Introduction
As I wrote about in my first post on this topic, I’ve decided to write about something that has become a regular part of my life: volunteering. I started regularly volunteering in 2024.
I am writing about this because I’ve been thinking about the reasons I volunteer — and I have found that there are some not so obvious benefits that volunteering provides.
Instead of sharing all of my ideas at once, I’m sharing a few at at time. (Less pressure!) Following that, here are reasons 3-5: Getting to see the city, Finding something to do, and Exploring a range of activities.
Reason 3: Getting to see the city
This might be specific to New York, but as I just mentioned, I like to pick activities all over the city. I get to see new streets and neighborhoods I may have never been to before, or maybe just a place I would walk right on by. Sometimes I go to neighborhoods I moved away from and it’s interesting to see what’s changed. So, if you’re into urban exploration, that’s a benefit.
Reason 4: Don’t just sit there! Finding something to do…
Sometimes I’ve gotten up and I’ve been so surprised that suddenly 5 or 10 years have gone by and I don’t know how that happened.
Or maybe I want to meet up with friends, but they’re all busy and have other things going on. Or maybe I wasn’t invited to a party and feel left out. And even just being introverted…not feeling like I even need to get out.
Volunteering gives me an activity I can plan ahead for and it’s all my own. I like that I can make plans for an activity weeks ahead of time. It feels good to know I have something I can look forward to. Now I’m the one with the plans. And…it’s free!
Reason 5: Explore a range of activities
I may be unusual from some of the other volunteers because I like to rotate the type of activities I do. From my small talk with the other volunteers…it seems like many people tend to return to the same activities again and again.
For what it’s worth, there are 3 types of activities I choose from: something outside, working in a soup kitchen/food support, or directly working with other people.
Outdoor stuff
The outdoor activities are things like working in a community garden, park, or urban farm. These are definitely more spring, summer, and fall activities. Usually we’re weeding, pruning, or some other type of working with your hands in nature activity. I learned at some point that humans find gardening extremely satisfying, so I try signing up when I can.
Food stuff
The food support/soup kitchen activities are related to feeding people. It might be meal prepping, which could be as simple as making sandwiches or as complicated as cutting up raw chicken. I have also delivered prepared meals and packed fresh produce to be given away. Once I signed up at a church where they cooked and passed out food that day, so everyone was really rushing. But typically I’m doing prep for a future meal and it’s not too crazy.
People stuff
The direct service activities are those where you’re working directly with the people who benefit, like seniors, the disabled, or kids and their parents. It can be the most fulfilling but also the most emotionally taxing. I recently signed up for a seniors-focused activity. I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I considered dropping out. But I stuck with it and it turned out better than I expected. I’ll write about some of what I’ve learned with that in a later post.
In summary, volunteering can provide opportunities to explore your city, try a new activity, and find new interests. Maybe try something you haven’t tried before — like meeting some fancy chickens! 🐔
