In earlier generations, volunteering was not just encouraged—it was embedded in the fabric of growing up. Organisations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and the Red Cross were well-regarded pillars of civic responsibility. It was common for schools to dedicate specific days—often Thursdays—for students to leave early and participate in these activities. Volunteerism wasn’t considered optional; it was simply a way of life.
I was a proud member of the Red Cross, and the experiences I gained during that time helped shape my character and outlook. It’s disheartening to observe the growing apathy toward volunteerism today, particularly among young people from low- and middle-income backgrounds.
Yet, volunteering offers immense benefits—not just to the beneficiaries, but also to the volunteers and society as a whole. Some of the key advantages include:
Community Engagement: Volunteering strengthens the bond between individuals and their communities, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging.
Personal Development: Volunteers gain new skills, practical experience, and increased confidence.
Positive Social Impact: Whether through supporting the underprivileged, advancing social causes, or promoting sustainability, volunteers play a key role in driving positive change.
Networking Opportunities: Volunteer work often leads to valuable personal and professional connections.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Numerous studies have linked volunteering to reduced stress, improved mood, and a heightened sense of purpose.
Career Advancement: Many employers view volunteer experience as evidence of leadership, initiative, and a commitment to service.
Civic Responsibility: Volunteers model social responsibility and inspire others to give back.
Tangible Impact: From tackling poverty and improving education to supporting disaster relief, volunteers help address critical issues.
Sense of Accomplishment: Seeing the results of one’s contribution can be deeply fulfilling.
Democratic Participation: Volunteerism strengthens democratic values and contributes to national development.
However, socioeconomic realities often limit people’s capacity to volunteer. When families are struggling to meet basic needs, it’s understandable that unpaid service becomes a lower priority. The decline in volunteerism seems to have accelerated during the economic downturn of the 1990s. While there was a partial recovery in the early 2000s, the culture of volunteer service never fully bounced back. Today, as economic pressures resurface, many young people are priced out of participation by costs like uniforms, membership dues, or transportation.
Still, participating in community service remains one of the most rewarding ways to create a sense of purpose, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to societal progress.
Volunteering as a Pathway to Career Growth
If you’re trying to position yourself for new roles—especially early in your career—you don’t need to embellish your résumé. Start with the basics: learn foundational skills, build a presence in your area of interest, and most importantly, volunteer strategically.
One of the most effective ways to break into an industry is by creating proof of work. Volunteering allows you to demonstrate your skills and commitment, often leading to entry-level opportunities. Employers value determination and initiative, and volunteering communicates both.
My biggest lesson? Consistency beats talent every time. Many people give up too soon. Keep showing up, and eventually, your efforts will get noticed.
If you’re just getting started, don’t overthink it. Begin small. Volunteer if you must—because proof of work is gold.
That said, let’s be honest. Many young people volunteer in organisations for years, hoping it will lead to employment, sometimes without success. While volunteering builds experience, some organisations exploit it as a source of free labour. It’s important to stay mindful of the value of your time and look out for meaningful opportunities, not just placements that drain you without real growth.
Even compulsory service programs like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)—though not technically voluntary—offer valuable lessons. Despite its flaws, NYSC promotes national unity, team-building, cultural exposure, and skill development. These are precisely the types of experiences we need more of.
Organisations such as Junior Chamber International (JCI) and AIESEC continue to offer young people unique leadership and personal development opportunities through volunteer work. Similarly, internships—often unpaid or minimally compensated—can serve as critical stepping stones in a career. But for many from low-income backgrounds, unpaid work is a luxury they cannot afford. The lack of financial support, potential for exploitation, and absence of legal protection remain serious challenges.
Nonetheless, always be on the lookout for genuine opportunities for growth and learning, even when the compensation doesn’t meet your expectations.
In Conclusion
While the culture of volunteering has evolved, its core values remain essential. We must find ways to revive and sustain a spirit of volunteerism, adapting to current economic and social realities while preserving its transformational power. Volunteering is not just about giving time—it’s about building character, fostering unity, and making a lasting difference in the world around us.
OVIGHO RICHARD OKOJEVOH-CIEH.SMC.CEH.PMP.
Is a Scrum Master Certified, Project/Product Management & HSE Professional, and the Executive Secretary of the Society for Health, Safety, and Environmental Education