How volunteering can help me

Volunteering is giving of yourself to help others, but volunteers get a lot back from volunteering! Here are some of the benefits you may discover when you volunteer:

1. Personal satisfaction

• Improving someone else's situation leads to personal fulfillment.
  
• Helping a cause you believe in can be rewarding and fulfilling.

2. Personal development

• Volunteering can enhance your self esteem.
  
• The positive outlook you gain from volunteering will be noticed by friends and family and in job interviews!
  
• Self-confidence comes from knowing you are good at something and needed by someone.
  
• Stay busy, do something meaningful in your spare time.

3. Improved health

• Studies have shown volunteering is good for your health. Volunteers are generally happier and healthier than non-volunteers.
  
• Volunteering can help people overcome depression.
  
• Keep your body and your mind active.

4. New people in your life

• Develop new friendships.
  
• Learn about other cultures.
  
• Everyone you meet is a possible job contact! Network!

5. Expanded English

• Learn new workplace language.
  
• Gain confidence using English in the workplace.
  
• Listen to workplace conversation and socialize with other staff and volunteers.

Your English level should suit the volunteer assignment you do. Complicated assignments may require advanced English.

6. Canadian workplace experience

• Learn how things work and build confidence.
  
• Get Canadian workplace references (telephone references or reference letters). Click What is a volunteer reference? How can it help you?. to read more about references.

7. Professional development

• Improve your current skills or learn new ones.
  
• Discover new things you are good at.
  
• Increase your profile in the community.

8. Knowledge for the future

• Today you may be a volunteer; tomorrow you may need help yourself. Through volunteering you may learn about services that are available.

9. Increase your income

• People who are receiving income assistance in the province of BC may be eligible for increased benefits by volunteering.

10. Access to education

• Many educational programs require volunteer experience to qualify.
  
• Young people can receive tuition credit for entry into public universities or colleges through volunteering.

What is a volunteer reference? How can it help you?

A reference is evidence about your personal qualities, work abilities, and habits, provided by someone who knows you and can speak honestly about you. References can be written letters, but are often provided by telephone. A good reference is not guaranteed just because you volunteer. A good reference must be earned, based on your effort and performance in your volunteer position.

The work that volunteers do is important. Success in your volunteer job can lead to a good reference for paid work or acceptance into an educational program. Your supervisor or the Co-ordinator of Volunteers may agree to provide you with a reference, if you request it. However, they need time to observe you in the workplace, and time to get to know you personally before they are able to provide a meaningful reference. You also need to be sure you know what they will say about you, so always ask your reference person for feedback.

MOSAIC
1720 Grant St., 2^nd Floor • Vancouver, B.C. V5L 2Y7
Tel.: (604) 254-9626 • Fax: (604) 254-3932
E-mail: mosaic@mosaicbc.com

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