JOY might not be the first word that comes to mind on the topic of volunteering, but scratch the surface of any volunteer’s experience, and intimations of joy will surface.
Interestingly, the majority of people volunteer. According to Volunteering Queensland, 52 per cent of older Queenslanders (and 64 per cent across all age groups) have donated their time in the last year. The value of older volunteers’ work to the Queensland community in 2022-23 was an astonishing $16 billion.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community, but it’s also a surprisingly powerful way to treat yourself – in terms of happiness, fulfilment, social connection and, yes, joy.
Research demonstrates that when you focus on others and feel you are making a difference, however small, you are likely to significantly enhance your sense of joy.
As many know, the ways in which so many contributed in the aftermath of the 2023 Tornado and Cyclone Alfred in March this year, cemented community bonds and gave a very special boost to those who lent a hand through their organisations.
Another benefit of volunteering is connecting with others and making friends.
Volunteering offers an ongoing chance to meet new people.
By working side by side with others in a team that delivers to the community in some way, you’re sharing experiences and getting to know them, while doing meaningful work.
Via volunteering, you’re likely to find your tribe; people who share your priorities, interests and values.
This can be especially relevant for retired adults who have lost many of their workplace connections. I was reminded of this seeing the Tamborine Mountain Garden Club team at work a couple of weeks ago, for ‘Springtime on the Mountain’, the Calanthe Collective share their love of poetry at several events, and the bonds between actors and crew during rehearsals for Tamborine Moiuntain Little Theatre’s upcoming show.
And that’s just scratching the surface of the local groups.
When you volunteer – however you do that – you explore your passions.
For example, if a ‘sliding doors’ moment led you to become an accountant rather than a bush regenerator, how can volunteering bring you back to your youthful dream or a hitherto unexplored direction in life?
Via volunteering, you also expand your perspectives, connect outside of yourself and improve your sense of purpose – and all of this is extraordinarily positive for mental – and often, physical – health.
As a recent article in The Guardian put it, commenting on the fact that we live in ‘strange times’: ‘Community, collaborative problem-solving, ritual and meaning are vital ingredients for a satisfying life and will remain so, whatever technology we invent or cultural trends bubble up’. Volunteering can be a key part of that ‘satisfying life’.
One of the biggest obstacles to volunteering cited is ‘lack of time’.
However, while it may seem counterintuitive, when you donate your time toward something that matters to you and that energises you, you’ll perceive you have more time overall.
Psychological research shows that when people give their time to causes or people they care about, their perceptions of time expand.
Organisations don’t rush you.
They would rather you dip your toe in the water, with a small commitment, and see if the organisation’s for you—and search elsewhere if it’s not.
And while volunteers are always welcome, no-one signs you up to a contract. Your health and family commitments – and holidays and travel – always come first.
The crucial factor is to find opportunities that align with your values and your passions – because they will energise you and motivate you to spend the time.
There is no shortage of local Tamborine Mountain organisations to volunteer with. Just check out the ‘Community Noticeboard’ in this paper.
This article is not meant to give the impression that volunteering is limited to seniors. Far from it!
Few organisations on the Mountain are age-limited.
Many recruit, and indeed need and actively seek out, young volunteers.
The benefits of volunteering to others are indisputable, but so are the benefits to you.
There are so many reasons to give back – and to receive in the process. Joy awaits!
