April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the importance of volunteering and appreciate those who do. Whether it be a monetary donation or spending a few hours with your favorite non-profit, volunteering can make a huge difference in your life and the lives of others! To get started, we’ve created a list of ways you can find a volunteering opportunity that matches your interests and goals.

Find the right opportunity

Do you prefer to be hands-on or help behind the scenes? Would you rather help with paperwork, or do you prefer physical labor such as taking a shift at an animal shelter? Make sure to find organizations that align with your personal values: Look into the organization’s founders, partners and past philanthropic efforts to make sure they’re a good match. When you know your values and volunteering preferences, you can find more of the right opportunities.

Consider volunteering from home

If you prefer staying home over attending in-person events, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to lend a hand. Writing letters to service members or donating to an online non-profit organization are ways to support a community from home. There are also organizations that primarily focus on virtual volunteerism – once you find an organization you align with, investigate their virtual opportunities – many human rights organizations, environmental groups and wildlife protection groups have a digital space for volunteers.

Create your own volunteer day

Can’t find an upcoming volunteer event that sparks your interest? Consider creating your own! Something simple, like taking time on a Sunday to pick up trash on the roadside, can have an incredible impact. Get a few friends to organize a clothing or supply donation, lend a hand with a neighbor’s yard work or make a monetary donation to your favorite local non-profit; there are countless ways to create your own experience.

Make time (ahead of time)

Schedule a time with your chosen non-profit and mark it on your calendar. You can also register ahead of time for certain volunteer events, which will help you keep and be prepared for the commitment.

Know what to expect

Be sure to follow the instructions of whoever’s leading the volunteer event or non-profit organization. Follow all the relevant safety procedures and make sure that you aren’t over-exerting yourself.

Make it a family affair

Why not bring a friend or family member along? You’ll double your impact and create great memories along the way. If you have children, consider bringing them with you to the volunteer event if safety protocol allows. Not only will you gain quality time with them but teaching your children the value of service has lasting impacts. Overarching lessons in empathy, hard work and organization are all tied to volunteerism. When kids volunteer early in life, they gain meaningful real-world-applicable skills.

Did you know that you can give back with your life insurance policy?

A Charitable Giving Rider is included with your Quility Level Term life insurance policy at no additional cost. The charity rider allows you to select a non-profit of your choice as an additional beneficiary on your policy.

Take time to recognize the personal benefits

Volunteering is proven to increase your happiness. Research has proven that being around people with common interests and feeling a sense of community and connection leads to lower risks of depression, anxiety and feelings of loneliness.

A study from Carnegie Mellon University found that adults over age 50 who volunteered regularly were less likely to develop high blood pressure than non-volunteers.

Volunteering 200 hours per year showed a significant increase in psychological well-being. You don’t have to start with a goal of 200 hours a year: a single volunteer event can provide you with positive mental and physical benefits.

Quility is dedicated to making an impact in our communities year-round

Between national volunteer days with our network of agents or local events at our corporate headquarters, we’ve been able to support meaningful causes and organizations. Want to volunteer with us? Follow Quility on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on upcoming volunteer events.

How To Make an Impact During National Volunteer Month

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