Grow happier and gain purpose through volunteering

Liz Miller

Grow happier and gain purpose through volunteering

Volunteering: most of us have done it at some point in our lives. For some it was routine,  but for others,  life got perhaps a bit too busy. Yet, as we get older and retire and have a bit more time on our hands, many turn toward volunteering, and research shows that the happiest older adults were those who made it a part of their lives all along.

Research suggests that volunteers aren’t just helping the communities they serve, but helping themselves. Volunteering has positive health benefits for the volunteer.

According to a study, volunteering can provide mental and physical health, life satisfaction, social well-being, and depression prevention. Even though these effects may vary from person to person, it still seems like a great idea!

The CDC found before the pandemic that more than a third of Americans are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. This likely only increased with the pandemic. Therefore, a great way to give and improve your mental health as we move out of the pandemic phase is volunteering.

Research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies examined data from nearly 70,000 participants in the United Kingdom. These participants received surveys about their volunteering habits and their mental health, including their distress and functioning in everyday life, every two years from 1996 to 2014. Overall those who volunteered seemed to be - happier. There may not be one key to happiness but it just might be that volunteering could take you one step closer to your happiness goals.

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Grow happier and gain purpose through volunteering
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Be inspired to volunteer

For those looking to get back out there at their own pace after over a year of anxiety with the pandemic, volunteering might be a good way to do so. Guest speaking to inspire us all to see how we can give back to our communities is the Director of AmeriCorps Seniors, Atalaya Sergi.

Learn first-hand from the director of Americorps Seniors about the only federal department solely focused on engaging older adults in volunteerism and community service across the United States.

Guest Speaker: Impacting Your Community & Your Wellness - The Dual Benefits of Volunteerism with Atalaya Sergi, Director of AmeriCorps Seniors

Don’t miss your chance to learn from an inspiring woman who has made giving back to others her life’s work.

Learn how you can get involved!

Learn what you have to offer!

Learn how giving helps you too!

Learn how to help your community change and save lives through a new game plan for effective nonprofit management with Matt George on Tuesday, July 27th.

Learn How To Manage A Non-profit

For anyone who cares about making the world a better place, from volunteers to CEOs, Matt's message is a how-to guide to help your community, and in turn, Change Lives and Save Lives. The world of nonprofits is misunderstood, maligned, and sometimes mismanaged. George demystifies nonprofit management while inspiring others to take up the mantle of social service with a strong case that nonprofits ought to run like businesses, not charities.

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Join passionate volunteers on GetSetUp

Then join other like-minded individuals taking classes to increase their volunteer toolbelt. Share together the joy of volunteering in a class or interest group in our series on volunteering.

Give Back Through Volunteering

Volunteering is good for the community and for your soul!  GetSetUp has put together a collection of classes to help inspire you in your mission to help others. Check out these sessions and join with others in the community to get inspired by these great classes.

Volunteer With GetSetUp

Interested in volunteering with GetSetUp?

Join the Ambassador Program! Participate in growing and expanding the positive learning community that is GetSetUp. Opportunities include helping in a number of key areas like hosting an interest group on a topic of your choice.

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