This week is
national volunteer week - congratulations to all the volunteers out there :-)
To celebrate
national volunteer week I thought I'd share my experience as a volunteer and
give you a few fun facts on the benefits of volunteering which you may not be
aware of.
I've been a
volunteer for about 3.5 years now and have never looked back. What I love about volunteering is it allows
you to contribute to a worthwhile cause and make a difference to something that
matters to you. Through volunteering I
can pursue my passion and I'm so happy that I have the opportunity to do
so. People often comment to me
"You're so good giving up that time every week" but really I don't
believe I am giving anything up at all.
So what do I do
every week? If you've read my previous
blogs you probably are forming the opinion that I am a crazy dog lady - so
where else should a crazy dog lady spend her time than with a bunch of crazy
dogs! I'm a shelter assistant for the RSPCA and spend my Saturday afternoons
cleaning, exercising, feeding and offering enrichment to the dogs staying with
the RSPCA. I work in the Incoming
section which is where the dogs are held when they first arrive whilst they
undergo medical checks and behaviour assessments before moving on to be
adopted. There can be up to 40 dogs in
my section and anywhere between 1 and 5 volunteers so some weeks are very very
busy and some weeks are much more relaxed.
It can be really hard work at times, not all the dogs have been trained
properly and can have behavioural problems so some weeks I come home covered in
scratches, bruises, pee and poo and feeling like I've been beaten up but it's
100% worth it - it's my favourite part of the weekend.
The difference I
make by showing up every week is that if I am there those dogs will get to
leave their pens and exercise outside that day, they will have prolonged human
contact be it pats and cuddles or chasing a ball. This contact makes a huge difference to how
the dog copes with being in a shelter which impacts on how quickly they will
get adopted and find their 'furever home'.
If the volunteers aren't there then unfortunately the dogs may not get
out that day. Dogs without stimulation and interaction get bored very quickly
and will develop bad behaviours.
I met both my girls
at the RSPCA - unfortunately a drawback to working there - eventually 1 (or 2)
will steal your heart and come home with you.
I've been very firmly told there is no room for any more!
So dogs are my
passion, but what is your passion? Where
could you make a difference? There are
so many volunteering opportunities out there the possibilities are endless.
It could lead to
your dream job! LinkedIn has found that hiring managers are looking at
volunteer experience as real work experience*.
Volunteering in the industry or area you would like to work in will help
you build up a network of connections and build the required skills - putting
you ahead of other candidates*
Finally, here are
some benefits to volunteering you may not be aware of (sourced from
volunteering Australia**):
- Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don't volunteer
- Sustained volunteering is associated with better mental health
- Just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in happiness and mood
So what are you
waiting for - give happy live happy :-)
Volunteering Links:
*http://www.fastcompany.com/1778415/volunteering-will-save-your-career-or-put-you-new-one
**http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/fun-facts/
Very inspiring!
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