Designed by the UN General Assembly in 1985, each year, International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated on December the 5th.

Having a skill may be good way of capitalizing on and earning money.

But what about doing things so much more meaningful with our gift in order to craft positive change?

How? By volunteering and lending a helping hand to those in need.

Since the initial years of my foreign language studies, I have used every opportunity to volunteer  and to help out as a foreign language coach, interpreter and translator.

I value so much what I have gained from contributing to the society by sharing my skills and giving back and I promise you’ll experience the same volunteering!

What Is a Volunteering?

Wikipedia describes volunteering as: “A voluntary act of an individual or group giving time and labour for community service.”

Some, with a strong sense of civic duty take part in volunteering. Some use this opportunity to hone their skills. Others do it out of obligation.

Volunteering for me means getting involved, being aware and assuming responsibility. So, whatever your description and reason for volunteering may be, your commitment to volunteering will result in making a positive impact in the life of others!

Benefits Of Volunteering

Volunteering is so rewarding in every way, and the amazing thing is that if you properly involve yourself in the act of volunteering, you’ll never have enough of it.

·        The Immense Satisfaction

When you’re working to be paid, no matter how passionate you are about the task, the payment will always be somewhere on your mind – and it should be too.

On the other hand, volunteering gives you the chance to solely focus on giving your best, sharing your skills, and inspiring others. The satisfaction you’ll gain from this is unmatched, and that feeling so rewarding! Every time I get the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, I get the same high.

·        Meeting Like-Minded People

Another special thing about volunteering is that you become a part of a selfless community where only “doing good” is allowed. Doesn’t that sound great? Getting to collaborate with like-minded individuals, all from different professions and backgrounds, for the sake of doing good is a satisfaction beyond words. And I believe that’s what sparks the so called butterfly effect.

 

Years ago, I had the chance to volunteer as an English translator for a month at the Camp Atlantis OP Torrent Team – a Canadian military organization consisting of doctors, paramedics, and engineers that, after having constructed a Sahara Hospital, helped rehabilitate life around a region in Turkey affected by the earthquake. This experience really influenced me as a person.

·        Improving Your Skills

Whether you’re a beginner or you have been working for several years in your field, volunteering is a chance to improve and polish your skill set, besides it allows you to practice what you preach.

If I had to make a comparison between working an interpreter vs. volunteering as an interpreter, I can easily say that volunteering as an interpreter has been far more exciting and rewarding for me. I will always remember that sense of fulfillment I had from interpreting the needs, questions and sensations of earthquake victims and receiving their thankfulness and vitnessing each one’s sincerety in sharing their stories. In moments like these, you just feel more connected and alive.

Takeaway

If you have had the chance to volunteer, you probably know what a humbling experience it is.

If you haven’t, well, there’s no better time to start volunteering than today. You can consider giving back by taking part in charitable initiatives like Giving Tuesday and others.

Together, let’s make a vow to make the world a better place in 2023. Happy New Year!