Volunteering is giving one’s time, effort, and resources without considering profit or payment to help others. Millions of Americans share their time to help others in various ways, devoting ranging from a few hours per month to several hours per week. There are many reasons to volunteer, and there are many benefits to being of service to others.
Individual Qualities of Volunteers
Adults in the United States volunteer around 26% of the time, with the majority being between the ages of 35 and 54. Women volunteer more often than males, and those with better educational attainment tend to volunteer more frequently. Specifically, college graduates volunteer more than those with only a high school diploma.
According to personality research, volunteers frequently exhibit similar personality features. In particular, volunteers tend to have an internal locus of control—that is, they believe that change occurs due to their efforts—and have high achievement motivation. Volunteers also tend to be outgoing, enjoy interacting with others, and have higher empathy and concern for others’ well-being.
the reasons behind volunteering
Numerous motivations, both egoistic and humanitarian, drive people to volunteer. Individuals frequently learn about a company for personal or professional reasons and are, after that, motivated to devote their time and energy to that institution. Others decide to participate in volunteer work to demonstrate their moral or ethical principles towards assisting others or humanitarianism or because they want to learn more about the world or a specific population.
Many volunteers for non-altruistic motives, including job exploration, résumé building, or acquiring transferrable skills they may use in the future. According to some studies, people who volunteer for non-altruistic reasons are more likely to be satisfied with their work and continue volunteering in the future. This might be because the advantages of volunteering are evident and palpable.
Opportunities for Psychology Majors to Volunteer
Psychology students and alums have a wide range of volunteer options where they may put their training and expertise to use. Volunteers may assist people of all ages and in various life circumstances. People passionate about children, for instance, could deal with disadvantaged teenagers in foster care or group homes, youngsters with developmental impairments, or youngsters with chronic.
People who care about women’s concerns could volunteer at a breast cancer awareness group, rape crisis hotline, or women’s shelter. Hospitals, religious institutions, nonprofit organizations, community groups, fire stations, schools, youth programs, and mentorship programs are more places where volunteers can help.
There are numerous behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunities as well for those who prefer little direct client contact; developing marketing materials, raising money, or managing an organization’s website are just a few examples of how people can give back to their communities while benefiting from the numerous emotional, physical, and social benefits of volunteering.
To help our readers, we have found a place they can start with their volunteering experience. AMASS – Association Friends of Cancer Patients is a Saudi Arabian volunteer-based, nonprofit, charitable organization that aims to provide psychological and moral support to cancer patients and their families and to educate and spread health awareness to the community about the disease and the importance of early detection.
It consists of a team of recovered cancer patients, specialists, doctors in all related areas, and volunteers to be friends with cancer patients. It provides psychological support and educational awareness to cancer patients by cancer-recovered volunteers through their experience.