Category: Volunteering

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Volunteering: Post Pandemic

As we look toward a world with COVID-19 under control, we can look forward to coming together in our communities once again. The best way to get re-engaged with your neighbors is through volunteering locally. Once organizations are ready to welcome volunteers through their doors again, here are a few reasons why you should volunteer and help out your community:

Volunteering Helps Build a Better YOU:

Not only is volunteering a great way to better build up your community by helping those in need, volunteering also helps to build up your own character and fulfill one’s civic duty. Volunteering can have benefits to a person’s physical & mental health. Depending on the type of volunteering that you are doing, the level of physical activity will vary. Regardless, volunteering is a great way to get yourself moving in a different way that your body may not be used to. Your mental state will improve greatly too!  Volunteering doesn’t come with any tangible rewards, (not usually, at least) instead, volunteering makes one feel better about themselves mentally for doing good for the betterment of those in need. Fulfilling one’s civic duty is enough of a reward itself combined with helping those in need. All in all, volunteering can only bring about positive & helpful things to you in your life.

More Volunteering Opportunities Are Available:

So many people’s lives were negatively impacted by the pandemic. Whether it was unexpected medical bills, a sudden loss in the family, or a job loss, people need more help now than ever.  There are plenty of volunteer options to choose from in one’s community, from helping at local soup kitchens, to volunteering at a sock drive. If contact and the spread of COVID-19 is still a worry for you, no need to fret!  There are still contactless volunteer opportunities for you that will still have an impact on your community! Conduct a web search to find out more on the possible contactless volunteer opportunities that are available in your area! No matter your level of risk with COVID-19, the opportunities are out there.

Here are a few safer options to lend your skills on a volunteer basis:

  • Virtual video chat support for an organization in need of live support
  • Hotline operators for mental health support organizations
  • Local outdoor low-cost sport leagues for children
  • Social media, web, and photography volunteer work for organizations in need of marketing

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton MD is the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, providing quality care to uninsured and under-insured New Jersey residents in Mercer and Middlesex counties.

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How to Volunteer Virtually

Volunteering is a great way to get involved and feel a sense of purpose. Although recent health restrictions make it difficult to go out and volunteer, there is still a way that you can help your community while protecting your health –– virtual volunteering! Continue reading to learn how and where you can volunteer virtually.

What is Virtual Volunteering?

Virtual volunteering is donating your time to assist an organization remotely through your computer or phone.  Most organizations have an application process to become a virtual volunteer. Virtual volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and sharpen your skills.

Start Locally

When beginning your search for virtual volunteering, it’s best to start local. Search online for local charitable organizations in your area, and see if any are in need of assistance virtually. If you’re having trouble finding information, reach out directly to organizations and ask if they need help. Another way to discover local volunteer opportunities is to use Facebook’s Town Hall resource and search for groups in need of virtual volunteers in your area.

Consider Established Programs

While it’s great to help local organizations, virtual volunteering conveniently allows for helping out state-wide or even nation-wide organizations. Many established organizations such as the Red Cross, the Smithsonian Institute, and the American Cancer Society are looking for virtual volunteers. Visit their websites and (if applicable) send in a volunteer application to join their teams. Additionally, you can visit VolunteerMatch to discover virtual volunteer opportunities.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton M.D. internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.

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Common Challenges Faced by Volunteers

Wanting to do good and help others is a noble trait. However, volunteers can face many challenges when they donate their time. Below are some examples of the types of challenges that are typical for those doing volunteer work, and how to address these challenges.

Busy Schedules

Volunteers who work full-time jobs in addition to giving their time to an organization or cause can experience burnout if their time is not managed well. With obligations outside of work, making time for family and friends can feel limited. To address this balance, use a planner to schedule volunteer time, work time, and personal time – and don’t feel guilty about saying no. Sticking to your plans and saying “no” when needed can help you manage a packed schedule.

Finding the Right Organization

Finding a cause you support is simple. However, finding an organization that is a good fit for you can be a different story. Make sure that there is a good cultural fit between your ideals and how the organization is run. Another element to consider is how you fit in with the staff and other volunteers; the people you work alongside can make or break how effective you are in helping advance the mission. Be flexible, but don’t be afraid to explore new avenues if you don’t feel like you are a good fit in the organization.

Cost Barriers

Some volunteer work requires out-of-pocket expenses. This can prevent some people from being able to participate as they are not able to afford the expenses associated with the work. For example, if the volunteer work you would like to do requires you to visit another country, that is often an expense that must be covered out of pocket. Explore crowdfunding, budgeting, sponsorships and scholarships to help you get the foundation you may need to build a future of helping others.

These are some of the more common challenges that volunteers face as they try to support the causes that are important to them. Try not to view these challenges as roadblocks that prohibit the work, but rather another step in the journey to doing good. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a better world.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, M.D. internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.

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Why Volunteering with Co-Workers Can Help Your Career

two co-workers volunteering together

Volunteering with a group of people can be a powerful experience because it can have great impact on you, your company, and the community in which you serve. Not only is volunteering a great way to help others and the community, it can also help your career. If you are looking for things to bulk up your resume, volunteering can be a great addition to your portfolio.

Strengthen Your Company’s Brand Identity

Volunteering with co-workers is a great way to showcase your company. If your company’s brand is known for giving back, this can in turn improve its brand image and the relationship with its community and customers. Not only will your company’s brand image shine from a customer’s perspective, but you may view the company you work for in a different light and in turn have increased motivation and satisfaction at work.

Better Work Environment

Volunteering with co-workers can help create a happier work environment. A happy work environment can improve a company’s employee retention rate and can help attract the right talent. Participating in team-building exercises, such as volunteering, can help employees feel like they are a part of a community rather than just a company. In addition, volunteering with coworkers can make one’s work feel more purposeful.

Health Benefits

Volunteering can also have tremendous effects on your health, specifically your heart health. A study conducted by the Corporation for National Community & Service concluded that volunteering can actually make your heart grow stronger. Completing acts that better your health can improve your mood and lower the amount of sick days you use. Both a positive attitude and commitment to one’s work are shining attributes that will look great on one’s resume.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.

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3 Ways to Volunteer from Home

woman volunteering from home on her laptop drinking a latte

Volunteering can be done in many different ways and it is important to know that you do not have to physically be somewhere to volunteer. There is no clear-cut way to volunteer and you can decide how you want to volunteer based upon your personal needs and the circumstances in your life. If you want to volunteer from the comfort of your own home, below are three of the many ways you can volunteer remotely.

Crisis Text Line

Crisis Text Line is a great way to make a difference from the comfort of your home. Crisis Text Line allows volunteers to answer texts from individuals who may be going through a crisis. The volunteers engage in active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and safety planning to calm down the individual. Volunteering with Crisis Text Line has many benefits, one being that you learn how to engage in active listening and empathy. One last important thing to note is that trainings are free to volunteers.

Translators Without Borders

Translators Without Borders (TWB) helps translate texts and other written work in different languages to help overcome language barriers. Their goal is to close language gaps that impede important international and humanitarian development efforts across the world. In order to become a volunteer with this organization, you must be fluent in at least one language other than your native language. However, if you are not bilingual, they have other volunteer opportunities that are needed as well, such as project managers, web page designers, and more.

Be My Eyes

Be My Eyes is a free mobile app that allows volunteers to give assistance to those who are blind or low-sighted. At Be My Eyes, volunteers engage in a live video call with whoever they are assisting to help guide the user in the right direction or to answer a pressing question. There are currently 204,288 blind and low-vision users on the app right now waiting for people like you to join the community.

Dr. Barbara R Edwards practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.