Make Happiness Happen and Be Happier: Reasons to Volunteer

August is Happiness Happens Month, a time to celebrate the little things that bring joy and happiness to our lives. For many people, giving back to others through volunteering can be a way to find happiness. Volunteering can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to our lives, helping us to feel happier and more fulfilled. Here are some of the many reasons to get off the couch and volunteer to improve your happiness.

Volunteering Helps You Feel Connected

One of the key benefits of volunteering is that it helps you feel connected to your community and to other people. When you volunteer, you're working alongside others who share your values and interests, and you're contributing to something larger than yourself. This sense of connection can be incredibly rewarding. Plus if you’re trying to make new connections, volunteering can be a great way to do that!

Volunteer and Board Member, Vicki Yang, "People are better together. By volunteering, we're able to lift communities and each other. Everyone needs support sometimes, and volunteering with Her Allies is my way of giving support to others where they need it most."

If you're interested in volunteering, there are many organizations that can help you get started. Her Allies, for example, is a non-profit organization that supports women who are looking to re-enter the workforce. They offer a range of volunteer opportunities, from mentoring to event planning, and can help you find a role that aligns with your skills and interests.

Volunteering Makes You Happier

Research shows that volunteering can have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being. According to a study in the Journal of Happiness Studies, people who volunteered reported higher levels of purpose and meaning, two key factors in overall happiness. When we give back to others, we experience a sense of purpose and meaning while also reducing feelings of isolation, which can lead to increased well-being. Research actually shows that volunteering can help reduce stress. One study found that people who volunteered had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, than those who did not volunteer.

“Her Allies is such a supportive community inviting us all to give, receive, and grow together. Kudos to the Her Allies leaders for creating this space. With it, we are all stronger,” said Melissa Burghardt, Advisor & Volunteer.

If you're interested in volunteering, there are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer at a local non-profit organization, participate in a community service project, or join a volunteer group or club. Her Allies, for example, offer a range of volunteer opportunities for women who are looking to make a difference in their community.

Volunteering Helps You Build New Skills

When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable experience that can help you in your personal and professional life. For example, if you volunteer as a mentor, you may develop your leadership and communication skills. If you volunteer as an event planner, you may develop your project management and organizational skills.

If you're interested in volunteering, look for opportunities that align with your interests and skills and that offer opportunities for growth and development. Volunteering can help you build new relationships and strengthen existing ones, which can have a positive impact on your mental health.

“Supporting Her Allies and the mission to provide women the resources they need to re-enter the workforce is a privilege and honor. Needing this resource myself several years ago, I think it is critical that all women have access to mentorship, guidance, resources, and support to have a successful re-entry and accomplish their professional goals,” said Lindsey Langley-Liboreiro, Advisor & Volunteer.

Volunteering Helps You Make a Difference

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is the sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing that you've made a difference in someone else's life. Whether you're volunteering at a food bank, cleaning up a park, or mentoring a young person, your contributions can have a tangible impact on the world around you. This can be incredibly fulfilling and can increase confidence, boost self-esteem and sense of self-worth. When you volunteer, you're contributing to something larger than yourself, helping to make your community better.

“Her Allies was a wonderful resource for me to connect with people and gain insights. I don't know if I'd have gotten the job I got as quickly as I did without Her Allies,” said Stephanie Pisani, a returner.

If you are considering getting involved as a volunteer, why not join Her Allies?

Get Involved with Her Allies

If you're interested in volunteering, join our Her Allies volunteer team.

Her Allies is a non-profit organization that supports women who are looking to re-enter the workforce after a career break of any length, including taking time off to care for their families. We offer a range of volunteer opportunities, including mentoring, event planning, and fundraising.

To get started, visit the Her Allies website and explore their volunteer opportunities. You can also follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on our latest news and events. With Her Allies, you can take the first steps toward a happier and more fulfilling life through volunteering.