Why it is Important to Give Back to Your Community (With Time, Not Just Money)

Volunteering for a cause or organization that you are passionate about is an incredibly rewarding experience. Steven Taylor a landlord in the Los Angeles area believes that giving back to your community enriches your life, establishes roots in your local culture, and connects you with new people and ideas who change your perspective. Volunteering your time is a way to help the people around you while you grow as an individual and increase your understanding of the world. While donating money to a charity or foundation is a noble contribution, giving your time and energy has a rippling and profound effect on the community at large.

Why is it valuable to volunteer your time?

When you volunteer your time, you make a sacrifice. It is easy to come up with reasons that you “don’t have time” to volunteer. Make the effort to create time in your schedule to give back to the community, and you will discover the joy that comes with sharing your energy and skills with others for the greater good.

If you find a cause that you are passionate about, the experience will be as rewarding to you as it is to those you are helping. When you immerse yourself in your local community, you ultimately are surrounded by people who are committed to making the world a better place. The positive people you encounter when volunteering will have a strong impact on your outlook. You also gain a sense of purpose as you serve a cause that is bigger than yourself. This sense of purpose will carry into other areas of your personal and professional lives.

Above all, giving back is essential to keeping your local community strong. Volunteers provide important services to those in need, and without them, local shelters, food banks, leadership programs, and other services would not run. Giving back to your city strengthens the community and often closes social and economic gaps.

What are some of the benefits of giving back to the community with time?

Giving your time to causes you care about and organizations that you admire is proven to be beneficial to both you and the place you live. Statistics show that people who volunteer on a regular basis have better mental and physical health.

In addition to improved health, those who volunteer also gain valuable personal-relational skills. Helping others also teaches empathy, patience, and consistency. You may even discover a new passion or hobby through your time giving back. There are many opportunities to give back with your time, whether you are interested in human rights, animal shelters, advocacy, or special groups. Look for ways to help your community that challenge you in the process. You will find the more you give, the more you receive in return.

Originally published at https://www.reddit.com.