Volunteers are the reason non-profit organizations can run. They can help alleviate tasks from a small staff, take on leadership roles, and spread awareness of an organization across a city. Volunteers are champions of a cause. And the best part? Anyone can be a volunteer!
If you’re interested in making a difference in your community, we recommend volunteering as a great way to get started. There are lots of reasons to make time to make a difference.
Make New Friends
Volunteering is a great way to meet other people in your community. At a volunteer site, every other person there also chose to give of themselves and their time to a greater cause – you’re in company of generous people! Working alongside people from all walks of life in your community is a great way to make friends and deepen relationships.
We recommend choosing one organization and set yourself a schedule – whether that is once a week, once a month or once a quarter! The more regularly you volunteer, the more touchpoints you have with people and the deeper access you have to that community.
Learn About Your Community
Speaking of community, volunteering is a great way to learn about your community! Every nonprofit organization in your area that needs volunteers exists for a reason. Trees Atlanta strives to reduce our city’s environmental impact by introducing native plants to a bustling city. Park Pride fights gentrification by beautifying free parks so they are accessible to all. Second Helpings Atlanta works to reduce food waste in a world where landfills are filling up. Urban Recipe seeks to provide free food and community to our neighbors in a way that is respectful of their dignity.
Every time you serve, the volunteer coordinator will be happy to share the ways their nonprofit organization is supporting the people it serves. Not only that, YOU then become part of that mission!
Make A Difference
Non-profit organizations rely on volunteers to exist. At Urban Recipe last year, we distributed over 14,000 boxes of groceries through our Mobile Pantry. Every single one of those boxes were made by volunteers.
When you volunteer, you put your hands and your heart into a community in a unique way. You become part of something bigger than yourself, serving the cause that tugs your heartstrings. We rely on volunteers to make a difference in this world.
The Challenge of Volunteering
Volunteering is a gift. When you show up to volunteer, you are offering your skills, your time, and your good attitude to the mission of the organization. From planting trees to serving food, volunteers choose to give of themselves to make the world a better place. But it’s not always easy!
Volunteering requires sacrifice. You have to find an organization that you care about. Then you need to sign up and make a commitment to serve. Finally, you have to rearrange your schedule and show up, helping out in a wide variety of ways!
The best volunteers are there to help get the task done, which may be a bit different than they initially thought. Sometimes, volunteers sign up to serve food, and don’t expect to have to sweep up the floor or take out the trash. These tasks may not be glamorous, but they are just as important as putting food on plates when it comes to a charitable operation! Every nonprofit loves a volunteer that is willing to hop in with a smile on their face.
Volunteering is a sacrifice, but it doesn’t need to be difficult! We’d love to have you volunteer your time to serve your neighbor right here at Urban Recipe! Sign up today or learn more about our volunteer opportunities. You too can be part of our recipe for food security.
