The 7 Benefits of Volunteering That Make it Priceless
Alain Lévesque | Pension & Financial Wellness Committee Member and ARTA Treasurer
I was volunteering at the Canadian Track Cycling U17 Junior Championship in Edmonton last March, when someone asked me a question I had not previously considered, “Why are you volunteering?”
It took me by surprise. I gave a quick response about the sense of fulfillment I get from working such events. But as the day went on, that simple question stayed on my mind. Why was I really here?
As a teacher, I was often asked to volunteer for Christmas concerts, coaching student sports teams, hosting extra-curricular activities, or to be the ATA school representative. I did all of that, and more, even becoming part of my ATA Local’s executive team. All of this was considered volunteer work but, to me, it was part of my job. Then, one summer day about twenty years ago, a friend asked me to volunteer at a triathlon event during my summer break. I was shocked. This event had nothing to do with my job, and I didn’t even know anything about triathlon. I said yes, learned fast, and fell in love with the sport — not as a participant, mind you, but as a volunteer. Since then, every summer I find some sporting event to volunteer for. I’ve helped run triathlons, marathons, 3x3 basketball world championships, swimming competitions, and — my favourite — the Kids of Steel Triathlon. These experiences have enriched my life in so many ways.
Alain's Advice
If you’re considering volunteering, or increasing your time spent volunteering, the key is picking something that interests you. Otherwise, it can feel like a chore instead of something rewarding.
After retirement, many of us don’t need paid work to pay the bills, but we still may be looking for fulfilling ways to spend our time. Volunteering tends to pay you back in ways that aren’t obvious at first, but they add up quickly and you start to take notice.
1. Career advantages
Although less relevant now, all the volunteering I did while teaching helped to shape my career. Volunteering shows initiative, reliability, and even expertise that you can put on a resume, and sometimes can lead directly to job opportunities, even after retirement.
2. Stronger sense of purpose
Helping others gives your time a clear meaning. Teachers know this, as do many other retired professionals. Many people find that volunteering boosts motivation and makes every day feel more worthwhile.
3. Improved mental health
Volunteering gives me something to focus on outside of my own experience, and this shift in perspective helps to lower stress and improve my mood.
4. Social connection
Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to meet people outside your usual circle. It also takes the pressure off communication, as you’re typically working toward a shared goal.
5. Skill-building
I’ve developed and honed so many skills through volunteering, like communication, teamwork, leadership, and organization — not to mention, the athletes have inspired me to be more active myself.
6. Physical health benefits
You don’t need to volunteer with athletes to improve your physical health. The amount of walking you’ll do in any volunteer role will surprise you. Even the simple act of spending more time away from home can improve energy levels and contribute to overall health.
7. Broader perspective
I’ve learned so much from the people and groups I’ve volunteered with. Being in a new situation exposes you to new viewpoints and new ways of thinking. Talking with strangers can deepen your empathy and change how you see your own life.
So, the next time someone asks me “Why do you volunteer?” I will confidently describe how it enriches my life and it creates new friendships, filling me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I am already thinking of other organizations I can volunteer with when the sporting season is over, like local food banks and organizations like Meals on Wheels. These organizations are always looking for volunteers, and even though it doesn’t pay, the benefits are priceless.
Alain Lévesque
Pension & Financial Wellness Committee Member and ARTA Treasurer