Volunteers make an immeasurable difference in people’s lives and often serve to help others. Did you know that volunteering can benefit your health as well?
Research has shown that volunteering offers significant health benefits, especially for older adults, including:
1. Improves physical and mental health.
- Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Research has found that volunteering among adults aged 60 and over benefits physical and mental health. Volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers. Research also shows that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older.
- Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. Volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation by spending time in service to others, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.
- Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and general illness. In addition, people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender, and physical health.
2. Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.
- The work that volunteers provide is essential to everyday activities, giving them a sense of purpose, especially when they give their time and talent in the areas they find meaningful. Older volunteers experience more significant increases in life satisfaction and self-esteem.
3. Nurture new and existing relationships.
- Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests. Participating in a shared activity is one of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships.
(Excerpted from Angela Thoreson, M.S.W.’s 8-1-23 article in Mayo Clinic Health System’s newsletter.)
Get Involved: Become an NFE Volunteer
Nicolás Fund For Education is on a mission to empower Mayan youth in the Ixil region of Guatemala to break free from generational poverty through Christ-centered education. We’re looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers to join our cause and make a real difference in the lives of these students. Whether you’re a skilled grant writer, a social media savant, or an experienced educator, we have a variety of roles where your unique talents can shine. From helping with fundraising events to providing virtual tutoring via WhatsApp, you can contribute to our mission in many ways. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger than yourself and impact the future of Mayan youth in Guatemala, we invite you to explore our volunteer opportunities and apply today. Together, we can empower the next generation to dream big and achieve their full potential.
We are currently seeking volunteers for the following roles:
- Newsletter Article Writers: Your articles will shine a light on our activities and successes, informing and inspiring our community about our work.
- Grant Writers: Assist Us in Crafting Persuasive Proposals for Obtaining Funding from Various Organizations
- Social Media Ambassadors: Your creativity and digital technology skills will help us grow our social media presence by sharing updates and captivating content that raises awareness and support.
- Fundraising Event Assistants: Your hands-on help will ensure our fundraising events run smoothly, providing an enjoyable experience for all involved while raising vital funds for our cause.
- Donor Relations Volunteers: Your warm and personable approach will help us maintain and foster positive relationships with the incredible individuals who support us.
