All who can should volunteer at least an hour per week to a good cause

Human Behaviour

Support this proposal

Adapt this proposal

17 Jan 2011

Volunteering not only helps the cause in question but also contributes to sustainability by building stronger communities and helping people to develop as individuals capable of sharing and learning.

The sustainability of human happiness is increasingly under threat from a sense of social disconnectedness. This growing insularity may be caused by the breakdown of extended family relationships, long working hours and long commutes, a focus on materialism, or the increased alienation of people living in large cities and apartment blocks. There is a direct correlation between social interest (an interest in others and being concerned about others) and happiness. Even better, kindness is self-multiplying and one kind action inspires another or can turn around the life of an individual forever.

Volunteering opportunities have advanced so much in the last few decades that there is something rewarding available for everyone. Whether you want to sit at home on your lap-top and help budding charities with graphic design, get muddy in a field building habitats for wildlife, or support children's learning in a local school, EVERYONE has something to give and EVERYONE has something to gain.

Volunteering at your local soup kitchen or with your local National Trust can help to re-build connections between diverse members of society and with our stunning natural world. It is also easy to have fun and make new friends in a volunteer environment. Nobody has anything to prove and the pressure that comes with a paid job is completely absent. You can learn about yourself, take on new challenges and build your confidence in the knowledge that you are choosing to do so.

If you live in the UK visit www.do-it.org to search for opportunities in your area. Many organisations will respond positively even if they aren't advertising for support. Local libraries are also good resources.

... I have never met a volunteer who has regretted their experience. So get off the sofa, get out there and make some change!