Volunteer now and increase your happiness!
When put simply, volunteers are individuals or groups who give their time, talent and abilities to a cause they believe in, without expecting anything in return. An American anthropologist Margret Mead had once said, “Never doubt that 
a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Volunteers have always been the backbone of the American society and not much would have been possible without them – be it church activities, community events or non-profit work.
More and more people are discovering the joys of volunteering today. A recent report by the the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor has indicated that about 61.8 million people, or 26.4 percent of the population volunteered at least once between between September 2007 and September 2008 and the average volunteer spent about 52 hours working for their cause during that time.
In retrospect, I realize that while helping the non-profits in whatever small way that I could, I have myself been immensely benefited. Apart from the obvious benefits of meeting new people and gaining work experience, helping others gives me a feeling of gratification. It reminds me of the answer that renowned psychologist Dr. Karl Menninger had given when he was asked what advice he would give to someone who is on verge of a nervous breakdown and Dr. Menninger replied, “I would advice the person to lock home, go to the other side of the town, find someone in need and help that person. By doing that we get out of our own way.”
I can’t help but completely agree with Dr. Menninger. The fact that I can make a difference in someone else’s life often makes me feel happy and gives me a sense of fulfillment. It is immensely satisfying to serve people and at the same time I get an opportunity to get away from my daily routine.
Wherever you go, whichever country you live in, you can find someone who needs who needs your help. Volunteering through a non-profit is an easy and organized way of giving back to the community. It may not be the highest paying job, but at the end of the day, it is a satisfying one and you know you are helping people. I think that’s what keeps us going, knowing that we’re making a difference.
- Shamala Pulugurtha
In Nicaragua 50% of the kids that start 1st grade never finish 5th grade. It is our goal to make this percentage drop significantly.
$30/month is what it takes us at Empowerment International to put a child in school. If you would like to help a child stay in school and get better life, please click on the link below or contact us -
