Volunteering For An NGO: What will you gain and what will you have to give?

To begin with, did you know that you can volunteer remotely?Nowadays, where everything is evolving, so are NGOs, but not only through the activities they engage in (which now cover a wide range of topics and target various groups, e.g. youth, gender empowerment and equality, etc.), but also in the way they work and implement the projects they undertake. That gives you an opportunity to help in many ways, thus your own way.

Actually, some of the most potentially rewarding experiences can be made by volunteering for an NGO. It is a way to help many important things to be done but it also provides plenty of benefits on a personal and professional level! So, here’s a list of why you should consider volunteering and what you can expect to give and gain from this experience.

What you can expect to gain from this experience:

Character development: Volunteering forces you to grow and be resilient, taking risks you otherwise wouldn't have in the safety of your comfort zone. It develops your creativity, problem-solving abilities and emotional awareness.

Opportunity for professional development: A lot of NGOs provide you with the opportunity to develop professional skills and use them functionally, be it in project management, event planning or fundraising. This experience can be a valuable addition to your resume.

Networking: Working with an NGO you meet people from various fields and experience a similar passion. Such dependencies could unlock potential beneficial opportunities and partnerships.

Interaction with a wide range of people: NGOs function in multicultural settings, which means you get to know people of different cultural backgrounds. That exposure helps to instill cultural sensitivity and understanding, expanding the lens through which you view the world.

Satisfaction: A deep satisfaction in knowing you're making an impact. When you volunteer, you get to work for causes that make a difference – ironically — making the world just an inch or so better can give life real substance and purpose.

What you will be requested to give:

Time and effort: you donate a part of your life to further the NGO's mission, so make sure your beliefs meet theirs.

Nature and severity of work: benefit a lot from the multiple skills and expertise volunteers bring. Regardless of your occupation, be it a writer, graphic designer, teacher or healthcare provider etc., these talents can help you improve the organization's power.

Compassion and empathy: volunteering becomes more comprehensive when a person has compassion towards others, they understand their struggles. Your awareness and help will have a great impact on the people whom the NGO works for.

Advocacy and awareness: Volunteers are instrumental in creating awareness around the cause of the NGO. You help get the word out and continue to advocate for social change through moments like these by sharing your voice, experiences of being in a system where you feel unrepresented as well as the work that companies are doing at an organizational level.

We hope this article covered you a lot of questions and made you understand that volunteering in an NGO is a two-way street where both you and the organization benefit immensely. While you gain personal and professional growth, the NGO benefits from your dedication and skills, creating a symbiotic relationship that drives positive change. So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and volunteer today – you’ll be surprised at how much you stand to gain while making a difference in the world. If you would like to volunteer with SOYA, contact us through social media or at soya@squareofyouth.eu.