn to read?
  • Do you prefer working in a group—as part of a team—such as helping to renovate a community center or preparing and serving food at a homeless shelter?
  • Are you comfortable responding to situations as they arise, or do you need to know what to expect when you come in?
  • What support, such as transportation or child care, would you need?
  • Would you like to work independently on issues such as creating community assets or developing local agencies’ abilities to serve their communities better?

BENEFITS OF SERVICE

  • Do you want to acquire qualities of leadership and gain a sense of satisfaction from taking on responsibilities that directly affect peoples' lives?
  • Do you want to learn new skills that can help you prepare for a job?
  • Do you want to help your community, help yourself, and make a difference in the lives of someone in need?