For many nonprofits, volunteers are the lifeblood that keep organizations thriving, and here at the Special Education Foundation, we are incredibly thankful for our St. Louis friends and neighbors who volunteer their time to support SEF.
Volunteers assist us at our events, such as the Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction and the Starfish Awards, and on many of our board committees.
Recently, we were proud to welcome three new volunteers—Cathleen Goltch, Lisa Thomas, and LaCharla Welch—who assisted us at the SEF table at the UMSL Ready, Set, Go Transition Summit in April, held at UMSL’s Millennium Student Center.
While they were there to help parents, caregivers, and students, research shows they were likely helping themselves, too. Volunteering isn't just a selfless act; it has a profound positive effect on both your body and mind.
Research shows that volunteering can have a positive effect on both your body and mind.
Here are some ways that helping your community can also help you.
Volunteering helps you stay physically and mentally active.
Many volunteer roles keep you on your feet, and researchers have found that volunteers often report better physical health than those who don’t volunteer, especially among people over 60. Volunteering gets you moving and thinking, which helps keep your mind sharp and your mental health strong.
Some people even say they feel more satisfied with life when they volunteer. At the same time, there are plenty of ways to get involved if you prefer a less physically active role. From helping with office tasks to assisting with planning or virtual projects, there are accessible opportunities for everyone who wants to make a difference.
Volunteering decreases your risk of depression.
Volunteering regularly helps you meet new people and build a support system with others who share your interests. These connections can lead to lower rates of depression, especially for people 65 and older.
Volunteering may even help you live longer.
Studies show that people who volunteer tend to live longer than those who don’t, even after accounting for factors such as age, gender, and health. Volunteers with chronic or serious illnesses have also reported less pain and depression when they help others.
Volunteering helps you build meaningful relationships.
For many, meeting new people is the best part of volunteering. Whether you connect with those you help or with other volunteers, giving your time is a great way to grow your social circle. You can also volunteer with friends or family to strengthen your existing relationships. Friendships and social skills are important for good mental health.
Volunteering can help lower your stress.
Volunteering often gives you a sense of purpose and appreciation, both from yourself and from those you help. This feeling of meaning can lower your stress. The friendships you make while volunteering can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
Volunteering can boost your confidence.
The more you volunteer, the more confident you become in your role. For example, if you often help out at a local nursing home, you learn how to best support each person. This confidence can carry over into your daily life, making it easier to talk to new people and handle challenges. Since confidence is important for mental health, volunteering can be a great way to build it.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to help your community and support your own well-being.
In the coming months, we’re expanding our options for assisting SEF at our events and behind the scenes, in our office, and assisting our staff in tasks and projects.
We would love for you to consider joining the dozens of volunteers who are already helping us fulfill our mission. If you’re looking to do some good in more ways, please check out SEF’s volunteer opportunities page on our website.
