Hello there Wildcats!!!! I would like to tell you about the importance of volunteering, how it can change lives, and how to get involved. Volunteering goes a long way creating a healthy community. Volunteers reach out to those that are unable to pay for the help they truly need and although there is no monetary gratification, the reward for helping people is priceless!
Volunteering is the perfect vehicle to discover something you are really good at and develop a new skill. It is never too late to learn new skills and no reason why you should stop adding to your knowledge. For example, planning and executing a major fundraising event can develop goal setting, planning and budgeting skills. Supervising and training other volunteers helps to develop supervisory and training skills.
Primarily, volunteering is about giving your time, energy and skills freely. Unlike many things in life, there is a choice involved in volunteering. Volunteers predominantly express a sense of achievement and motivation, and this is ultimately generated from your desire and enthusiasm to help. It may be true that no one person can solve all the world’s problems, but what you can do is make that little corner of the world where you live just that little bit better.
President’s Volunteer Service Award is an award given by the president to anyone that successful fulfills 100 community service hours in 12 months, and at least five should be completed at NVC. You will receive an award medal, a personalized certificate, and congratulatory letter from President Barack Obama. http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/tg/pvsainfo/dspAboutAwards.cfm
We sometimes take for granted the community that we live in. People and societies co-depend on each other for survival. Volunteering is ultimately about helping others and having an impact on people’s wellbeing. So, what better way is there to connect with your community and give a little back? Well I’m glad you asked because I have any answer! Here at Northwest Vista, we have an abundance of community service opportunities! There is a link on our NVC page as well as our Facebook page full of volunteer opportunities that range from recycling on campus to Habitat for Humanity. I hope this inspires you to get involved and stay involved. Here are some links to help you start your journey!
http://www.alamo.edu/nvc/community/service_learning/index.asp
Andrea` Parker
NVC Ambassador