Volunteering: the Key to Individual and Community Change

Have you ever wondered how you can get involved and give back to your local community? Wesley Mission Queensland has the answer – volunteering.

Wesley Mission Queensland currently engages the assistance of over 1,500 volunteers per year, with each individual helping to make a real difference to the Queensland community. Whether it’s once a day, once a week, once a month or once off, volunteers undertake a diverse mix of activities that directly impact the lives of others. But volunteering isn’t only beneficial to those receiving the support, it also has great outcomes for the volunteer. 

Nicole Mujdrica, Wesley Mission Queensland’s Volunteer Relations Manager says people engaged in volunteering often experience individual growth and an increased sense of purpose.

“During my time as Volunteer Relations Manager, I’ve seen individuals widen their perspectives and accomplish outcomes they never thought were possible.

One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact it has on the community. Volunteers are often the backbone holding the community together, and volunteering gives them the opportunity to change the lives of people in need and to make the community a better place. However, volunteering can benefit the individual as much as the cause they choose to assist. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your networks, and boost your personal and professional skills.

While it is true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you will experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy week. Giving a small regular commitment to volunteering or even just being involved once off in a planned event can contribute to improving your health and happiness and make you feel like you have made a real contribution to society,” she said.

In an organisation as large as Wesley Mission Queensland, there is always a range of volunteering opportunities to get involved in, and Margaret Hogan, a volunteer at the Homework Club, a program run by the Multicultural Families Organisation in partnership with Wesley Mission Queensland and the Southport Library, encourages anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a go.

“I would suggest to anyone to just give it a try and find a role that suits you. There are so many organisations and causes in the community that need help; there’s always some way you can make a difference. I’ve been volunteering for 7 years and it’s brought so much fulfilment to my life."

Here are 5 reasons to get involved in volunteering today:

1. It increases your skillset

   If you’ve ever wanted to learn a new skill, volunteering at Wesley Mission Queensland is a great way to receive mentoring and guidance in a supportive and professional manner. Whether you want to learn how to hang an art exhibition, run an event, cook the perfect BBQ lunch, or create a great spreadsheet, volunteering provides the platform to reach your self-improvement goals.

2. You’ll get to know your local community

   By volunteering in your local community, you can gain a great insight into the matters and activities happening directly in your neighbourhood.

3. It’s a great way to make new friends and connections

   Is it possible to have too many friends? Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people in an environment where you have a common goal and purpose. It’s a social activity with a positive community outcome.

4. You’ll gain a new perspective

   In life we can often get into a routine, mixing with the same people and organisations on a day-to-day basis. By engaging in volunteering, you can gain a new perspective by interacting with people who have different life experience to you. Whether they are from a different generation, country or suburb, volunteering can be a great way to broaden your understanding and connection to society.

5. It’s good for your health
   Last but certainly not least, recent studies have shown that not only is volunteering good for your life, it’s also great for your health. In fact, people who engaged in at least 200 hours volunteer work per year decreased their likelihood of developing high blood pressure by up to 40 per cent.

Want to become a volunteer?

Wesley Mission Queensland are always looking for new volunteers and have a diverse range of volunteering roles available. To take a look at their current opportunities, please visit their volunteering page. 

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