People volunteer for a wide variety of reasons, especially wanting to help others. But it’s also okay to want something in return.

Some people are uncomfortable with the notion that a volunteer “benefits” from doing volunteer work. There is a long tradition of seeing volunteering as a form of charity, based on selflessness. The best volunteering does involve the desire to serve others, but this does not exclude other motivations, as well.

You will probably have some special reasons of your own. Remember that the reasons you select the place to offer your services may not be the reasons why you stay.

Once you’re on the volunteer job, you will continue to serve as long as you feel that your efforts are accomplishing something, that your talents are appreciated, and that you make a difference. And if you also like the people with whom you work, so much the better!

Reasons to Volunteer
1. Strengthen your resume
2. Gain personal reference
3. Make a difference
4. Find purpose
5. Learn from others
6. Connect with your community
7. Feel involved
8. Contribute to a cause that you care about
9. Use your skills in a productive way
10. Make new friends