Why Should I Volunteer? The surprising ways volunteering benefits your community and well-being.

volunteers

Ever wonder what it might be like to volunteer at a local non-profit? Does volunteering benefit more than just the organization you lend a hand to? Volunteering in your local community has numerous benefits – not just for your community but for your overall well-being. Volunteering is a great way to get out and about, and here at LFT, we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make a difference!

Benefits of Volunteering

1. Investing in what matters to you

Volunteering is a simple and easy way to support a cause that is important to you. By giving your time, you can make a real impact on your community and favorite organizations! When you volunteer with organizations you love, you show the organization your support and make a BIG impact on something you are passionate about.

2. Making new connections

Volunteering is often a very social endeavor, making it the perfect opportunity to make new friends and increase your social skills. Suppose you’ve moved to a new city. In that case, volunteering is a great way to make connections in your neighborhood, meet others with common interests, and practice your relational skills in a judgment-free environment.

3. Mental health benefits

Many forms of volunteering offer numerous mental health benefits that we often overlook. Studies show that being helpful to others releases a surplus of dopamine, increasing happiness and self-confidence. Individuals also note that volunteering gives them a sense of purpose and a solid support system of new friends.

4. Benefits to your community

It’s no secret that volunteering with local non-profits benefits your community, but do you know how much? According to AmeriCorps, volunteers served 4.1 billion hours between September 2020 and 2021, equaling an economic value of $122.9 billion. More than 2.6 million residents volunteered in Pennsylvania in 2021, contributing $5.5 billion. Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations. Without them, work would not get done, and an enormous community impact would be lost!

5. Career advancement

Volunteering is a great way to gain experience in new fields if you’re looking for a new career path. Many non-profits are hiring for internships or full-time positions. As a volunteer, you get first-hand experience with the organization’s mission, your potential coworkers, and the overall work culture. Plus, many organizations are more likely to hire those they’ve already worked with.

When you volunteer your time, you gain confidence, new friendships, and a fresh sense of purpose, all while contributing to your community. If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities in Lancaster County, LFT is always looking for enthusiastic individuals to help with tree planting or events tabling!

Looking for something to do ASAP? We need many volunteers at this year’s Rhubarb Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village! Help us sell rhubarb bunches and work the Rhubarb Baking Contest from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ready to join us? Email Stephanie at Denton at sdenton@lancasterfarmlandtrust.org.

If you’re interested in other volunteer opportunities with LFT, click here to sign up for our volunteer group! We’ll send you regular updates about upcoming opportunities and different ways you can help us protect the Lancaster you love.

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