There are several benefits to volunteerism and community service. Most volunteers find that the sense of accomplishment and involvement they find by sharing their time, resources, and talents is the greatest benefit of service. A volunteer is welcomed into a new part of the community by connecting to others and motivating us all.
By venturing into the community and working with non-profit organizations, you will meet several new and unique people, transforming their lives while enhancing your own. Any act of giving back to your community will improve the lives of those around you, including those whom the organization seeks to assist and other volunteers.
Student volunteers will find additional benefits as they learn new skills and create new interests and hobbies for themselves. The experience gained during volunteerism can greatly improve one's resume and add career options that may not have been previously considered. Additionally, UCCS hosts an online posting database called VINCE, where students can find available volunteering opportunities in and around the Colorado Springs area. And, if you volunteer enough to complete a certain Term of Service, you could obtain an AmeriCorps Educational Award. Links with more information for both VINCE and the AmeriCorps program at UCCS can be found below.
All in all, by giving something of yourself to others you demonstrate the compassion necessary to make a community thrive and succeed as a whole. As Marianne Williamson once said, "as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." So, make a difference, improve yourself, and provide an example for others, and you will see what volunteering is really capable of.
The UCCS Volunteer Information Network and Community Exchange (VINCE) is a system that brings students and volunteer organizations together to do great things! If you are a student looking for a chance to volunteer, or an organization wanting to list a volunteer opportunity, VINCE is the place to start.
Americorps is an organization that encourages students to volunteer and provides educational awards to member volunteers.
In a joint effort the Office of Student Employment and the Office of Student Activities pair up and host the Involvement & Volunteer Fair annually here at UCCS. Every year many volunteer organizations visit campus and share their opportunities with students.
Participants:
To see pictures of the 2nd annual event held September 9, 2008 click here.