Ways for students to give back during National Volunteer Week
When you’re done exams, consider whether you can volunteer your time
April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week. While most of us are home, unable to volunteer how we normally would, there are ways that we can help in our community.
While it might be a little more complicated to volunteer at this time, you can certainly do a lot of good, both for the community, but also yourself.
“During a crisis, it’s normal to feel anxious, lost or helpless. Volunteering can actually be a great way to reduce your anxiety because it gives you some structure, a community to work with, and a way to help others when a lot of our normal activities and social interactions are on pause,” says Anny Chen, coordinator, Community Engaged Learning.
Gail Langlais, director of Career Services agrees: “Volunteering provides individuals with an array of personal and career benefits while offering an opportunity to give back to the community. It not only gives you a sense of purpose, volunteering provides you with a chance to build your network, learn about paid and unpaid opportunities and helps build transferrable skills that increase your employability.”
There are ways you can help from the comfort of your own home, as well community and health serving agencies that could use your assistance if you’re able to safely give your time outside of your house.
If now’s the right time for you to volunteer your time and energy, use this guide to learn about personal considerations and opportunities to do so.