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College Admissions , Extracurriculars

Are you applying to a college or a scholarship that requires a community service essay? Do you know how to write an essay that will impress readers and clearly show the impact your work had on yourself and others?

Read on to learn step-by-step instructions for writing a great community service essay that will help you stand out and be memorable.

What Is a Community Service Essay? Why Do You Need One?

A community service essay is an essay that describes the volunteer work you did and the impact it had on you and your community. Community service essays can vary widely depending on specific requirements listed in the application, but, in general, they describe the work you did, why you found the work important, and how it benefited people around you.

Community service essays are typically needed for two reasons:

#1: To Apply to College

• Some colleges require students to write community service essays as part of their application or to be eligible for certain scholarships.
• You may also choose to highlight your community service work in your personal statement.

#2: To Apply for Scholarships

• Some scholarships are specifically awarded to students with exceptional community service experiences, and many use community service essays to help choose scholarship recipients.
• Green Mountain College offers one of the most famous of these scholarships. Their "Make a Difference Scholarship" offers full tuition, room, and board to students who have demonstrated a significant, positive impact through their community service

Getting Started With Your Essay

In the following sections, I'll go over each step of how to plan and write your essay. I'll also include sample excerpts for you to look through so you can get a better idea of what readers are looking for when they review your essay.

Step 1: Know the Essay Requirements

Before your start writing a single word, you should be familiar with the essay prompt. Each college or scholarship will have different requirements for their essay, so make sure you read these carefully and understand them.

Specific things to pay attention to include:

• Length requirement
• Application deadline
• The main purpose or focus of the essay
• If the essay should follow a specific structure

Below are three real community service essay prompts. Read through them and notice how much they vary in terms of length, detail, and what information the writer should include.

From the Equitable Excellence Scholarship:

"Describe your outstanding achievement in depth and provide the specific planning, training, goals, and steps taken to make the accomplishment successful. Include details about your role and highlight leadership you provided. Your essay must be a minimum of 350 words but not more than 600 words."

From the Laura W. Bush Traveling Scholarship:

"Essay (up to 500 words, double spaced) explaining your interest in being considered for the award and how your proposed project reflects or is related to both UNESCO's mandate and U.S. interests in promoting peace by sharing advances in education, science, culture, and communications."

From the LULAC National Scholarship Fund:

"Please type or print an essay of 300 words (maximum) on how your academic studies will contribute to your personal & professional goals. In addition, please discuss any community service or extracurricular activities you have been involved in that relate to your goals."

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas

Even after you understand what the essay should be about, it can still be difficult to begin writing. Answer the following questions to help brainstorm essay ideas. You may be able to incorporate your answers into your essay.

• What community service activity that you've participated in has meant the most to you?
• What is your favorite memory from performing community service?
• Why did you decide to begin community service?
• What made you decide to volunteer where you did?
• How has your community service changed you?
• How has your community service helped others?
• How has your community service affected your plans for the future?

You don't need to answer all the questions, but if you find you have a lot of ideas for one of two of them, those may be things you want to include in your essay.

Writing Your Essay

How you structure your essay will depend on the requirements of the scholarship or school you are applying to. You may give an overview of all the work you did as a volunteer, or highlight a particularly memorable experience. You may focus on your personal growth or how your community benefited.

Regardless of the specific structure requested, follow the guidelines below to make sure your community service essay is memorable and clearly shows the impact of your work.

Samples of mediocre and excellent essays are included below to give you a better idea of how you should draft your own essay.

Step 1: Hook Your Reader In

You want the person reading your essay to be interested, so your first sentence should hook them in and entice them to read more. A good way to do this is to start in the middle of the action. Your first sentence could describe you helping build a house, releasing a rescued animal back to the wild, watching a student you tutored read a book on their own, or something else that quickly gets the reader interested. This will help set your essay apart and make it more memorable.

Compare these two opening sentences:

"I have volunteered at the Wishbone Pet Shelter for three years."

"The moment I saw the starving, mud-splattered puppy brought into the shelter with its tail between its legs, I knew I'd do whatever I could to save it."

The first sentence is a very general, bland statement. The majority of community service essays probably begin a lot like it, but it gives the reader little information and does nothing to draw them in. On the other hand, the second sentence begins immediately with action and helps persuade the reader to keep reading so they can learn what happened to the dog.

Step 2: Discuss the Work You Did

Once you've hooked your reader in with your first sentence, tell them about your community service experiences. State where you work, when you began working, how much time you've spent there, and what your main duties include. This will help the reader quickly put the rest of the essay in context and understand the basics of your community service work.

Not including basic details about your community service could leave your reader confused.

Step 3: Include Specific Details

It's the details of your community service that make your experience unique and memorable, so go into the specifics of what you did.

For example, don't just say you volunteered at a nursing home; talk about reading Mrs. Johnson her favorite book, watching Mr. Scott win at bingo, and seeing the residents play games with their grandchildren at the family day you organized. Try to include specific activities, moments, and people in your essay. Having details like these let the readers really understand what work you did and how it differs from other volunteer experiences.

Compare these two passages:

"For my volunteer work, I tutored children at a local elementary school. I helped them improve their math skills and become more confident students."

"As a volunteer at York Elementary School, I worked one-on-one with second and third graders who struggled with their math skills, particularly addition, subtraction, and fractions. As part of my work, I would create practice problems and quizzes and try to connect math to the students' interests. One of my favorite memories was when Sara, a student I had been working with for several weeks, told me that she enjoyed the math problems I had created about a girl buying and selling horses so much that she asked to help me create math problems for other students."

The first passage only gives basic information about the work done by the volunteer; there is very little detail included, and no evidence is given to support her claims. How did she help students improve their math skills? How did she know they were becoming more confident?

The second passage is much more detailed. It recounts a specific story and explains more fully what kind of work the volunteer did, as well as a specific instance of a student becoming more confident with her math skills. Providing more detail in your essay helps support your claims as well as make your essay more memorable and unique.

Step 4: Show Your Personality

It would be very hard to get a scholarship or place at a school if none of your readers felt like they knew much about you after finishing your essay, so make sure that your essay shows your personality. The way to do this is to state your personal strengths, then provide examples to support your claims. Take some time to think about which parts of your personality you would like your essay to highlight, then write about specific examples to show this.

• If you want to show that you're a motivated leader, describe a time when you organized an event or supervised other volunteers.
• If you want to show your teamwork skills, write about a time you helped a group of people work together better.
• If you want to show that you're a compassionate animal lover, write about taking care of neglected shelter animals and helping each of them find homes.

Step 5: State What You Accomplished

After you have described your community service and given specific examples of your work, you want to begin to wrap your essay up by stating your accomplishments. What was the impact of your community service? Did you build a house for a family to move into? Help students improve their reading skills? Clean up a local park? Make sure the impact of your work is clear; don't be worried about bragging here.

If you can include specific numbers, that will also strengthen your essay. Saying "I delivered meals to 24 home-bound senior citizens" is a stronger example than just saying "I delivered meals to lots of senior citizens."

Also be sure to explain why your work matters. Why is what you did important? Did it provide more parks for kids to play in? Help students get better grades? Give people medical care who would otherwise not have gotten it? This is an important part of your essay, so make sure to go into enough detail that your readers will know exactly what you accomplished and how it helped your community.

"My biggest accomplishment during my community service was helping to organize a family event at the retirement home. The children and grandchildren of many residents attended, and they all enjoyed playing games and watching movies together."

"The community service accomplishment that I'm most proud of is the work I did to help organize the First Annual Family Fun Day at the retirement home. My job was to design and organize fun activities that senior citizens and their younger relatives could enjoy. The event lasted eight hours and included ten different games, two performances, and a movie screening with popcorn. Almost 200 residents and family members attended throughout the day. This event was important because it provided an opportunity for senior citizens to connect with their family members in a way they aren't often able to. It also made the retirement home seem more fun and enjoyable to children, and we have seen an increase in the number of kids coming to visit their grandparents since the event."

The second passage is stronger for a variety of reasons. First, it goes into much more detail about the work the volunteer did. The first passage only states that she helped "organize a family event." That really doesn't tell readers much about her work or what her responsibilities were. The second passage is much clearer; her job was to "design and organize fun activities."

The second passage also explains the event in more depth. A family day can be many things; remember that your readers are likely not familiar with what you're talking about, so details help them get a clearer picture.

Lastly, the second passage makes the importance of the event clear: it helped residents connect with younger family members, and it helped retirement homes seem less intimidating to children, so now some residents see their grand kids more often.

Step 6: Discuss What You Learned

One of the final things to include in your essay should be the impact that your community service had on you. You can discuss skills you learned, such as carpentry, public speaking, animal care, or another skill.

You can also talk about how you changed personally. Are you more patient now? More understanding of others? Do you have a better idea of the type of career you want? Go into depth about this, but be honest. Don't say your community service changed your life if it didn't because trite statements won't impress readers.

In order to support your statements, provide more examples. If you say you're more patient now, how do you know this? Do you get less frustrated while playing with your younger siblings? Are you more willing to help group partners who are struggling with their part of the work? You've probably noticed by now that including specific examples and details is one of the best ways to create a strong and believable essay .

"As a result of my community service, I learned a lot about building houses and became a more mature person."

"As a result of my community service, I gained hands-on experience in construction. I learned how to read blueprints, use a hammer and nails, and begin constructing the foundation of a two-bedroom house. Working on the house could be challenging at times, but it taught me to appreciate the value of hard work and be more willing to pitch in when I see someone needs help. My dad has just started building a shed in our backyard, and I offered to help him with it because I know from my community service how much work it is. I also appreciate my own house more, and I know how lucky I am to have a roof over my head."

The second passage is more impressive and memorable because it describes the skills the writer learned in more detail and recounts a specific story that supports her claim that her community service changed her and made her more helpful.

Step 7: Finish Strong

Just as you started your essay in a way that would grab readers' attention, you want to finish your essay on a strong note as well. A good way to end your essay is to state again the impact your work had on you, your community, or both. Reiterate how you changed as a result of your community service, why you found the work important, or how it helped others.

Compare these two concluding statements:

"In conclusion, I learned a lot from my community service at my local museum, and I hope to keep volunteering and learning more about history."

"To conclude, volunteering at my city's American History Museum has been a great experience. By leading tours and participating in special events, I became better at public speaking and am now more comfortable starting conversations with people. In return, I was able to get more community members interested in history and our local museum. My interest in history has deepened, and I look forward to studying the subject in college and hopefully continuing my volunteer work at my university's own museum."

The second passage takes each point made in the first passage and expands upon it. In a few sentences, the second passage is able to clearly convey what work the volunteer did, how she changed, and how her volunteer work benefited her community.

The author of the second passage also ends her essay discussing her future and how she'd like to continue her community service, which is a good way to wrap things up because it shows your readers that you are committed to community service for the long-term.

What's Next?

Are you applying to a community service scholarship or thinking about it? We have a complete list of all the community service scholarships available to help get your search started!

Do you need a community service letter as well? We have a step-by-step guide that will tell you how to get a great reference letter from your community service supervisor.

Thinking about doing community service abroad? Before you sign up, read our guide on some of the hazards of international volunteer trips and how to know if it's the right choice for you.

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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Empowering Through Service: Top 10 Volunteer Work Essay Examples!

Table of Contents

Looking for examples of volunteer work essays? This article provides insightful examples and guidelines to help you write an impactful essay on your volunteer experiences, highlighting the skills gained, personal growth, and the positive impact made on others. Explore inspiring stories and learn how to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your dedication to community service and leaves a lasting impression on admissions officers or scholarship committees.

Volunteer work has become an integral part of society, with individuals dedicating their time and effort to various causes. From helping the less fortunate to contributing to environmental conservation, volunteer work encompasses a wide range of activities that make a positive impact on our communities. In this essay, we will explore some compelling examples of volunteer work, shedding light on the incredible difference that volunteers can make in the lives of others.

Introduction

Volunteer work is a selfless act of giving one’s time and skills to help others in need. It not only benefits the community but also provides personal growth and satisfaction. Writing an essay about volunteer work allows individuals to reflect on their experiences and share their passion for making a difference. This article will explore various examples of volunteer work and how they contribute to society.

Environmental Conservation

Many individuals feel strongly about environmental issues and dedicate their time to volunteer for causes related to conservation. They may participate in tree planting activities, clean-up projects, or wildlife protection initiatives. By volunteering for environmental organizations, individuals contribute to maintaining ecological balance and preserving natural resources for future generations.

Supporting the Homeless Community

The issue of homelessness affects numerous communities globally. Volunteer work targeting the homeless often involves providing shelter, food, and clothing to those in need. Volunteers may work in shelters, soup kitchens, or outreach programs, offering essential support and a sense of hope to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Educational Initiatives

Education is a key to unlocking opportunities and improving lives. Many volunteers dedicate their time to educational initiatives, such as tutoring programs or after-school activities for underprivileged children. By providing additional support and resources, volunteers contribute to bridging educational gaps and empowering young minds.

Medical and Healthcare Support

Volunteers in the medical field can make a significant impact on individuals’ lives by providing healthcare services in underserved communities. They may assist in clinics, hospitals, or participate in medical missions to remote areas. Through their efforts, volunteers improve access to healthcare and promote overall well-being.

Disaster Relief Efforts

In times of natural disasters, volunteers play a crucial role in providing immediate assistance and support. They may help with search and rescue operations, distribute relief supplies, or offer emotional support to affected individuals. Volunteer work during disasters demonstrates solidarity and compassion in times of crisis.

Animal Welfare

Animal lovers often volunteer their time to help protect and care for animals in need. This may involve working at animal shelters, participating in wildlife conservation projects, or advocating for animal rights. Through their efforts, volunteers contribute to creating a safer and healthier environment for animals.

Senior Citizen Support

The elderly often require companionship and assistance with daily activities. Volunteers working with senior citizens provide emotional support, engage in social activities, and help with tasks like grocery shopping or home maintenance. By volunteering, individuals ensure that seniors feel valued and cared for within their communities.

Community Development

Volunteer work focused on community development aims to enhance the overall quality of life for residents. This can involve organizing events, improving infrastructure, or offering skills training to empower individuals. Volunteers contribute to building stronger communities by fostering unity and addressing local needs.

International Aid and Development

Volunteers involved in international aid and development projects travel to different countries to assist communities in need. This can include building schools, providing clean water solutions, or teaching sustainable farming practices. Through their efforts, volunteers contribute to poverty alleviation and long-term development.

Volunteer work encompasses a vast array of areas where individuals can make a positive impact. Whether it be through environmental conservation, supporting the homeless, or contributing to educational initiatives, volunteers play a crucial role in building stronger and more compassionate communities. By dedicating their time and skills, volunteers inspire others and create a ripple effect of change that extends far beyond the immediate beneficiaries. Start your volunteer journey today and experience the fulfillment of making a difference!

Introduction to Volunteer Work

Volunteer work involves actively participating in an organization or community to make a positive impact without receiving financial compensation. Through volunteer work, individuals can contribute their skills, time, and resources to support causes they are passionate about and address community needs. This essay will explore the various examples of volunteer work, highlighting its benefits and the positive outcomes it brings.

Helping the Homeless

Volunteering at a homeless shelter provides assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness in the form of food, shelter, and support services. By dedicating time to serve meals, organize clothing drives, or provide mentorship, volunteers can make a difference in the lives of those in need and help break the cycle of homelessness. This kind of volunteer work not only provides resources but also promotes empathy and understanding within the community.

Engaging in volunteer work related to environmental conservation includes activities such as organizing beach cleanups, planting trees, or advocating for sustainable practices. Through these efforts, volunteers can protect natural habitats, reduce pollution, and raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. Environmental volunteer work plays a crucial role in addressing global issues such as climate change and ensuring the sustainability of our planet for future generations.

Assisting in Educational Programs

Volunteering in educational programs allows individuals to support students in their academic journeys. This can involve tutoring, mentoring, or even organizing extracurricular activities to enhance students’ learning experiences. By sharing knowledge and providing guidance, volunteers help to bridge educational gaps and empower students to reach their full potential.

Supporting Healthcare Initiatives

Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals or clinics, offers opportunities to assist patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Tasks may include providing emotional support, delivering meals, or assisting with administrative duties. Through their volunteer work, individuals contribute to improving the quality of patient care and making healthcare more accessible.

Working with Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofit organizations rely heavily on volunteers to fulfill their missions, making this type of volunteer work diverse and versatile. Opportunities can range from assisting with fundraising events to participating in community outreach programs and awareness campaigns. By lending their skills and expertise, volunteers help nonprofit organizations achieve their goals and create positive change in society.

Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering abroad offers individuals the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures while making a meaningful impact. From participating in community development projects in disadvantaged regions to supporting educational initiatives in underprivileged communities, volunteers contribute to sustainable development on a global scale. This type of volunteer work fosters cross-cultural understanding and promotes personal growth.

During times of natural disasters or emergencies, volunteer work plays a crucial role in providing immediate assistance and support. Volunteers can join relief organizations and assist in tasks such as distributing food and supplies, providing shelter, or offering emotional support to affected individuals. Through their efforts, volunteers help rebuild communities and provide hope during challenging times.

Overall, volunteer work offers countless opportunities to contribute to society, support causes, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s helping the homeless, conserving the environment, assisting in educational programs, supporting healthcare initiatives, working with nonprofit organizations, volunteering abroad, or participating in disaster relief efforts, each form of volunteer work brings its own unique benefits and outcomes. By actively engaging in volunteer work, individuals not only contribute to the betterment of society but also experience personal growth, empathy, and a sense of fulfillment.

In today’s society, volunteer work plays a crucial role in bringing about positive change and making a significant impact on the lives of others. Whether it is dedicating time to a local community organization or participating in international relief efforts, volunteering allows individuals to contribute their skills and resources to causes they are passionate about. In this essay, we will explore some examples of volunteer work and highlight the importance of this selfless act in creating a better world.

1. Local Community Initiatives:

• Volunteering at a homeless shelter, food bank, or soup kitchen can provide vital assistance to those in need within our own communities.
• Participating in local clean-up campaigns helps improve the environment and fosters a sense of pride and unity among community members.
• Mentoring programs offer guidance and support to vulnerable youth, empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

2. Education and Literacy:

• Tutoring underprivileged children or adults in subjects such as math, reading, or computer skills can greatly enhance their educational prospects.
• Assisting in after-school programs or extracurricular activities provides students with additional learning opportunities and encourages their personal development.
• Organizing book drives or establishing libraries in underserved areas promotes literacy and access to knowledge.

3. Healthcare and Humanitarian Efforts:

• Volunteering at hospitals or nursing homes offers comfort and companionship to patients, particularly the elderly or those facing challenging medical conditions.
• Participating in medical mission trips allows healthcare professionals to provide essential medical services to underserved populations around the world.
• Raising funds for medical research or supporting organizations that provide aid during natural disasters or humanitarian crises can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected.

4. Environmental Conservation:

• Engaging in tree planting initiatives or joining environmental advocacy groups helps protect and restore ecosystems, combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
• Volunteering for beach clean-ups or participating in recycling programs contributes to the preservation of our natural resources and promotes sustainable practices.
• Supporting wildlife conservation projects or volunteering at animal shelters helps safeguard the welfare of endangered species and promotes responsible pet ownership.

In conclusion, volunteer work encompasses a wide range of opportunities that enable individuals to give back to their communities and make a positive impact on various causes. By actively participating in volunteer activities, individuals can create lasting change, promote social justice, and foster a sense of empathy and compassion towards others. It is through these selfless acts that we can collectively build a better world for everyone.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog and read our article on examples of volunteer work. We hope that you have found the information provided useful and insightful. Volunteer work is a truly rewarding experience that not only benefits those in need but also enriches the lives of the volunteers themselves. In this essay, we have discussed three inspiring examples of volunteer work that showcase the positive impact it can have on both individuals and communities.

Firstly, we explored the story of Sarah, a young college student who dedicated her time and skills to volunteering at a local animal shelter. Through her commitment and compassion, she not only helped provide care for abandoned animals but also contributed to finding them loving forever homes. Sarah’s selflessness and dedication serve as an inspiration for others to consider how they too can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

Next, we delved into the remarkable work of Michael, a retired teacher who decided to utilize his expertise in education by volunteering at a local literacy program. By assisting adults in improving their reading and writing skills, Michael empowered them to pursue new opportunities and achieve personal growth. His story highlights the transformative power of volunteer work and demonstrates how individuals can use their unique talents to create positive change in their communities.

Lastly, we shared the story of Maria, a healthcare professional who embarked on a medical mission to a remote village in a developing country. Through her efforts, she provided much-needed medical care and education to the underserved population, improving their overall health and well-being. Maria’s incredible journey showcases the importance of volunteer work in addressing global health disparities and emphasizes the role that individuals from various professions can play in making a lasting impact.

We hope that these examples have inspired you to consider engaging in volunteer work or to continue your existing volunteer efforts. By giving back to your community, you have the opportunity to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it is through helping animals, teaching, or providing healthcare, every act of volunteerism matters. So, let us join hands and work together to build a better world through our collective efforts as volunteers.

Thank you once again for visiting our blog and we encourage you to explore other articles on our site that delve further into the wonderful world of volunteer work. Together, let us strive to make a meaningful impact and spread kindness wherever we go.

Here are some common questions that people ask about examples of volunteer work essays:

• What are some examples of volunteer work that I can include in my essay?

When writing an essay about volunteer work, it’s important to choose examples that showcase your commitment, skills, and impact. Some examples you can consider including are:

• Tutoring children in underserved communities
• Volunteering at a local animal shelter
• Assisting with disaster relief efforts
• Working at a food bank or soup kitchen
• Participating in environmental clean-up projects
• Mentoring at-risk youth
• How can I demonstrate the significance of my volunteer work in my essay?

To highlight the significance of your volunteer work in your essay, you can:

• Describe the positive impact your volunteer work has had on individuals or communities
• Share any leadership roles or responsibilities you’ve taken on during your volunteer experiences
• Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them
• Explain how your volunteer work aligns with your personal values and long-term goals
• Include any recognition or awards you’ve received for your volunteer efforts
• Can I discuss volunteer work that I did outside of my local community?

Absolutely! You can discuss volunteer work that you did outside of your local community in your essay. In fact, sharing experiences from different regions or countries can showcase your global perspective and cultural awareness. Be sure to explain the context and significance of your volunteer work in these different locations.

• How should I structure my essay when discussing my volunteer work?

When structuring your essay, consider using the following format:

• Introduction: Provide a brief overview of your volunteer work and its importance to you
• Main Body: Describe specific examples of your volunteer work, including the organization or project you were involved in, the tasks you performed, and the impact you made
• Conclusion: Summarize the key lessons learned from your volunteer experiences and how they have shaped your personal growth and future aspirations

Remember to use a professional voice and tone throughout your essay, showcasing your dedication and passion for volunteer work.

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Last updated June 13, 2023

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Blog > Application Strategy , Common App , Personal Statement > 4 Questions to Ask Before Writing a College Essay About Volunteering

4 Questions to Ask Before Writing a College Essay About Volunteering

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Alex McNeil, MA Admissions Consultant

Key Takeaway

You know that colleges are on the search for students who will be good community members, so writing about your volunteer work or community service probably seems like an obvious choice. But with a common topic like volunteering, it’s easy for your essay to fall flat.

If you’re thinking about writing your Common App essay about volunteering, you should consider asking yourself these five questions before making your final topic selection.

College Essays About Volunteering are Common

Let’s face it. Most high school students have done some kind of volunteer work. Many high schools even require students to complete volunteer hours before they can graduate.

Community service + college essay = home run, right?

Well, not necessarily.

Because volunteering is such a common experience, it’s not a particularly unique topic to write your college essay about. We explain in our guide to college essays that you don’t have to write about a unique topic to write a great college essay. But if you choose one of the really common topics—which volunteering is—then you’ll have a more challenging time writing an essay that stands out.

Questions to Ask Yourself

So, is volunteering the right topic for you? The following four questions will help you decide.

1. Is the experience I’m writing about one that genuinely changed my life in a tangible way that can be explained with specific examples?

The volunteer experience you write about shouldn’t be one-off or surface-level. If it’s important enough to write your college essay on, then it should have deeply impacted you.

You should also be able to draw out salient stories or examples.

2. Am I passionate about continuing to devote my time to this cause in the future?

A “yes” to this question ensures that you’re crafting a good cohesive application narrative . The cause you’re volunteering for should be one you’re passionate about.

3. Is this the best story I have to tell, and is it the one that will say the most about me to an admissions committee?

When coming up with a college essay topic, it’s always important to ask this question. If you have another topic that would better explain who you are and why to an admissions committee, then it’s worth re-considering.

4. Is the story I want to tell one that I can and should center myself in?

Finally, this last question is an important one. Sometimes college essays about volunteering come across as inauthentic when the writer comes in to save the day. Other essays focus too much on others or inappropriately center the writer. Make sure your volunteering experience lends itself to a personal statement.

If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then write on! If the answer to any of these questions is no, then consider alternative topics .

Good College Essays about Volunteering

Okay, with those questions out of the way, let’s take a look at two ways college essays about volunteering can stand out.

Passion and Community Fit

Community fit is why most applicants write about volunteering in the first place. You want to show admissions officers that you’re a good person who knows how to engage with your community. What better way to do that than by showing them your tangible actions?

When your volunteer experience speaks to a part of your application narrative , then it can work to strengthen how an admissions officer understands who you are.

Let’s say you’re an aspiring elementary education major who was deeply impacted by your volunteer work tutoring a second grader in your school’s mentorship program. Awesome! Your volunteer work aligns with a clear passion, and it makes sense in the broader scope of your application.

Or maybe you’re applying to a computer science program and volunteered your time to create a website for your local food bank. Amazing—an admissions officer will clearly see how your volunteer work coheres with your values and academic goals.

Exceptional Accomplishment

The other great reason to write about your volunteer work is if you have a related outstanding accomplishment. Remember: the key to writing about your extracurricular activities is showing your magnitude, reach, and impact . If you’ve had a significant effect on others through volunteering, then it can be a great way to show admissions officers the extent of your involvement.

So what might magnitude, reach, or impact in volunteering look like? Maybe you raised thousands of dollars for an organization. Maybe it was even an organization that you started. Or perhaps you spearheaded a massive initiative, coordinated hundreds of volunteers, or designed a new way of helping others. Maybe your work made it to the local or national media, or maybe you were awarded a leadership position for your efforts.

Tangible, actionable, and quantifiable accomplishments that go beyond the four walls of your school can help you stand out to the admissions committee.

Key Takeaways

At best, essays about volunteering can showcase your passion, compassion, and community fit for an institution. But they can also be generic essays that get lost in the crowd. At worst, they can be reductive in how they discuss complex social issues.

Writing about volunteering will be in your best interest when it is a core part of your application narrative or it demonstrates exceptional reach, magnitude, or impact. Otherwise, try brainstorming other college essay topics .

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Essays on Volunteering

Volunteering essay may define volunteering as selfless work aimed to provide social assistance in order to help the disabled, elderly, homeless, poor people, and other persons who find themselves in difficult life situations and require help. Nowadays volunteering is getting popular and widespread because a huge number of people around the world need help and support, so essays on volunteering are multiplying too. Volunteers willingly share their time, energy, contribute skills and knowledge to help other people or the environment without any material benefit, and volunteering essays acknowledge their contribution to society. Essays note that volunteering performs moral education, supports the revival of fundamental values, such as citizenship, mercy, justice, humanity, selflessness, etc. We provide volunteering essay samples so you could learn more about volunteering – the best essay samples await you below!

Huddersfield Samaritans Huddersfield Samaritans is a group of volunteers who have helped people in need for more than 45 years. The group started its operations in 1968 at its branch that is located on Trinity Street. Today, the group operates from its centre in Huddersfield offering education and training to the...

Words: 1248

What could be better than giving your time to a neighborhood nonprofit? Young people are eager to attend networking events held in bars and restaurants, I've lately discovered. A young person's goal might not always be to set aside time to take part in a volunteer project at their local...

Words: 1014

I have been invited to participate in a research study titled: This study is being carried out by, who may be reached at: I realize that my participation is entirely voluntary, and that I may refuse to participate or withdraw at any moment without explanation or punishment. In addition, I have...

I volunteered at Fair Acres Nursing Center in practically every capacity. I participated in the ever-popular bingo games. I decorated nursing home units. In the company of other volunteers, nurses and visitors invited to parties provided aid and amusement. I was part of a team that led discussion sessions and...

The Use of Scratch Cards for Fundraising The bulk of sports clubs can only operate with a limited budget. As a result, clubs have long investigated numerous strategies to collect funds, ranging from ticket promotions to selling children's merchandise. Scratch card promotion and crowdfunding are two of the most effective ways...

Words: 1163

Volunteering is defined as any activity in which a person donates his time to assist another individual, a group, or a cause (Wilson 2000, p. 215). These are those who volunteer their time and effort for the benefit of others in the community. The basic characteristic of volunteering...

Words: 1768

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The DR Enterprises and its Impact on the Community The DR Enterprises has a history of making a difference in the city's residents' lives through donations and volunteer work. The management does not anticipate changes in the giving culture, which has shown to be advantageous to the business and the community....

Learning Activity #1 My best suit is my leadership experience. My willingness to get along with people from various cultures and ethnicities has fueled my drive to succeed in extracurricular events at school and where I have volunteered. I discovered that this ability is critical for high-performing teams, especially those in...

Reasons for Volunteering Because of many rationales, I volunteer, both based on the revolving motto of promoting the values of service as a cornerstone of a worthwhile enterprise and particularly encouraging and promoting the growth of acquaintances as an opportunity for service. In addition, in business and proper work ethics, I...

The Importance of Including College Students in Volunteer Activities The essay entitled Serve or Fail by Dave Eggers illustrates the importance of including college students in volunteer activities and still on campus. Concerns about Time Off Much of the time, the final weeks at the campus are the safest for a lot of...

It is not possible to stress enough the need to be interested in a volunteering experience. There are quite a lot of advantages that accrue to both the user and even many other individuals just from a person who wishes to volunteer within the community. I was still at that...

Volunteering and its Benefits Volunteering is an activity of non-profit, voluntary and mission groups or the community (Centre For Volunteering, n.d). Volunteers support a safe and dynamic group. They work together. The group as well as the individual benefit from volunteering. Increased relations between people build a sense of social engagement...

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86 Volunteering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best volunteering topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on volunteering, ❓ research questions about volunteering.

• Volunteering as Extracurricular Activity Today, I am firmly sure that it is a healthy and refreshing experience to be able to participate in extracurricular activities which Thayer Academy offers me as a student and member of the American society.
• Volunteer Tourism The main motivation of this kind of tourism is to volunteer in working for the host community as the tourists learn more about their culture and other things. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Volunteering and Its Numerous Benefits for the Elderly It can be an essential component of their socialization and improvement of the self-esteem for older people, for the strengthening of their physical and mental health and stress-resistance.
• Afya Hospital’s Recruitment of Volunteers One of the processes that need improvement in Afya Hospital is the management of the recruitment of volunteers. The third objective is to streamline the process of empowering volunteers to perform well in the hospital.
• The Food Forward Organization’s Volunteer Management In such a way, the involvement of fully paid employees might change the balance within the company and require reconsidering the approach to working with employees and encouraging them.
• Nursing Volunteering in Vietnam Vietnam, as a low-income country, needs the help of volunteer nurses to offer their skills and services by assisting medical staff in the city’s centers and other places where residents need medical care.
• The Volunteering Impact on Communities As for me, I feel that if I become a volunteer in the nearest future, I will not have enough time to recover from my studies and work, so my contribution will be negligible.
• The Commonpoint Queens Agency’s Volunteer Programs The goal of the agency is to provide social services to the people of Queens and other New York city residents: from mental health counselling to various classes and resources to live.
• Prosocial Behavior, Volunteering, and Donation Nevertheless, it is vital to understand that prosocial behavior is a fundamental factor in contributing to the upbringing of responsible and responsive future generations of the nation, which makes the given subject crucial for discussion.
• “Problems Recruiting Volunteers” by Hager & Brudney As the authors of the article state, “motivation to volunteer is the individual question; recruitment of those volunteers is the organizational one”.
• Annie Wilkinson on Medical Volunteer Profession Annie says that the main meta-task of a volunteer is to always be ready for the fact that their help is needed, the volunteer needs to be psychologically ready all the time.
• Volunteer Management Practices and Retention of Volunteers Volunteer management is the process of choosing and incorporating volunteers into an organization and ensuring that they perform.
• LIFEbeat: Recruiting and Training Volunteers The preventive interventions in the form of talks are supposed to help young people resist negative influences, the urge, and potential pressure to participate in risky behaviors.”Touring, Talking, and Taking Action” is the slogan that […]
• Volunteer Foundation (US-Washington-Olympia) Analysis The foundation will build a home for the elderly people in the society and provide care for them. The foundation will need to use both the in-house managers and external managers for efficient utilization of […]
• Non-Profit Organization: Donors and Volunteers If this method is adopted by a non-profit organization it will them regularly when making decisions to establish the donors and volunteers and prospects to retain and acquire, the donors and volunteers.
• Medical Lab Volunteer: Analysis of Numerous Data It discusses the history and future of the profession of medical laboratory technologists, determines the core activities of the placement and considers the entry into the profession and relevant regulations of the governing body.
• Social Volunteering With Autistic Adults Because I was able to see the courage and strength of people diagnosed with autism and how they value the time they have on this Earth, I recognized how important it was to be open […]
• Volunteer Group Event for Homeless Children Such children will be the pillars of the future generation and hence it becomes a duty for each of us to contribute in making the lives of deprived children better.
• Volunteers in Corporate America The spectrum of theoretical support for the benefits of this type of corporate philanthropy span identification, exchange, social capital, and commitment theories.
• Corporate Volunteer Programs and Their Value Volunteer work affords them the opportunity to indulge in expressing these passions as a way of increasing their general happiness and spiritual fulfillment.
• Corporate Volunteer Programs to Motivate Employees A number of advantages come benefits exist to the employees being used to these programs hence leading to the attraction of the scheme to the employee in action and those that would wish to participate.
• Corporate Volunteer Programs for Employees The employees will show expertise in their work therefore will be able to bring the special knowledge of the community back into the company thus will be helpful in strategizing or drawing a future plan […]
• Corporate Volunteer Programs: Benefits and Challenges Moreover, we should say that such phenomena as volunteer programs could be mutually advantageous, not only to the community but also to the company, which is of the utmost importance.
• How Safe Are Your Kids With Volunteer Coaches? The volunteer coach helps the younger boys with their sports, or he may, more or less automatically, come to the charge of a house or form team, or he may by the same token find […]
• Medical Rovers: Group of Volunteers for Medical Studies I am told that it will take a few months for the experiment results to be properly sorted out and analyzed.
• HR in Event Management: Role of Volunteers Kim and Cuskelly assume that the key purpose of the volunteers is to accompany the athletes, referees and guests of the championship, assist them in hotels, the airport and arena.
• How Volunteers Improve Teaching in Host Countries In order to enable local teachers to use my example in their practice, it would be useful to explain the rationale for specific actions and activities.
• Gender in Peace Corps Volunteers’ Work People from the local culture can be a valuable source of knowledge about gender norms and traditions that affect their society.
• Peace Corps Volunteer’s Behavior Adjustment Issues Integration occurs when a person generates sufficient knowledge about local culture and customs, which enables them to become a part of the school and the local community.
• Australian Volunteers International: Public Relations The intention of this proposal is to endorse a conservation volunteer campaign that is aimed at reducing the pollution levels in China, which is among the countries that have high levels of environmental degradation in […]
• Parent Volunteering in the Early Education Centers The essence of this practice is to make children aware of the colour palette and some of its peculiarities in the process of drawing and make sure all children learn to perform the task accurately […]
• Video Volunteers’ Interventions Against Poverty The project of allowing people from poor communities to produce movies plays a significant role in solving the problems encountered in diverse poor communities.
• Biochemistry and Volunteer Work In particular, I was the volunteer at ophthalmology center to work with patients and learn more about physiology and biochemistry of the eye and its parts.
• Volunteering: Troubled Teenagers and Healthy Community I would get experience in guiding young people and making them a part of something bigger. I would try to show the kids the other way out, and they would make me a better person.
• Volunteering Effects on Happiness Taking that into consideration, it is necessary to pay an increased attention to the effect that volunteering and all the people connected to it produce on representatives of one of the social groups whose opportunities […]
• Public Service and Volunteers in American Society There is also need for the people to volunteer serving and providing security especially in the overlooked regions of the country.
• Volunteering Phenomenon, Definitions and Benefits Volunteering is significant in making the lives of people better. Volunteering in a particular community brings many benefits to all residents of the area.
• Volunteers Recruitment and Managment Volunteers can be recruited using several methods, including making contacts to the local volunteer center, making use of existing volunteers in the organization, advertising the positions in the media, and announcing the vacancies in the […]
• Volunteering Portfolio: Methodist Church of Britain The volunteers also have something to gain from the act; a volunteer is able to view life from positive perspective, they are able to gain experience in their areas of careers, especially college students and […]
• The Culture of Volunteering in Saudi Arabia In most parts of the world, volunteering is often considered as one of the ways that people give back to the community without the need to provide material or financial aid.
• The Online University Broadcasting Station: Rewarding Volunteers These limitations are the major factors that have led to the recruitment of volunteers in the station. The provision of adequate resources to the volunteers facilitates the activities assigned to them by the organization.
• Ralston Valley Volunteer Fire Department Case The intended promotion should therefore convince these people that there is need to take part in the program and become volunteer firefighters for the common good of the community in times of emergencies.
• Volunteer Tourism: Factors and Contributions Contribution of volunteer tourism to the society According to Domingues and Nojd, most studies on volunteer tourism focus on the personal experiences of volunteer tourism.
• Volunteer Tourism Development According to Broad, the concept of volunteer tourism can only be understood better when it is comprehended from the perspective of the destination of the tourism; the local communities.
• Leadership, Reward Systems, and Training in Volunteering This paper will analyze the causes of understaffing and the importance of compatible leadership styles for efficient management and motivation of volunteers at the broadcasting station of the Online University.
• How We Can Attract Higher Quality Volunteers The reason behind this is connected to the concept of “quality staffing” which is defined by having volunteers that have the capacity to take the initiative to resolve issues, are able to follow instructions promptly, […]
• Volunteering at the Institute for Information Management The Institute for Information Management has worked tirelessly to gain relevance as one of the leading organisations that brings together users of information management systems and the providers of the enabling technologies in a forum […]
• The Development of Volunteer Tourism and Inter-Cultural Exchanges The growth of volunteer tourism product in the market place is as a result of other emerging organizations offering the same services, but indirectly digging from the pockets of the people in the societies.
• Ethical Dilemma: Participation in Volunteer Activities Even though Carolyn Clark was forced by her boss to volunteer her services to the charity program, she ought to realize that there is a need to help the needy in society.
• The Meta-Analyses of Volunteer Tutoring Programmes The review of meta-analysis seeks to establish the effectiveness of volunteer teaching programmes that aim to enhance the academic skills of student in public schools of the United States.
• Management in Agency Volunteer Services The government was ready to work side-by-side with the organization; therefore, AVS had to change its operation strategies to fit the new needs of the bureau.”International Year of Volunteers” The NGO also faced new challenges […]
• Volunteering in Leisure Sector The review shows that individuals are motivated due to the benefits that come with volunteering in the sector and the nature of the activity.
• Volunteer Management Process It safeguards the interests of the volunteers and fortifies the integrity of the organization. The organization should also provide activities that enable the volunteers to enjoy themselves and relieve the pressures of their tasks, for […]
• Volunteering for Horizon House: Homeless Neighbours’ Motivation to Find Jobs To understand and analyze the role of the center in changing the homeless neighbours’ life for better, it is appropriate to focus on the center’s assistance in employing neighbours and developing their job skills with […]
• When the Time to Grow Into a Professional Comes: Trying Out as a Volunteer in a Charity Shop. Experience and Lessons Learned History and background, intentions and hopes It the help of the SMART framework, the experience at the North London Hospice is going to be assessed.
• A Brave Black Regiment: History of the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry Regiment The black soldiers of the 54th and in other units played a crucial role in helping the union achieve victory in the war.
• How Does Fundraising Affect Volunteering?
• What Is the Social Impact of Volunteering?
• How Did Immigration Reduce Volunteering in the USA?
• Why Is Volunteering a Good Habit?
• How Can Volunteering Improve the Individual and Social Life of the Elderly?
• What Are Global Standards for Volunteering for Development?
• Can Volunteering Be Considered a Career?
• What Are the Main Principles of Volunteering?
• Does Volunteering Increase Happiness?
• What Is the Intrinsic Value of Volunteering?
• How Does Volunteering Impact the Organization?
• Why Is Volunteering Important to Society?
• Can Volunteering Help With Depression?
• Which Country Has the Most Volunteering?
• Does Volunteering Improve the Psychosocial Well-Being of Volunteers?
• What Is the Nature of Volunteering?
• Is Volunteering Good for Mental Health?
• How Did COVID-19 Change Volunteering?
• What Are the Ways in Which Volunteering Can Benefit the Life of a Volunteer?
• Why Is Empathy Important in Volunteering?
• How Does Volunteering Improve Well-Being?
• What Is the Philosophy of Volunteering?
• Is Volunteering a Form of Altruism?
• What Are the Pros and Cons of Volunteering?
• Why Is Volunteering in Developing Countries Important?
• Does Volunteering Play a Vital Role in the Country’s Development?
• How Can Volunteering Help Improve the Quality of Life of Others?
• What Is the Importance of Promoting the Culture of Volunteering?
• How Has Volunteering Changed the World?
• When Did International Volunteering Begin in Australia?
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A Manual For Composing A Persuasive Essay On Volunteering

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding experience that individuals can have. There have been countless studies to show that volunteers are happier and have better social networks than their peers. In addition to the immediate personal benefit, volunteering has a way of changing lives and helping the community. When writing a persuasive essay on this topic, students can use the personal, societal and physiological impact of volunteering.

Follow a Volunteer

If the teacher allows it, students should spend a day volunteering somewhere. They can ask fellow volunteers for their story and learn why different people volunteer. In addition, students should talk to the people affected by the volunteer organization. By using these personal stories, students can improve the quality and emotional impact of their persuasive essay.

Pick an Argument and Support It

The entire goal of a persuasive essay is to argue a point. Students can choose a basic argument about the benefits or drawbacks of volunteering. For a more unique topic, students can pick a specific issue and argue how that issue needs volunteers. As the student writes, they can use statistics and other information to support their cause. Many organizations will publish statistics about the impact that they have on the community. By looking at these statistics, students can get high-quality research for their paper.

Build an Outline

Once the student has finished researching their paper, they need to create an outline. This outline should include a thesis statement, introduction and a conclusion. In the ensuing space, students should write out a topic sentence for every paragraph. Beneath the topic sentence, the student should write down the research that they will use to support their point. Some students prefer to write the outline on sticky notes because this allows them to move and adjust the order of the paragraphs easily. Although this is a great technique, students only need to do it if they feel like it is necessary.

Time to Write

One of the hardest parts of writing about volunteering is the actual writing. Many students get writers' block whenever they start to work. An outline can help to prevent this by letting students know exactly what they will cover in the next part of the paper. Students can also try setting daily goals for their assignment. By writing just a few hundred words every day, students can break up a long, difficult task into manageable pieces.

August 1, 2022

How To Share Your Volunteer Experience With Colleges & Scholarship Officials

Written by: Paige Mast

Volunteering is an essential factor that helps you stand out on college and scholarship applications. 

Volunteering helps you learn so many different things like teamwork, leadership, and compassion. Plus, you’re not just “learning” these things when you’re volunteering — you’re BECOMING these things! Articulating your personal development through volunteering is a great way to stand out in a sea of applications.

It is important to remember that volunteering is not just about the hours; it is also the experience. When you use the Givefinity app, you can enter all your stories, experiences, and hours to easily create a compelling Volunteer Report! 

Why is volunteering important for college applications?

This Tik Tok from Collegewise discusses why volunteering is important for juniors and seniors in high school, as well as current college students. 

In this video, she says, “Colleges aren’t impressed by how many hours you’re volunteering.” At first, that was puzzling to hear! Sure, the amount of time spent volunteering is important… but what is most important is why you spent that time volunteering. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself when volunteering:

• What is the backstory? Why did you decide to volunteer in that specific area?
• How much did this experience impact you? Others?
• WHY was it so impactful?

Keep these questions in mind when you apply for colleges and scholarships. Remember, it is about what you experienced, not how many hours you worked. 

How to write about your volunteer experience for college

College applications are a crucial point in your college career — the beginning! 

When applying to your chosen college, you need to know a lot of information. More than the number of hours, you’ll need to know specific details about your volunteering activities. Whenever you are at a volunteer activity be sure to take pictures, journal, or even capture videos. The Givefinity app is helpful with this because you can log all of the information needed into the app! 

When colleges look at your documents, they do not want to read that you just volunteered and that was it. They want to know who, what, where, and how:

• Who did you volunteer with? Did you go with others? Who made you decide this was an experience you wanted? Who did you meet? Who impacted you the most?
• What did you do? What did you learn? What do you wish you could do more of? 
• Where did you go? Where else can you volunteer?
• How did you find this volunteering organization or opportunity? How did you feel before and after? How did this affect you in the short term and long term? 

It is important to remember to tell a story about how it was not a “me experience” but a “them experience” (this is why we love our Givefinity hashtag # BetterMeBetterWe ). Although your volunteer experiences have to do with YOU, it is mainly about what you did for OTHERS. 

Don’t forget: this is a mutual experience for both you and the people impacted by your efforts. Share how your volunteer work is helping others, as well as how you learned and developed personally. 

Tips for writing about volunteering

When you sit down to write your essays, look back at pictures, videos, and notes you captured over the years. It can be hard to remember details when you’ve been volunteering with several organizations over a long period of time. 

The Givefinity app will help ease that difficulty when writing! When using the app, you can put those pictures and notes right into your volunteer hour log.

As you walk down volunteer-memory-lane and look for essay inspiration, here are our top tips:

• Share what you felt at a specific moment. Sentimental details are crucial! It never hurts to write about a moment you felt was tender when volunteering. 
• All volunteer work is important, no matter how small! Any experience could be significant enough to mention, even if it seems like a blip on your volunteering report. However, if it is a shorter experience, be sure to emphasize why it is important. 
• Make a connection to your volunteer work and desired area of study. Tell a story that shows how your volunteer efforts have helped you hone in on something you love! Even if a volunteer opportunity does not align with your work, major, minor, etc., perhaps you still learned something that helped you on your journey. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help! When you write essays, it is important to ask for help. Submitting an essay to a scholarship or college application representative means you should be entering your best work. Always solicit feedback and criticism on your essay from peers, parents, teachers, and others.

What to emphasize when writing your essay

It is important to remember some of these important points when writing an essay, such as:

• The name of the organization
• How often or when did you volunteer with them? Was it per day, week, or month? How many hours did you volunteer?
• Why do you volunteer with them? What made you choose that organization? 
• Is this for school, work, etc.?
• Did you take any leadership roles?

If you already know your major and are volunteering before college, try to align the volunteer work with that major. It is also important to mention any learning opportunities and what you’ve already gained through that experience. 

How to share your volunteering experience with college or scholarship officials

In this day and age, it is easy to find any kind of scholarship. You can even get a scholarship or money by making a prom outfit out of duct tape! So, with volunteering, be sure to choose activities that help you stand out. 

When looking for scholarships, it is as simple as searching for “scholarships for volunteering”. Many common applications ask on the application about any activities done, like volunteering! Remember to put down experience that lines up with your potential degree first.

The Givefinity app is helpful when sharing volunteering experiences. When you use the app, you can share these volunteering hours with yourself or others of importance. So make your life a little easier — download the Givefinity app today and get ahead of the ball on tracking your volunteer hours!

Paige Mast is the author of the Some Random Gal blog and is currently a student at Middle Tennessee State University. Check out her blog to learn about college & life lessons through her eyes.

Read More Articles & Resources from Givefinity

Celebrating National Volunteer Month: The Power of Giving Back

In April, we come together to celebrate National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the globe. This month-long observance serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action and the profound impact individuals can make when they lend a helping hand.

Commemorating International Women’s History Month: Celebrating Historical Women’s Volunteerism

As we commemorate Women’s History Month this March, we honor the countless influential females whose dedication to volunteering has left a mark on our country and the world. These remarkable women engaged in a variety of volunteer activities, ranging from providing essential healthcare services to advocating for pivotal social and political reforms.

Empowering Education: Unlocking Holistic Growth Through Student Volunteering and Service Learning

There is the transformative power of integrating volunteering and service learning into education, shaping students into compassionate and engaged citizens.

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Essay on Volunteer

Volunteering embodies the act of giving one’s time and skills to help others without expecting financial reward. It is a powerful expression of altruism, kindness, and social responsibility that nurtures community well-being and personal growth. This essay explores the multifaceted nature of volunteering, its benefits to individuals and communities, and its profound impact on fostering a cohesive and compassionate society.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving time and labour for community service. Many people volunteer to support causes they believe in, such as education, health care, environmental conservation, and social justice, among others. The essence of volunteering lies not in the act itself but in the intention behind it—a selfless desire to contribute to the betterment of society.

Personal Benefits of Volunteering

Personal growth and development.

Volunteering offers opportunities for individuals to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and enhance their personal growth. It fosters self-confidence, leadership abilities, and emotional intelligence by placing volunteers in diverse and challenging environments.

Health and Well-being

Engaging in volunteer work has been linked to improved mental and physical health. It reduces stress, combats depression, and provides a sense of purpose. The social interaction involved in volunteering also helps combat loneliness and isolation, contributing to overall well-being.

Enhancing Employability

Volunteering can enhance one’s resume by demonstrating commitment, teamwork, and the ability to manage various tasks. It provides practical experience and skills that are valuable in the job market, making volunteers more attractive to potential employers.

Community Benefits of Volunteering

Strengthening community bonds.

Volunteering plays a crucial role in building stronger, more resilient communities. It fosters social cohesion by bringing people together to work towards common goals, bridging gaps across diverse groups, and promoting mutual understanding and respect.

Supporting Essential Services

Many communities rely on volunteers to provide essential services, from disaster relief and environmental conservation to education and healthcare support. Volunteers fill gaps in services, ensuring that needs are met even when resources are scarce.

Promoting Civic Engagement

Volunteering encourages civic engagement by involving individuals in the governance and improvement of their communities. It empowers citizens to take an active role in shaping their environment and influencing policies that affect their lives.

The Global Impact of Volunteering

Volunteering has a significant global impact, addressing universal challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. International volunteer programs promote cultural exchange, enhance global cooperation, and contribute to sustainable development goals. Through these efforts, volunteering demonstrates its potential to foster global solidarity and peace.

• Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief: Volunteers often respond swiftly to natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises worldwide. Their efforts include providing emergency medical care, distributing food and supplies, and offering shelter to affected populations.
• Healthcare Services: Medical volunteers, including doctors, nurses, and public health professionals, contribute to global health initiatives. They offer vital healthcare services in underserved regions, combat disease outbreaks, and participate in vaccination campaigns.
• Education and Skill Development: Volunteers engage in educational programs worldwide, helping to improve literacy rates, teach vocational skills, and promote lifelong learning. Their work fosters economic development and empowers individuals and communities.
• Environmental Conservation: Volunteers are instrumental in conservation efforts, participating in reforestation, wildlife protection, and environmental cleanup projects. They contribute to the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity.
• Human Rights and Social Justice: Volunteers advocate for human rights, social justice, and equality on a global scale. They support marginalized communities, raise awareness of human rights abuses, and work to ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all.
• Disease Prevention and Awareness: Volunteers play a vital role in raising awareness about health issues and promoting disease prevention measures. They engage in campaigns to combat diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and COVID-19.
• Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution: Volunteering efforts contribute to peacebuilding and conflict resolution initiatives worldwide. Volunteers facilitate dialogue, reconciliation, and conflict resolution processes in regions affected by violence and instability.
• International Development: Volunteers collaborate with international organizations to support development projects in impoverished regions. Their work includes infrastructure development, capacity building, and sustainable agriculture programs.
• Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Volunteer exchange programs foster cultural understanding and diplomacy. Participants engage in cross-cultural experiences that promote mutual respect and global cooperation.
• Research and Innovation: Volunteers in various fields contribute to research and innovation efforts. They assist in scientific studies, data collection, and the development of solutions to global challenges, from climate change to public health.

Challenges in Volunteering

Despite its benefits, volunteering faces challenges, including resource constraints, burnout, and lack of recognition. Addressing these challenges requires structured support systems, adequate training, and efforts to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of volunteers.

The Ethical Dimensions of Volunteering

Ethical considerations are paramount in volunteering. It is essential to ensure that volunteer efforts do not inadvertently cause harm, perpetuate dependency, or disrespect local cultures and communities. Ethical volunteering emphasizes empowerment, sustainability, and respect for the rights and dignity of those being served.

The Future of Volunteering

The future of volunteering is shaped by trends such as digitalization, which expands opportunities for virtual volunteering, allowing individuals to contribute regardless of geographical limitations. As society evolves, so too will the ways in which people can volunteer, reflecting changing needs, technologies, and global dynamics.

In conclusion, Volunteering represents a profound expression of human empathy and solidarity. It offers a pathway to personal fulfillment, community resilience, and global cooperation. By dedicating their time and talents, volunteers play an indispensable role in creating a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world. As we look to the future, the spirit of volunteering will continue to be a vital force in addressing the challenges facing humanity, demonstrating that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact. For students participating in essay writing competitions, understanding and articulating the value of volunteering is not just an academic exercise but a reflection of their potential to contribute positively to society. In the end, volunteering is more than an activity; it is a commitment to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.

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Why I Want to Volunteer

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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Volunteering Essay

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Topic: From what frequent activity do you derive your joy? Why is this activity meaningful to you and how does it shape your perspective on life?

My Volunteer Experience

I personally enjoy helping people with other problem they have because I always try to picture myself in another person’s shoes. I don’t enjoy watching people suffer or being unable to do certain things because I feel that it is every human’s responsibility to help those who cannot help themselves. Knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s day by just providing my assistance is very important to me because I can help bring ease to people. Volunteering to help others is where I derive my greatest joy from.

In the past few years, my volunteering experiences has allowed me to gain new perspectives on life. For example, when I volunteered at my local hospital, Nassau University Medical Center, in the summer of 2014, I was able to realize why I was such a valuable asset to a hospital as a volunteer. When I originally signed up to volunteer at the hospital, it was because I had to meet a service requirement for my school’s honor society, the Scholar Service Institute. However, after my first week of volunteering, I started to develop a love for helping people.

I realized that in the hospital, volunteers are very much needed because a hospital is a community of people working together to ensure the lives of hundreds of people. In that community of the working people, you have people such as pharmacists, who work hard to make sure that every patient gets their correct medication. However, for the pharmacists to deliver that medication to the different floors of the hospital is very time-consuming, but as a volunteer I was able to ease their job by delivering the medications to all the different floors of the hospital. Reflecting on this experience still brings me joy because I was able to help imperative people of a hospital efficiently get their job done and help patients get better with proper medication.

Another experience of volunteering is the bake sale my friends and I organized on Valentine’s Day of 2016 for Make-A-Wish foundation. We held a bake sale at the parish of our school, St. Mary’s Church. I feel that this experience was one of the most joyful volunteering experiences I was able to have. I felt that my friends and I could aid children of terminal diseases such as Lymphoma by helping them to experience some joy in their life. With the help of the funds of the $334 we raised at our bake sale, Make-A-Wish was able to grant the wishes of these ill children.

Whenever I volunteer, I never think of the personal benefits I will get. I always consider how others will benefit from my assistance. The pleasure of knowing that my assistance in the lives of others can make a difference is all the convincing I need to get out and volunteer.

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Essay on Volunteering Is Its Own Reward

Students are often asked to write an essay on Volunteering Is Its Own Reward in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Volunteering Is Its Own Reward

What is volunteering.

Volunteering means helping others without expecting anything in return. It’s when you give your time to help people, animals, or the environment. This can include many activities like cleaning a park, teaching kids, or helping at an animal shelter.

Feeling Good

When you volunteer, you feel happy. This happiness comes from knowing you’ve done something good for others. It’s a special kind of joy that you can’t buy with money.

Learning and Growing

Volunteering lets you learn new things and meet new people. You might learn how to work in a team or improve your communication skills. These are important skills that can help you in school and in life.

Making a Difference

Even small acts of volunteering can make a big difference. When you help others, you make the world a better place. It’s like planting seeds of kindness that grow into something beautiful.

Volunteering is truly its own reward because it makes you feel good, helps you learn and grow, and lets you make a difference in the world.

250 Words Essay on Volunteering Is Its Own Reward

Volunteering: an act of selflessness.

Volunteering is a selfless act that benefits not only the recipient of the service but also the volunteer. When you volunteer, you give your time, energy, and skills to a cause you care about, thereby making a positive impact on your community.

The Joy of Giving

One of the most satisfying feelings in life is knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life. When you volunteer, you are not only helping others, but you are also enriching your own life. The joy of giving is a powerful motivator that keeps volunteers coming back for more.

Building Connections and Community

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and connect with your community. When you volunteer, you meet people from all walks of life who share your passion for making a difference. This can lead to new friendships, mentorships, and even job opportunities.

Personal Growth and Development

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, develop your leadership abilities, and grow as a person. When you volunteer, you step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to try new things. This can lead to personal growth and development that will benefit you in all aspects of your life.

Volunteering is truly its own reward. When you volunteer, you not only make a difference in the lives of others, but you also enrich your life in many ways. So if you are looking for a way to give back to your community and make a difference, consider volunteering your time to a cause you care about.

500 Words Essay on Volunteering Is Its Own Reward

Volunteering is its own reward, finding fulfillment through service.

Volunteering is an act of selfless service that brings immense personal fulfillment. It is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the community while also enriching one’s own life. Volunteering offers numerous benefits, both tangible and intangible, that often outweigh any perceived sacrifices.

The Joy of Giving Back

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the sheer joy of giving back to society. Helping others in need, whether it be through mentoring at-risk youth, providing meals to the homeless, or assisting at a local animal shelter, can create a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction. The knowledge that one’s actions are making a difference in the lives of others is an incredibly powerful motivator.

Expanding Horizons and Skills

Volunteering often takes us outside our comfort zones and exposes us to new experiences and perspectives. Working with diverse groups of people and tackling challenging tasks can help us develop new skills, enhance our empathy, and broaden our understanding of the world around us. These newfound abilities and insights can benefit us both personally and professionally.

Building Connections and Camaraderie

Volunteering provides an excellent platform for building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals who share our passion for making a difference. Collaborating on projects and working towards common goals can foster camaraderie, support, and lifelong friendships. The social bonds formed through volunteering can extend beyond the volunteer setting, enriching our personal lives and creating a sense of belonging.

Volunteering challenges us to step outside our comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and develop our potential. It provides opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and reflection. Through volunteering, we learn more about ourselves, our strengths, and our weaknesses. We also develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. These qualities can have a lasting impact on our personal and professional lives.

In conclusion, volunteering is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that offers a multitude of benefits. From the joy of giving back to the community to the opportunities for personal growth and development, volunteering enriches our lives in countless ways. It is a gift that keeps on giving, leaving us with a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and connection that far outweighs any perceived sacrifices.

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Each evening in her tent, researcher Jane Goodall would write up data from her field notebooks, recounting the chimpanzee behavior she observed that day. Immerse yourself in a replica of Jane’s research camp at “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall,” an exhibition organized by National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute. The exhibition is open at the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT from December 7, 2023 through May 27, 2024. Photo by Hugo Van Lawick, Jane Goodall Institute

Murray 7th Grade Student Wins Opportunity to Meet Dr. Jane Goodall

Lily Peterson was selected as the winner of the “Inspired by Jane” Essay Contest  

SALT LAKE CITY, April 1, 2023 – On March 30, Lily Peterson, a Mountain Heights Academy 7th grader from Murray, Utah, was ushered backstage to meet her inspiration, the world-renowned Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace.  In the meeting, Peterson presented an issue she hopes to address in Utah, and Peterson then wished Goodall a happy 90 th birthday on April 3. This rare opportunity came about after the Utah student won an essay contest hosted by the Natural History Museum of Utah and its partners, the Jane Goodall Institute and my529 Utah’s Educational Savings Plan , 

As the winner of NHMU’s "Inspired by Jane" Essay Contest, Peterson’s essay, which highlights challenges faced by wild mustangs in the Mountain West, rose to the top of more than 280 submissions from 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in Utah who were asked to respond to the writing prompt: “Knowing all that Dr. Jane Goodall as accomplished in her life so far. tell us what positive impact you hope to make in the world by your 90th birthday.” 

“The Natural History Museum of Utah congratulates Lily Peterson for her outstanding accomplishment and wishes her continued success in her academic and professional endeavors,” said Dr. Jason Cryan, The Sarah B. George Executive Director of NHMU. “Lily's passion and determination serve as an inspiration to her peers and the whole community, reminding us all of the power of youth in making a difference.” 

Peterson’s winning essay showcases her passion for veterinary science and her commitment to advocating for the well-being of mustangs in and around Utah. Her dedication is evident in her completion of an online class in equine welfare and management with UC Davis, a remarkable achievement for a student of her age. Peterson’s achievement in winning the "Inspired by Jane" Essay Contest is a testament to her exceptional talent in writing and critical thinking.  

“Being given the opportunity to meet Dr. Jane Goodall has been an incredible experience,” said Peterson. “I admire her because of all she has done as a scientist, conservationist, and activist. As an animal lover I am thankful that she has proven that animals have feelings and emotions too. I loved being able to talk with her one on one about her own childhood experience with horses. It was so special to meet someone who worked so hard to make their own big childhood dreams come true.  It is a moment I will never forget, and for which I am very thankful.” 

For her first-place prize, Lily traveled to Seattle, WA, on an all-expenses-paid trip to attend Goodall’s public lecture on March 30 and meet her after the event. In addition to this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Lily will also receive a $1,000 college savings certificate provided by my529, empowering her to continue her educational journey. my529 Utah’s Educational Savings Plan is designed to assist families, friends, and individuals in investing for a beneficiary’s future higher education. 

Goodall’s legacy in the fields of science and conservation are celebrated in Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall , a special exhibition open at the Natural History Museum of Utah until May 27, 2024. As featured in the exhibition, Goodall is now as famous for her work inspiring hope and action among the youth of the world, as she is for her groundbreaking research of wild chimpanzees.  

As the world wishes Goodall a 90 th birthday on April 3, NHMU is happy to celebrate her ongoing inspiration on the youth of the world, like Peterson and her own vision for change. 

Becoming Jane is free with the cost of admission to the Museum and always free to members. For tickets and more information about Becoming Jane , please visit: nhmu.utah.edu/jane.      

About the Natural History Museum of Utah    

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing almost 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year. 

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Lily Peterson and Dr. Jane Goodall Eliza Petersen

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NHMU to Open “Becoming Jane” an Immersive Multimedia Exhibition on the Legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall 

Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall is open at NHMU from December 7, 2023 - May 27, 2024 celebrating Dr. Goodall's legacy of science and conservation.