Contentful’s Post

As the world commemorates International Volunteer Day, I find myself reflecting on my own journey as a #volunteer at a helpline organization. The experience has been nothing short of transformative, shaping my understanding of empathy, compassion, and the profound impact of genuine human connection. My initial foray into #volunteering stemmed from a desire to give back to the community, to make a difference in the lives of others, however small. Little did I realize that the experience would not only enrich the lives of those I serve, but also profoundly impact my own. As a volunteer at the helpline, I am entrusted of #listening to individuals in crisis. These might be individuals who had reached a breaking point and are experiencing despair, anxiety, and isolation. My role is simple yet profound: to listen without judgment, to offer a safe space for their emotions to flow freely. Through countless conversations, I've learned that empathetic listening is not about solving problems or offering quick fixes. It's about creating a space where individuals feel heard, understood, and accepted. It's about acknowledging their pain, validating their emotions, and reassuring them that they are not alone. #empatheticlistening has become my guiding principle, not just in my volunteer work but in all aspects of my life. It has taught me to approach every interaction with compassion, to listen with an open mind, and to be mindful of the impact my words and actions may have on others. #empathy is not a mere emotion; it is a force capable of transforming lives, both for those who receive it and those who have the privilege of offering it. On this International Volunteer Day, I urge you to consider volunteering your time and skills to a cause that resonates with you. Whether it's mentoring a young person, or simply lending a listening ear to a friend in need, your contribution can always be valuable. Together, let's create a world where empathy is not just a word, but a way of life. Let's be the change we wish to see, one act of #kindness at a time.

Volunteering has helped me to integrate into Australian culture, expand my knowledge and feel I belong here. I have been participating in different volunteer programs to support, learn and contribute to the community over the last 5 years. To celebrate National Volunteer Week, I’ll be sharing some of the lessons I learned from 400 hours of volunteering as a city ambassador at the City of Melbourne. 💡 Expanded Local Knowledge  Each volunteer shift brought new opportunities to work with different volunteers and spark different conversations. This allowed me to get to know more about Melbourne from the locals and fellow volunteers. 🙌 Embracing diversity  One of the most enriching aspects of volunteering as a city ambassador has been celebrating the diversity of cultures of people who visit our city. Each encounter provided an opportunity to learn about different perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world’s rich tapestry of cultures. 😀 Simple smile goes along the way To greet someone with a smile is the simple act of kindness we all can express. 🎤 Enhancing Communication Skills  Being on the street or at different events, I have communicated with people from different walks of life. This helped me to become a better communicator. ☘ Commitment is not easy, but the rewards are greater When I learned that the minimum commitment for the volunteer role was 12 months, I was a bit hesitant. However, by taking each week as it goes, and showing up for each shift, I learned the value of commitment. With commitment, the depth of relationship with other volunteers went deeper along with a greater volume of knowledge and experience gained. If you are volunteering somewhere like me, let me know what have you learned from your experience. #volunteer #NVW2024 #somethingforeveryone #volunteerexperience

Volunteering has been a cornerstone of my life for over a decade, spanning youth advocacy, university societies, and everything in between. It has taught me many invaluable lessons, but what has always made volunteering so rewarding is the incredible people I've met along the way. One of the volunteer groups I'm most fortunate to be a part of is the Global Shapers Melbourne. This network consists of inspiring young leaders worldwide, and it's truly an honour to be among them. Through this network, I've had the opportunity to connect with amazing young individuals like Alex Bruhn and Suresan Rajandra from Global Shapers Hub Adelaide for a random dinner on a Wednesday night while they were in town. We went from being complete strangers to engaging in deep conversations over a two-hour dinner, which left me with a feeling of re-found inspiration and gratitude. We discussed our backgrounds, the awkward transition from being a 'young leader' to just a 'leader' and my personal favourite, the importance and role of "third places" in providing a space for community. A #thirdplace is a social environment distinct from home (first place) and work (second place), which provides a welcoming atmosphere for people to socialise, engage in meaningful conversations, and foster a sense of belonging. So... here's my shameless plug: Join us next Saturday for 'Conversations with the Global Shapers Melbourne Hub' and experience the magic of a third place for yourself. Engage in inspiring discussions, meet some terrific people, and (re)discover the importance of community in forging meaningful connections and why third places are so important. (I even heard there may be some special guests 🤷♂️) The invitation is completely non-committal and open to all young people across diverse backgrounds and interests. If you're unsure - I strongly encourage you to show up and give it a go; some of the best opportunities in my life have come from leaning into the unknown and just saying yes. So... what have you got to lose? Hope to see you there 👋 #Volunteering #GlobalShapers #Connections #Community

For the past eight months, I've been a skilled volunteer; let me tell you, it's been quite a journey! If you're considering becoming a skilled volunteer, my advice is as simple as it gets: just go for it without second-guessing. Skilled volunteering is like opening a door to a realm beyond your usual routine. It's an opportunity to gain new skills, expand your network, and immerse yourself in what's happening on the ground. It's like discovering hidden treasures while making a meaningful impact—it's a win-win situation! Here's the deal: You're doing good for others while boosting yourself. You're not just ticking boxes; you're making a real impact. It's a way to follow your interests, make a difference, and feel accomplished. As I continue on this skilled volunteering journey, I'm being a part of stories of change, the lessons of growth, and the belief that even small steps matter. Each skilled volunteer is a piece of a bigger puzzle—a puzzle that's creating a better world. Ready to join in? No need to think twice. Just leap, and let's make change happen. You can start by checking out WeDoGood and finding the projects that resonate with you. We'll make sure you're matched up just right. Remember, it's not just a path of impact; it's a journey of self-discovery. So, let's dive in, make a difference, and see where this road takes us! #WeDoGood #Skilledvolunteeringjourney #volunteering

Today is International Volunteer Day! Over the last few months, I've had the deepest pleasure of serving as a volunteer peer support facilitator for Calm Collective Asia, given talks to students at my alma mater Victoria Junior College and have over the years lent my support to various causes. Here are my tips for building #volunteering as part of your lifestyle: ❤️ Identify your passions. No one would disagree that the elderly need more care or that the beaches could be clearer, but what do YOU really deep down care about? What connects most deeply to your sense of purpose? That's what will keep you going through the busy periods in your life - because you'll keep doing it because you care. 💪 Harness your signature strengths. I gravitated towards experiences that leverage or built on my communication skills. It's through Calm Collective that I learned to facilitate a group, building on my experiences previously on leading workshops. It's not only easier to do something you're already good at, but meaningful to know that you can make such a difference with your gifts. 👯 Find your tribe. Why spend time after work in meetings you don't want to be in? I look out for organizations who give me a sense of connection and community, with whom I feel energized after volunteering with or supporting, from whom I always learn something. Tell me about what keeps you in your volunteering stints in the comments! #socialimpact #mentalhealth #publicspeaking

National Volunteer Month: Give Back and Make a Difference! Held in April every year, National Volunteer Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of volunteers. It’s an opportunity to join the impact of volunteerism and encourage more people to get involved in their communities. Why Volunteer? Tangible Impact: From restoring wildlife habitat and building trails to preserving historical monuments and educating visitors about diverse cultures, witness firsthand the positive impacts of your efforts. Connect with Nature and History: Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, learn about diverse ecosystems, and contribute to conservation while unearthing stories from the past. Develop Valuable Skills: Gain practical experience in areas like resource management, education, visitor services, trail maintenance, or historical interpretation. The opportunities for growth and connection are endless! Meet Passionate People: Build camaraderie with fellow volunteers and co-workers who share your passions. Boost Your Well-Being: Volunteering has been shown to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve mental and physical health. National Volunteer Month is a wonderful reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. So, grab a co-worker, friend, or family member and spend some time volunteering. And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for the Consumers Energy volunteers proudly sporting their blue t-shirts. #CEVolunteers #NationalVolunteerMonth #VolunteersMakeADifference #GiveBack

Sharing my recent article featured in Cosmopolitan International’s magazine Cosmotopics, "The Unseen Benefits of Volunteering," where I dive into the transformative power of giving back. Volunteering can be a gateway to personal and professional growth. From enhancing skills to boosting confidence and visibility, it's a journey that has profoundly impacted my own life and career. I discuss how blending volunteerism into one’s career can enhance brand perception, foster innovation, and build cultural competence. Moreover, it strengthens networks, empathy, and provides a unique avenue for strategic decision-making. Viewing volunteering as a cornerstone of our personal and professional journeys opens doors not just for others, but for ourselves as well. Read the full article for insights on integrating service into your personal brand and the ripple effects it can create in our communities and beyond. #volunteering #personalbrand #diabetes #professionaldevelopment

The Power of Community Involvement and Volunteer Work Community Involvement: Connecting with others in your community can lead to personal growth and a stronger sense of purpose. Here's why: Connection: By engaging with your community, you build meaningful connections that enrich your life. Personal Growth: Volunteering challenges you, helping you develop new skills and broaden your horizons. Empathy: Interacting with diverse individuals fosters empathy and understanding. Diverse Perspectives: Exposure to different viewpoints encourages personal development. Skills: Volunteering hones skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Confidence: Achieving impact through volunteer work boosts self-confidence. Making a Difference: Contributing to a cause greater than yourself instills a sense of purpose. Positive Impact: Seeing the positive effects of your efforts drives motivation. Global Perspective: Understand how your actions fit into the larger world. Fulfillment: Helping others creates a deep sense of fulfillment and happiness. Long-Term Impact: Community involvement leads to sustainable change. Inspiring Others: Your actions inspire others to get involved, creating a ripple effect. Stronger Communities: Collaborative efforts build stronger, more connected communities. Join the movement for personal growth, purpose, and positive change! #CommunityInvolvement #VolunteerForChange #DrKimGrimes #KimGrimes"

On December 5th, we come together to honor the invaluable contributions of volunteers worldwide on International Volunteer Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can achieve when individuals lend their time, skills, and compassion to causes that transcend borders. International volunteering not only fosters personal growth but also builds a global community united in its commitment to positive change. Let's celebrate the spirit of volunteerism, recognizing that each act, no matter how small, contributes to a world where collaboration knows no boundaries. As we acknowledge International Volunteer Day, consider how our unique skills can make a difference globally. Whether through connecting on professional networks, exploring volunteering opportunities, or sharing your experiences, let's amplify the impact of our collective efforts. Together, we can continue to create a ripple effect of positive change that resonates far beyond our immediate communities, fostering a world where compassion and shared humanity prevail. #InternationalVolunteerDay #IVD2023 #GlobalImpact #Volunteerism #Qatarcharity #qatar #fifaVolunteer

💙 Let's make 2024 the year of inclusive volunteering 🎧 If you not sure how to achieve this, check out this great podcast from @volpronet 🏷️ #LoVols #EDIdayFriday #VolMngmnt #EDI #DEI #Museums #Volunteerism #VolunteerEngagement