Many people often think of child abuse or neglect as only affecting those directly involved in the situation. However, the reality is that child abuse affects our entire community.
But we can each do our part to ensure that every child has a chance to live a life free of danger, abuse, fear, and neglect. By taking the time to volunteer and intern with community organizations, especially those that cater to the needs of children, you can make a real difference in the world and change the lives of those who need it most.
Volunteering is one of the most honorable, meaningful, and socially contributing activities you can do. At the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties, we greatly encourage — and appreciate — volunteering, and there’s plenty that volunteers gain back as well!
The Importance of Giving Back
Giving back to your community is an excellent way to broaden your understanding and appreciation of the world and people around you. Those who serve often come away from the experience with a new perspective and sense of purpose that improves other aspects of their life.
However, the most important thing about giving back is that it benefits your community and those less fortunate. By volunteering, you’re offering aid and assistance to organizations that provide meaningful services necessary to the community and those who need it most.
The Benefits of Giving Back
1.Make a Real Difference
Volunteering and serving others make a real difference in the world and the lives of others. And not only do you get to choose where and how you make a difference, you’ll also be able to see your impact in real-time.
Be inspired by a cause you truly care about.
2.Learn New Skills
One of the biggest benefits to volunteers is the ability to learn new transferable skills. Depending on where you volunteer and the responsibilities you are assigned, you can learn plenty of advantageous skills that can be applied to your professional resume.
Aside from hard skills, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn plenty of interpersonal skills that are necessary for all jobs, including compassion, empathy, social acuity, communication skills, and many others.
Giving back consistently shows potential employers you are driven and committed to making the world a better place.
3.Enhance the Lives of Community Members
Building a strong community ultimately improves the quality of life for everyone, including yourself and your family. Whether you volunteer in your local food bank, library, or provide care for children who were abused, you are helping to enhance the lives of those around you.
Additionally, you also get the chance to meet new and interesting people, making it even easier to make new friends who share similar passions.
4.Improve Your Mood and Your Health
Volunteering offers the amazing benefit of not only enriching the lives of others, but yours as well. Those who give back often feel renewed and purposeful, helping to improve their mental and emotional health.
But it doesn’t end there.
Volunteering not only improves life satisfaction and happiness, but it can also improve your health. The act of giving back can counteract the effects of stress and anger, which can have real health benefits. Additionally, because volunteering often requires physical activity, it can aid in maintaining your physical health.
5.Become the Change You Want to See
In today’s modern world, filled with 24-hour news cycles and unending social media posts, it can be very easy to get consumed by the negativity that gets shown at all hours of the day. But by volunteering, you can set your mind on something more positive and actually make the difference in the world that you want to see — and this can be especially impactful if you have children or younger brothers and sisters.
By volunteering, you are setting an excellent example for those who look up to you, instilling the positive behaviors that lead to real change for children who are going through such dark times in their lives. In addition, families and friends that volunteer together often forge greater bonds and improve their relationships.
Volunteer With the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties Today
Every child deserves to have a happy life with happy experiences that help them lead successful lives. You can make that come true by choosing to volunteer with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo and Starr Counties.
We are a nonprofit organization supported by the generous support of people like you. By supporting our efforts, you are helping child abuse victims receive the care, service, and support they need to heal from such traumatic events.
