Top 3 myths about volunteering debunked

It’s something that a lot of us think about. The good news is that turning a thought into action requires just one small step.  The better news is that you can use your passion to pay it forward, through the click of a button. 

This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week and it got us thinking about what volunteering myths are out there that may be stopping you from putting your hand up to help.

• Myth 1: One person won’t make a difference. A common misconception is that the problem is ‘too big’. Just think about how you - one person - makes a positive impact in the organisation you work for, or in the lives of your family and friends. Contributing to a worthy cause, even a small contribution, will make a difference. You’ll never be alone in volunteering, so don’t be afraid to get involved with an organisation that speaks to your values.
   
• Myth 2: I have to commit long-term. Not true. What is true is that there are, in fact, 24 hours in a day. You don’t have to give up your nightly routine of yoga or juicing every item from the back of your fridge. Well, not every night at least! Some programs offer flexibility and a short term commitment. One evening a fortnight or one Saturday a month will not only leave you feeling like you’ve done a good deed, but you’ll make others feel all warm and fuzzy too. And seriously, who doesn’t love warm and fuzzy?
   
• Myth 3: I don’t have the right skills. Put simply, volunteering is about harnessing your passion and life-skills. Just because you weren’t crowned world champion at crochet, doesn’t mean you can’t pop down to the local nursing home and help out. Start by thinking about what you love doing in your own day to day, and put pen to paper to map it out.

Volunteering. It’s not always about grooming strangers dogs and manning cake stands.