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By Susan Lavigne

“You get more joy out of the giving to others, and should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you are able to give.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

Many studies have documented the positive effects of volunteering on the individual. One such study, National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, conducted in 2000 by our neighbors to the north in Canada found amongst its respondents:
- 79% of volunteers said that their volunteer activities helped them with their interpersonal skills, such as understanding people better, motivating others, and dealing with difficult situations.
- 68% of volunteers said that volunteering helped them to develop better communication skills
- 63% reported increased knowledge about issues related to their volunteering.

Here in Maine, volunteers in PROP’s Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs, reported similar positive responses to their experiences as volunteers. In a recent survey of 123 older volunteers 82% of reported an increased sense of purpose in their lives as a result of volunteering; 81% reported improved self esteem and 98% reported an overall improved quality of life and improved health; Volunteering helps the community but also helps the individual volunteering. So do what is good for you, and your community, volunteer!

To find a volunteer opportunity in your community contact: http: www.VolunteerMaine.org

Resources used in developing this blog:
www.nationalservice.org
www.givingandvolunteering.ca
Programming for Impact Results on Volunteer, 2008, PROP Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions

Susan Lavigne is the Director of PROP Senior Volunteer Programs and a guest blogger in honor of Senior Corps Week.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 10:50 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.