Reasons to Volunteer
STUDENTS WHO VOLUNTEER WHILE IN COLLEGE ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE COMMITTED TO:
- their communities
- helping others in times of difficulty
- promoting racial and ethic understanding
- influencing social values
VOLUNTEERING ALSO INFLUENCES THE DEVELOPMENTS OF IMPORTANT LIFE SKILLS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES, INCLUDING:
- leadership skills and abilities
- social self-confidence
- critical thinking skills
- conflict resolution
FINALLY, VOLUNTEERING WHILE IN COLLEGE POSITIVELY AFFECTS AN UNDERGRADUATE'S ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING:
- knowledge gained
- grades earned
- degrees sought and preparation for attending graduate school
- time devoted to academic endeavors
source: Campus Cares
A.W. Austin, L.J. Sax and J. Avalos (1999). "Long-term Effects of Volunteerism during the Undergraduate Years." The Review of Higher Education, 22(2):187-202.