A vital part of community life, volunteer work is defined as individuals dedicating their time and skills for the benefit of others without financial remuneration. From helping sick patients to promoting a cause, there are many different types of volunteer roles available.
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) reports that Americans donate an estimated 7.9 billion hours of volunteer work each year worth $175 billion. Volunteering is more than just mowing your grandmother’s lawn or babysitting a sibling, though: it involves a certain amount of commitment and professionalism. The more structured nature of volunteering means that volunteers must be vetted, trained, and engaged to provide the highest quality experience possible for their beneficiaries.
In some cases, volunteers are called upon in emergency situations, such as when a hurricane hits, to help evacuate and care for survivors. Other times, they are needed to run nonprofit-hosted events and fundraising activities. This type of volunteer role is particularly important because without the support of volunteers, not-for-profits would struggle to afford their operations.
While it is a common practice for people just starting their careers to work on projects or at companies for free, this isn’t considered volunteering as it is typically offered in exchange for professional experience and a resume builder. To distinguish volunteer work from these unpaid jobs, it is important to understand the different definitions and benefits of each. Volunteers want to gain knowledge and hone their skills, but they also seek meaningful experiences that will make them feel good about themselves.