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Giving from Your Heart: A Guide to Volunteering

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Many people have considered volunteering but they simply don't know how to get started. In Giving from Your Heart, co-authors Dr. Bob Rosenberg and Guy Lampard share their expertise about the numerous volunteer opportunities available today.From determining your desired level of involvement to es...

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‎Chip’N is an “Economy for Good” that provides individuals with opportunities to create change through technology. As a national platform, the app is encouraging millennials to help build their communities by being active participants through volunteering. Help solve major impact issues related to…

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iPhone Screenshots

Golden is the #1 app in the world for service. We work with 8,000+ organizations, including UNICEF and the State of California, to bring you the best volunteer experience possible. Just a few of our awards include:

* Facebook's "Social Good App of the Year"
* Time's "Top App to Simplify Your Life"
* 2x Fast Company's "World Changing Idea"

With Golden, you can...

* Find nonprofit opportunities in your city that fit your schedule and are based on your hobbies and personal preferences

* Track your student and employee volunteering hours for your company, corporation, university, high school, or club

* Discover a sense of purpose while social networking with new and old friends, instead of just looking for love on Bumble, meet up, and dating apps

* Earn Karats rewards points for every opportunity you complete

* Send Karats to family / friends as a way to recognize others

Karats is our way to celebrate all the meaningful contributions that volunteers make every day.

Use Karats as your new social currency - The one that isn't about having more, but being more.

Volunteering is also a proven driver of happiness and provides a myriad of physical, mental, and social benefits, from living longer and feeling more fulfilled to increasing your chances of being hired.

University studies have proven that charity work is essential for self-care, self-help, self-love, having a sense of purpose, and longevity.

So do yourself a favor, and start volunteering... you might win a once-in-a-lifetime Experience in the process!

Returning to my roots

Growing up, I did a considerable amount of volunteer work, but over the last 10 years, it has become harder and harder to find easy opportunities to donate a few hours of time to a good cause each month. Well, Problem solved! I really love how this app presents local organized volunteer events - so easy to round up a few friends and head down to the community garden. Hugely helpful and fulfilling, and I'm excited to see what other features they build!

csb2020 - thanks so much! We totally agree with you on local organizers. And we're always excited to meet more/new organizers too, so if you have any suggestions, let us know!

For Los Angeles Area it Seems

It's wonderful that your spending time developing an app that is probably not the most lucrative project you could be spending your time on - that's very noble. I'm in New York City - the largest city in the country- and there was only one organization with a listing. So here's my feedback: 1) please allow users to see opportunities before signing up - the only explanation for not doing so is that your somehow trying to monetize the collection of emails. I honestly feel duped for giving my email address. 2) Consider renaming your app something with LA or Los Angeles in the title, or at least make it very clear in the description that there is limited opportunities in areas other than _____ Or if you'd just allow people to search opportunities before signing up, the second suggestion wouldn't be necessary. There's space for an app like this so if you're a 501c3 you should write a few grants and you'll be poppin in no time.

Hi @tontonflaco thanks for the feedback and nice to meet you! A couple things - 1, we never sell your data, as we comply with all major privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, and 2, we do support local and virtual opportunities not just around the USA, but in every continent globally. Since Golden content is "live inventory", not just "expression of interest" (aka lead generation for nonprofits), the available inventory changes constantly and much of it is private - meaning you'll only see it if you're within the target audience (say of employees of a company or with a specific skill). We'd recommend broadening your search filters and setting alerts, so you'll be the first to know about opportunities that suit your interests. Hope that helps. If you do appreciate the community we support, we'd appreciate you considering modifying your review to be more favorable, so we can continue to deliver and improve the experience for others. Thanks again!

Needs a lot of work

Your team needs to go back and redo the listing process from the ground up. The organization I was going to create listings for, and most other organizations, have created standardized listings for volunteer sites. I was going to put some listings up, but here's why I won't be doing so:

You split the listing section into three very short sections, with the third being "vibe." First of all the character limit is incredibly short for the first two sections, I can't even get 1/3rd of the information I need in there. Also, I'm a millennial and I have to say the "vibe" section is incredibly lame and a weak approach at trying to seem hip to set yourselves apart from the competition, not to mention you can only fit, what, 60 characters?

The time section is annoying as well, lots of opportunities are ongoing and at random intervals and don't have a set timeframe, not allowing me to continue without setting a timeframe is infuriating.

Pardon any grammatical errors this was written from my phone, but I seriously hope you take these suggestions into consideration because the app itself is a good concept but the execution certainly needs work. Deleting the app for now but will hopefully be back later on when things have been fixed.

Hi there - thanks for your note. We very much appreciate your feedback because we constantly are working to better serve your needs.

A couple notes and a question:

1. We keep the initial sections short based on analysis showing that volunteers are 55% more likely to sign up for Opportunities with descriptions under a certain length. We have a "Pro Tips" section later on that has an unlimited character length for further info.

2. The "Vibe" section is focused on setting expectations accurately. Volunteers on Golden sign up a 2nd time 4x as often as other platforms, and one of the reasons (the main one being that our NPO partners are awesome is obviously the biggest) is that we have tailored the "Vibe" section to ensure that volunteers know what they're getting in to.

3. Time Section - I think I understand this to mean that you have openings for volunteers to come in whenever they want? If so, that's fantastic. We've designed the formatting for partners who have more strict schedules, but I'd love your feedback to make it better.

If you're up to it, you can reach me at steve@goldenvolunteer.com.

We very much appreciate you taking the time to reach us.

Steve Sherrill
Chief Operating Officer

The developer, 1 Inc., indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

Compatibility

iPhone

Requires iOS 13.0 or later.

iPod touch

Requires iOS 13.0 or later.

Mac

Requires macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.

Location

This app may use your location even when it isn't open, which can decrease battery life.

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‎Golden is the #1 app in the world for service. We work with 8,000+ organizations, including UNICEF and the State of California, to bring you the best volunteer experience possible. Just a few of our awards include: * Facebook's "Social Good App of the Year" * Time's "Top App to Simplify Your Life"...

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If you're looking for a way to support an important cause, giving money isn't the only way to get involved. While charitable organizations always appreciate financial contributions, you can also help worthwhile causes by donating your time and talent. There are many opportunities to help with deserving causes in every community. Explore ten important causes to consider getting involved with, along with some specific ideas for places to donate your time.

1. Working With Children

If you enjoy working with children, consider volunteering at a library or children's museum in your local community. Other volunteer opportunities that provide ways to assist children include church youth groups, daycare programs for children from low-income families, and other similar organizations. You may also want to consider serving as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America or becoming a scout troop leader. These can also be rewarding volunteer activities for adults who want to provide leadership and direction for youngsters.

Related Articles

2. Improving Literacy

Would you like to donate your time by providing educational assistance to people who need help learning to read? If you'd like to work with grown-ups, consider getting in touch with an adult literacy program in your community to offer your assistance. Visit the National Literacy Directory website to find these types of programs in your area. If you'd prefer helping young people build strong reading skills, consider donating your time to tutor or read to children at a local school or community-based after-school program such as the ones offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

3. Assisting Senior Citizens

Would you like to provide assistance to older adults who need companionship or care? There are plenty of volunteer opportunities that involve helping elderly individuals. Senior centers, nursing homes, and other organizations that provide services to older adults are great places to donate your time if you want to help people in this population. If you like to drive or prepare food and have free time during the day, consider becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer. You may also find it rewarding to share your arts and crafts talents with senior groups, participate in activities with nursing home residents, or simply spend time with them.

4. Supporting Healthcare Causes

With so many nonprofit organizations focused on finding cures for serious illnesses, there is a great need for volunteers who are willing to help raise money to support their efforts. There are many ways to get involved, including organizing and promoting special event fundraisers, participating in walk-a-thons or other events, or even helping solicit capital campaign donations. For example, you could participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life or get involved with a March of Dimes fundraiser.

6. Registering People to Vote

Voting is the foundation of democracy, so donating your time to help get people registered to vote is a great way to contribute to your community. When you participate in this kind of grassroots community involvement, you can help ensure that all constituents have an opportunity to play a role in selecting the government officials who represent their districts. There are a number of not-for-profit organizations that seek to increase voter registration. Consider signing up to help groups like When We All Vote or Rock the Vote with voter registration drives in your area.

7. Feeding Hungry Families

Food insecurity is a huge problem around the world. It's estimated that 38 million people in the United States alone experience food insecurity. Worldwide, more than 690 million people don't have enough to eat. Hunger is a huge problem, but you can help in your local community by volunteering with organizations that focus on getting food to people who are in need. Consider volunteering with a Feeding America food bank or Salvation Army food pantry in your area, or get involved with a church food pantry. You could even organize your own food drive to gather and distribute donations to people who do not otherwise have sufficient access to food.

8. Helping the Homeless

Homelessness is a significant problem in America. Most cities and many smaller communities operate shelters and outreach services that focus on providing assistance to people who are homeless, so there are many ways you can make a difference. The Salvation Army operates homeless shelters and soup kitchens in many communities. Enter your zip code on their website to find a shelter near you, then reach out and ask how you can help. The National Coalition for the Homeless publishes a directory of shelters and other resources on their website, so that is a good place to search for local programs that focus on helping people who are homeless.

9. Volunteering in a Hospital

Many hospitals actively seek volunteers to provide assistance with various non-clinical tasks. For example, the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston utilizes volunteers to help with a wide variety of tasks ranging from administrative duties to pet therapy. If you're in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital is a great place to volunteer. Check the websites of hospitals in your area to see which ones have volunteer programs. Donating time to a hospital tends to be more structured than many other volunteer opportunities. Expect to be required to fill out an application and go through a screening process prior to being approved to volunteer.

10. Helping Families With Sick Children

If you like the idea of helping families with children who are seriously ill, consider volunteering with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Among other services, RMHC operates Ronald McDonald House locations near major children's hospitals in the U.S., and in more than 64 countries worldwide. These facilities provide a home away from home for families who have had to travel long distances to seek care for their gravely ill children. Volunteers play an important role in these homes, doing things like providing companionship, running errands, and cooking meals for families who are facing extraordinarily difficult and stressful situations. Reach out to the RHMC chapter in your area to find out how you can get involved.

Finding Meaningful Ways to Donate Your Time

The list above provides many great options for places that rely on volunteers to meet important community needs, but there are many other worthwhile causes to support, like raising awareness about hair donations to make wigs for children with cancer, and places to volunteer performing hands-on activities. For additional volunteer work ideas, or to locate an organization in your community that could use your help, visit VolunteerMatch.org. The key is to find a volunteer opportunity that will allow you to support an important cause or help people who are in need.

Rewards and Benefits of Volunteerism

There are many reasons to volunteer to share your time and talents with individuals, causes, or organizations that do good work in your community and on a larger scale. Volunteering can be a very rewarding experience. Once you get started, you'll find that the rewards of your generosity are much greater than what you give up by sharing your time. There's no better time than the present to donate your time to help others or support a cause you believe in. The sooner you get started, the faster you can begin making a difference.

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Donate Your Time: 10 Deserving Causes to Consider | LoveToKnow

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If you're looking for a way to support an important cause, giving money isn't the only way to get involved. While charitable organizations always appreciate financial contributions, you can also help worthwhile causes by donating your time and talent. There are many opportunities to help with deserving causes in every community.

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9 Places to Volunteer Online (And Make a Real Impact)

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Volunteering online lets you donate your virtual time to a cause space that matters. Learn how you can create IRL impact through online action.

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Helping others makes us happier -- but it matters how we do it | Elizabeth Dunn

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Giving back to the community by volunteering is something people of all ages can do. It's not something reserved for just older people. Children and teens can begin volunteering to not only help make their mark in their communities but to also help them grow into productive members of society.

Let's take a look at a few of the many reasons why volunteering at a young age is so important.

Teaches Respect & Empathy

When young people volunteer they learn to interact with people from all walks of life. For some, it may be the first time they ever crossed paths with a homeless person or someone who is disabled. This teaches them how to respect others and can also teach them empathy.

If a teen volunteers in a soup kitchen for the first time, they can see the plight of the homeless and less fortunate firsthand. This not only shows them that these situations exist but may also prompt them to want to help more. They may see how fortunate they are in their lives and may look for ways to help others.

Shows Youth They Can Make a Difference

Certain programs can show youth volunteers that they are making a difference in the lives of others. If a young person volunteers at their local library reading to children they may be surprised at how much reading a story to a child can make a difference.

Perhaps they volunteer at an afterschool program helping children with their homework. This type of help can mean so much to children who may be struggling in school. Knowing they make a difference is not only beneficial for the recipient but also the volunteer. It is gratifying for young people to know that they made a difference in someone's life.

When young people prove that they can make real change, they also gain the self-esteem that's so important as they grow and develop. Some teens can struggle with self-confidence. Any activity that can help to boost how they feel about themselves and their abilities can be a real game-changer in their lives.

Helps Develop Skills

As young people volunteer with different groups, they may begin to realize skills they never thought they had. They may also be drawn to different activities that can help them develop all types of skills. Young people may volunteer to help build houses and realize they have an interest in construction or engineering. Without volunteering they may have never been introduced to this field.

Introduces a Fresh Perspective

When young people reach out into their communities and volunteer they have the opportunity of offering a fresh perspective. Many organizations are always looking for new ideas. While they may have been doing things the same way for years, they may enjoy hearing new thoughts.

It also teaches young people to express their ideas and contribute. They learn that their ideas are valued and respected.

Helps Organizations Thrive

Having young people getting involved also gives leaders hope that their cause will live on over the years. Without the involvement of young people, many organizations may not thrive once current members are gone. If they get involved when they're young, there's a good chance they will continue through the years.

As you can see, volunteering at a young age has countless benefits for both the volunteers and the recipients. When you give of yourself at any age, everyone can benefit.

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Why is volunteering at a young age important? - Success with Purpose

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Giving back to the community by volunteering is something people of all ages can do. It's not something reserved for just older people. Children and teens can begin volunteering to not only help make their mark in their communities but to also help them grow into productive members of society.

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I can only imagine your first thought when you read the title of this article. What!! as if my time wasn't precious enough, he now wants us to give time to others. But stay with me because studies show that helping others makes us feel like we have more time for ourselves. If you're feeling pressed for time, give more of it away.

In research done by Psychological scientist Cassie Mogilner of The Wharton School, Zoe Chance of the Yale School of Management and Michael Norton of Harvard Business School in 2012, participants were divided into 2 groups. One group did tasks like writing to a sick child or tutoring at-risk students while the others were given busy work or told they could go home early.

Those who completed the prosocial activities perceived their time as being more abundant and spent longer working on additional tasks.

After a draining day at work, you may feel like crashing in front of the TV or focusing on your own to do list, but making the effort to give time to others, will make you happier and more productive. Use these ideas to get started:

How to Give Time to Others

Call your parents. If you live too far apart to visit often, you can still phone your parents regularly. How about making it a video call so they can see you?

Volunteer in your community. Find a worthy cause that you want to support. You could sort cans at a food bank or deliver meals to senior citizens. Go on your own or bring along family and friends.

Help a coworker. Notice when a colleague is under pressure. Ask them what you can do to help. Maybe you can proofread a document or return some of their phone calls until they have a chance to catch up.

Greet a neighbour. Introduce yourself to the families who live on your street. Bring them extra tomatoes from your garden or invite them over for coffee. In the village that my daughter lives in. New residents are greated with cake.

Chat with a stranger. Give a compliment to a passerby who is wearing stylish eyeglasses or has a nice smile. Ask someone for directions on how to use the local public transport or strike up a conversation about the new bakery selections at the grocery store.

Read to your children. Turn bedtime stories into a regular ritual. Take turns reading to each other and inventing your own tales.

Date your spouse. Set aside time to spend as a couple. Go out for dinner and a movie or take a stroll through an art gallery or shopping mall.

Hang out with your friends. Nurture your friendships with regular lunches and dinners. Share laughter and deep conversations. Really get to know each other.

How to Be More Present When You Give Time to Others

Live in the moment. Focus on whoever you are with instead of dwelling on the past or thinking about the future. Put aside any distractions.

Listen closely. Practice active listening. Nod your head and provide encouraging feedback. Ask pertinent questions and paraphrase what you heard to ensure you understand the message.

Make eye contact. Meet the other person's gaze. Let them know that they're being seen as well as heard.

Provide validation. You can accept what others say even when you disagree. Recognise that their feelings matter. Tell them they have your support even when you have different opinions.

Show enthusiasm. Take a sincere interest in the lives of others. Remember how much others have done to help you, from teaching to you to read to curing your illnesses. Care about their happiness and wellbeing.

Hide your phone. If you're tempted to check your phone, stow it out of sight. Turn the volume off for a while.

Being generous and making the effort to give time to others will make you feel like you have more hours in your day. Show your family, friends, and colleagues that you care by giving them your time and attention.

How do you make time to help others? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Till Next Time

Mike Gardner is The Time Doctor

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How to Give Time to Others and Transform Your Life

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I can only imagine your first thought when you read the title of this article. What!! as if my time wasn't precious enough, he now wants us to give time to others. But stay with me because studies show that helping others makes us feel like we have more time for ourselves.

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The Giving Snowman: A Children’s Bedtime Story about Gratitude

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The Giving Snowman: A Children’s Bedtime Story about Gratitude [Zheng, Julia, Miligi, Graziella] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Giving Snowman: A Children’s Bedtime Story about Gratitude

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Generosity - 10 powerful conversations starters to engage your kids with

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Volunteering in your community while in college is a great way to learn new skills, gain experience, and build your resume. Here are ways to volunteer.

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Hidden Benefits of Volunteering | Rowan Haffner | TEDxYouth@WHRHS

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iPhone Screenshots

Why Volunteer:
Research has shown that regular volunteering promotes strong emotional and physical health. Volunteering allows you to directly strengthen your community by encouraging people to work together and solve pressing problems. As positive interactions increase, social capital can flow freely creating trust, empathy, and change - lifting societies to become prosperous and productive.

The Reality:
Fewer Americans are engaging in their community by volunteering and giving than in any time in the recent past. Cities with the most volunteer decline were prevalent in states with 1) low reserves of social capital 2) metro areas with higher socioeconomic distress.

Join the Pac:
We can change the tide together. With just a few hours (or longer if desired) you can create exponential social return and be a direct cause of change to your City. We feel passionately that volunteering and lending a helping hand changes lives. Sign up and join the Pac.

The App:
Easy to use app that lets you schedule short and long term volunteering sessions that fit your schedule and your interests. BackPac takes care of the searching and gathering of opportunities, so that you can focus on what's important - social engagement. Open the app, sign up, let us know what you like to do, choose the activity and time slot - and you're ready to go. Doing good has never been easier.

Please comply with local laws and regulations.

Version 3.0.1

New Guest User Experience
New User Flow Experience
New SIO (Social Impact Organisation) Profile Page
Some bug fixes

Activism in your hands

I've always wanted to connect with local causes and see how I can help out. I've seen a bunch of apps but this one really hits home. Strong design and great opportunities. I've been using this to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity and Feed the Need. Also donations have been easy and you can set up recurring payment. Overall would highly recommend.

Excellent!

Perfect match for intention and action. Has been a very useful, time saving resource that allows a perfect match between opportunities available, location and interests. Particularly useful when in newer geographies and/or within a specific area of interest ( mine are education and poverty). Would love to see this expand to other locations.

So many different causes and flexibility!

BackPac offers volunteering opportunities with so many different causes. There is something for everyone! They are also very flexible: volunteer for an hour, two or a whole day. It's very easy to find an opportunity that works with your schedule.

The developer, BackPac LLC, has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

No Details Provided

The developer will be required to provide privacy details when they submit their next app update.

Information

Compatibility

iPhone

Requires iOS 10.0 or later.

iPod touch

Requires iOS 10.0 or later.

Mac

Requires macOS 11 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip.

Languages

English, Catalan, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish

Family Sharing

With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.

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‎Why Volunteer: Research has shown that regular volunteering promotes strong emotional and physical health. Volunteering allows you to directly strengthen your community by encouraging people to work together and solve pressing problems. As positive interactions increase, social capital can flow fr...

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The Importance of Teaching Kids to Volunteer

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By: Sarah Strobel, Play Coordinator at the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn

How do you encourage your child to get involved in the world around them and learn skills? One great opportunity that is often overlooked aside from when it is required by schools is volunteering. Although volunteering focuses on helping others, there are many personal benefits that even children can gain by getting involved:

1) Teaches Appreciation
As adults, we understand that not all people are in the same family or financial situations as ourselves. However, for children, this idea can be more challenging to understand.
Especially during the holiday season, volunteering is relevant as many people are primarily focused on what they hope to receive. Therefore, if children were to volunteer and help the homeless they would learn they are very fortunate to have a home, loving family and food on the table.

2) Enhances World Perspective
Volunteering can help children learn that the world includes more than just their home or school. This can help them understand why it is important to get involved in the community and take actions that benefit everyone. When children develop this awareness, they may become inspired more frequently to get involved and think about how to make a difference without your urging.

3) Inspires Giving
The act of volunteering can show children they can make a difference even when they don't have money. In fact, in many cases, it is just giving our time to others that matters. For example, children can volunteer at a retirement home and spend time with the elderly who have no family members. When they know they have made a difference in someone else's life, they will be excited not just about receiving but giving as well.

4) Introduces Life Skills
When children are exposed to different environments and situations, they can learn many different things. Different volunteering roles can teach young children the importance of listening to directions, for example. These roles can also teach older children to take responsibility through leadership or to listen to the thoughts of their peers. One very important skill all children learn from volunteering is how to work together as a team.

5) Builds Social Skills
Parents are often concerned about their children meeting friends, especially if they are shy. Additionally, when children do make friends it is normal to worry about their habits and personalities and how they will influence our child. However, when your child volunteers it opens the possibility for them to be able to engage with people over similar activities and interests. Volunteering also enhances the chance for them to meet with people of different races and backgrounds.

6) Benefits Physical Health
For many parents, it can be difficult to get children to be physically active if they don't enjoy playing sports. However, volunteer opportunities commonly involve individuals to spend time outside on their feet. What's great about volunteering is that children can improve their physical health whether they are aware of it or not. In 2013, one study showed that 10th graders who volunteered in an after-school program lost more weight compared to their non-volunteering peers.

7) Influences Balanced Habits
It can be difficult for busy parents to find ways to entertain their child that does not involve technology. As a result, children may spend hours playing video games or watching television that has no beneficial value. Volunteering gives children the opportunity to put their time towards something which can help emotionally, physically, socially and intellectually. Overall, when children have different hobbies other than spending time on technology, their lifestyle can be more beneficially balanced.

8) Develops Sense of Purpose
When we give our time to people or causes that need it most, it helps us feel good about ourselves. In a big world, it can be difficult to know where we fit in and or how we can start making a difference. By volunteering, people can see that actions which might seem small can make a big difference in the lives of others. As a result, getting involved in giving back to their community can help develop self-esteem.

9) Improves Self-Awareness
By taking a part in trying to change the world, people become more aware of their habits. As a result, it becomes easier to complete future positive actions. For example, someone who has spent time with the homeless may be more likely to first think about donating old clothes instead of throwing them away. Children who have spent time planting trees or flowers and making their community look better may be less likely to litter.

10) Shapes Their Future
Those who give their energy and free time to causes are working for a better future for everyone. However, volunteering can also help your child build a positive future for themselves personally. Both the child and parents can learn more about what the child enjoys leading to future activities.

Whether child or adult, there is always potential to grow and learn something new one by getting involved. Did you volunteer as a child or in your teenage years? What benefits do you believe it has given you?

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10 Reasons Why Children Should Volunteer

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By: Sarah Strobel, Play Coordinator at the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn How do you encourage your child to get involved in the world around them and learn skills? One great opportunity that is often overlooked aside from when it is required by schools is volunteering.

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5 Benefits Children Can Gain from Volunteering 

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Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool

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5 Benefits Children Can Gain from Volunteering

It is often said that the most valuable thing we can do is to give away our time. Volunteering is beneficial not only for those who receive help but for those who give it. Teaching kids to volunteer helps them develop important skills and also sets them up for success in other areas of their lives. According to the Director of the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning at Tufts University, Peter Levine, children who regularly volunteer tend to perform better in school and have higher high school and college graduation rates compared to children who do not volunteer.

For parents and caregivers who want to introduce their kids to the wonderful world of volunteerism, there are a variety of ways to do it. Here, we'll discuss the main skills that children can learn from volunteering and how parents and caregivers can get younger kids interested in helping others.

Children who regularly volunteer may have better communication skills and maybe more able to work with others to overcome challenges. Volunteers often support each other and figure out solutions to problems together, so it is a good opportunity for parents and caregivers to encourage children to socialize and develop teamwork skills. Children who volunteer get a chance to view the world outside of their home and school environment, and adults get the chance to teach children about being social and helping out in a fun, hands-on way. Moreover, children can also establish friendships through volunteering.

By volunteering in the surrounding community, children can learn about the people and places that are closest to where they live, and how their community functions. It's easy for adults, let alone children, to get caught up in the routine of daily life and forget about everyone else in the community. Volunteering gets kids out of the house, away from their screens, and engaged in the real world.

Your child will learn about civic action and the importance of helping out within a community. Parents and teachers can also include children in volunteer activities to help them learn about social causes and to teach them that they have the power to address issues that they are passionate about.

Similarly, children can learn about empathy through volunteering. Most children have a natural sense of altruism and a desire to help out, and volunteering is a great way to tap into this.

Want to learn more about how Little Sunshine's students give back and how to introduce your children to community helpers? Check out our resources below:
Little Sunshine's Teaches Children to Give Back Introducing Your Child to Community Helpers

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5 Benefits Children Can Gain from Volunteering - Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool

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5 Benefits Children Can Gain from Volunteering It is often said that the most valuable thing we can do is to give away our time. Volunteering is beneficial not only for those who receive help but for those who give it.

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In light of the coronavirus pandemic and demands for justice and equality in the Black community, more people than ever before are offering their time and money to help necessary and important causes. While donating to nonprofit organizations or marching for the Black Lives Matter movement are worthwhile ways to give back, a new study has found that there are personal health benefits to volunteering, too. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that adults over the age of 50 who volunteer at least two or more hours a week volunteering had a reduced risk of mortality, higher physical activity, and better psychosocial outcomes including feeling more optimistic and a deeper sense of purpose in life.

That's not all. Researchers also found that volunteering lowered people's depressive symptoms including feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, and isolation from friends. Approximately 13,000 participants were randomly selected from the Health and Retirement Study, and were monitored between 2010 to 2016. "Volunteering might help enrich our own lives by strengthening our bonds to others, helping us feel a sense of purpose and optimism, and protecting us from feelings of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness," author Eric Kim, a research scientist in the department of social and behavioral sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told .

Klaus Vedfelt/getty Images Related: How to Start Your Own Nonprofit or Charity
Because social distancing guidelines are still in place across the country, there may be fewer opportunities to volunteer in large groups. That doesn't mean that you can't lend a helping hand in other ways. Volunteer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor and leave them on their doorstep, water plants or mow the lawn for a busy neighbor, sew masks for local hospitals and rehab facilities in need of PPE, or donate blood through the American Red Cross.

There are a number of different online services that use virtual volunteers as well. Career Village connects low-income students with professionals in various industries for career advice. Translators Without Borders is a non-profit organization that provides people with vital information in their first language. If you're passionate about reading, Bookshare is in need of volunteers to scan and proofread pages of books for disabled children and adults.

"Whatever the cause, now is a moment in history when society needs your service the most. If you are able to do so while abiding by public health guidelines, you not only help heal the world, but you might help yourself as well," says Kim.

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Volunteering Can Improve Your Mental Health-and It's Still Possible to Give Back While Social Distancing

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In light of the coronavirus pandemic and demands for justice and equality in the Black community, more people than ever before are offering their time and money to help necessary and important causes. While donating to nonprofit organizations or marching for the Black Lives Matter movement are worthwhile ways to give back, a new study has found that there are personal health benefits to volunteering, too.

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5 Must-Read Books About the Power of Volunteering

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Each year, many people around the country spend time in January volunteering and helping others. Why not try it with your family this year?

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7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering 

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What are you passionate about?
Do you want to feel good while doing good?
How would you like to see the world be a better place?

Many of us have served at soup kitchens, coached a little league team or even perhaps helped build a home with Habitat for Humanity. By using our time, skills and energy to be of service to others, we not only help people but also receive numerous personal mental health benefits. Research has shown that 2-3 hours per week (or about 100 hours per year) can provide the most benefits as long as the activity is rewarding and something to look forward to rather than another item on our lengthy to-do list. 1

So why does volunteering make us feel so good?

Here are 7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering:

1) Reduces Stress
Whether we are working with adults, children or pets, a meaningful connection can take our mind off our worries when we put our attention on someone or something else. The richer the experience, the more we feel satisfied with giving of our time and talents, and that results in improved mood and less stress.

2) Combats Depression2
Volunteering can keep the mind distracted from a destructive habit like negative thinking or being overly critical (especially of oneself). It can also increase motivation by providing a sense of accomplishment. We think, "If I can do this, what else is possible?"

3) Prevents Feelings of Isolation
While volunteering, we can also make new friends growing our social network and possibly even our professional one. Picking an activity that we enjoy gives us a higher chance of meeting people who share our values and worldview. Like-minded, like-hearted people come together over common interests. Whether it's building a community garden, campaigning for specific political movement or giving tours as a museum docent, the key is to show up with some consistency and warmly introducing ourselves. It's possible to create friendships that can last long after the volunteering ends. And, especially for those of us who are naturally more shy and introverted, a volunteer activity can help break the ice while helping others.

4) Increases Confidence
Some volunteering activities require learning new skills. Gaining a new ability coupled with being in an unfamiliar environment can provide mental stimulation that we would otherwise not experience. 3 Also, in growing our skill set to make a difference for others, we can gain a sense of pride and identity, which can lead to having a more positive view of oneself.

5) Gives a Sense of Purpose and Meaning4
Regardless of our age, whether we are still in our prime income-earning years or in retired, volunteering can give meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in ways different than what we do or have done for work. Whether it's with seniors, children, animals or due to a natural disaster, the willingness to do what's needed in the moment no matter how humbling the task can put things in perspective and help grow compassion for others while expanding our minds and worldview.

6) Ignites Passion
Volunteering is also a fun way to explore different interests or even perhaps work alongside a master. It can be an energizing escape from your daily routine especially if you sit in front of a computer all day and long to be more active and in the outdoors. Look for opportunities to help clean up the woods you love, walk dogs for an animal shelter, or volunteer at a youth soccer camp.

7) Makes You Happy5
Research shows that feel good hormones and brain activity spike during volunteer activities. Humans are designed to be in community, serving one another. It's impossible not to impact a community when you volunteer. Just being there and doing whatever is needed is contributing to the greater whole. Volunteering makes the world a better place by aiding a community in need and helping others provides immense pleasure.

There's a volunteer activity perfect for you given your skill set, physical mobility capacity, and time availability. Your local school, library or church can always use support. Whether it's tutoring a student, going on a mission trip to a foreign country or being a baby cuddler (yes, that's holding babies in the neonatal intensive care unit of hospitals), the possibilities are endless. And now with current technologies, there are ways to volunteer remotely via phone or computer. Just make sure there is enough social interaction and support for you to feel connected and fulfilled.

Two websites to help you find volunteer opportunities include: Createthegood.com and Volunteermatch.com

From time to time, people can feel overwhelmed with the mental anguish related to life's challenges. AbleTo helps people who feel stressed, depressed and isolated feel better. At AbleTo, we provide therapy and coaching sessions based on people's unique needs and circumstances, all from the comfort, privacy and convenience of your own home at the time, day or night, that works best for your schedule. In many cases, AbleTo is covered by your insurance with little to no out-of-pocket expense. Are you ready to feel good again?

If you feel your depression is severe or if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, consult a doctor immediately or seek help at the closest emergency room. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

https://helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm

https://psychcentral.com/news/2013/08/23/volunteering-can-improve-mental-health-help-you-live-longer/58787.html

http://www.futurity.org/brain-benefit-for-seniors-who-volunteer/

https://www.nationalservice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/07_0506_hbr.pdf

http://createthegood.org/articles/volunteeringhealth

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7 Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering - AbleTo

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What are you passionate about? Do you want to feel good while doing good? How would you like to see the world be a better place? Many of us have served at soup kitchens, coached a little league team or even perhaps helped build a home with Habitat for Humanity.

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The coronavirus pandemic has led to the practice of social distancing, creating feelings of stress and isolation in many of us. Some groups have been hit particularly hard, including the elderly, parents juggling work and child care, and people who have lost their jobs. Against this backdrop, many people have turned to volunteering to help make a difference, even at a distance.

New research suggests that volunteers aren't just helping the communities they serve. People who volunteer actually experience a boost in their mental health-good news at a time when more than a third of Americans are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.

In a study published this year in the Journal of Happiness Studies, researchers examined data from nearly 70,000 research participants in the United Kingdom, who received surveys about their volunteering habits and their mental health, including their distress and functioning in everyday life, every two years from 1996 to 2014.

Compared to people who didn't volunteer, people who had volunteered in the past year were more satisfied with their lives and rated their overall health as better. Additionally, the researchers found that people who volunteered more frequently experienced greater benefits: Those who volunteered at least once a month reported better mental health than participants who volunteered infrequently or not at all.

But does volunteering make people happy, or are happy people simply more likely to volunteer? The researchers found the same results even when they accounted for participants' initial levels of well-being before they started volunteering. In other words, people who started to volunteer became happier over time.

Although it's true that people who are happier do tend to spend more time volunteering, the current study suggests that you don't need to already feel happy in order to benefit from it. In fact, some research suggests that people who start out with lower levels of well-being may even get a bigger boost from volunteering.

To get a sense of how large the benefits of volunteering were, the researchers compared it to the effects of people's income. They found that, for a participant earning an average middle-class salary, volunteering was essentially "worth" approximately $1,100 per year: that is, volunteering would make someone as happy as having an extra $1,100.

Why does volunteering support our mental health? According to Ricky Lawton, associate director at Simetrica Research Consultancy and lead author of the paper, a combination of factors is likely at play. First, volunteering appears to be intrinsically rewarding-when we help others, we tend to experience what researchers call a " warm glow." Second, volunteering is likely to help boost our sense of social connection. In particular, for older adults, volunteering can be a way to stay connected to others after retirement.

Finally, volunteering can be a way to build professional skills and try out leadership opportunities, which is especially relevant to young adults. In the current study, the researchers found that participants ages 16-24 and 55-74 were especially likely to benefit from volunteering, perhaps because of the opportunity to build social connections and new skills.

Many nonprofit organizations are offering opportunities to volunteer remotely from home during the pandemic. While research hasn't directly compared this to traditional in-person volunteering, Lawton suspects that remote volunteer opportunities are likely to also benefit our well-being. So, if you've been feeling overwhelmed or out of sorts lately, volunteering can be a way to help bring you a sense of control in a stressful situation-a happy side effect of the vital work volunteers do.

Greater Good wants to know: Do you think this article will influence your opinions or behavior?

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How Volunteering Can Help Your Mental Health

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According to new research, people become happier over time after they start volunteering.

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Most of us want to do good in the world and have a desire to help others. Here are some reasons why volunteering is not only good for your community, but good for your physical health too.

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Galaxy Digital Volunteer Management Software

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Why is volunteering important? Volunteerism is ingrained in American society. 77.3 million adults volunteered through an organization last year, and their time is worth a staggering $163 billion in economic value. More than half of adults engage in "informal volunteering" in the United States, supporting friends, family, and neighbors. Without volunteers, communities would face devastating gaps in necessary services. In other words, let's volunteer; we're all better for it!

The Importance of Volunteering for Volunteers

There's no question that volunteering helps improve the lives of others. But how important is volunteering to the ? Simply put, acts of good can also improve their lives too. Did you know that altruism is good for your health? In fact, BMC Public Health conducted a study advising public health, education, and policy practitioners to encourage volunteering to help support a healthy lifestyle. The study also urges social service professionals to promote a "culture of volunteerism among underprivileged social groups." In other words, volunteering can promote well-being for

The Importance of Volunteer Work For Adults

Many studies have stated the importance of community service to the well-being of the volunteers themselves. The benefits of volunteerism are especially evident in adults:

Improvements in Emotional Well-Being: The human brain is wired to help others. Or emotional health is rewarded when we participate in altruistic behavior. According to a report by the Corporation for National & Community Service , research has uncovered a strong relationship between volunteering and improved functional ability, as well as lower rates of depression later in life. A study of adults over age 65 found that the social interaction and sense of accomplishment that volunteering activities can provide have been linked to the overall improvement in mental health and general life satisfaction in older adults.

Improvements in Physical Health: The same study also reported that volunteering can lead to improvements in physical health in older adults, as many service activities involve light to moderate physical activity. Furthermore, found that volunteers were more likely to use preventive health care services than non-volunteers. And volunteers spent fewer nights in hospitals. If you're already volunteering regularly, you may be healthier than you realize!

Improvements in Pro-Social Behavior: It's not uncommon for older adults to feel out of touch with changing communities. Volunteering encourages people of all ages to interact with-and work to understand-each other, strengthening social ties and inspiring feelings of empathy.

Longer, Happier Lives: Adults over 50 who volunteered at least 200 hours per year were less stressed, more social, and had a lower risk of hypertension. In fact, the effects of altruism are so powerful that researchers have found a link between volunteerism and lower mortality rates in older adults.

Develop Transferable Skills: Children and young adults who volunteer regularly practices skills like collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership that are vital to succeed in academics, the workplace, and their personal lives.

Support Academic Success: 82% of students who participated in service-learning opportunities reported increased positive feelings about attending school. Children who volunteer are also found to be more engaged in academics by helping them apply classroom-based learning to real-world situations.

Practice Empathy: Empathy and citizenship are developed during childhood and adolescence. Participating in volunteer activities from an early age can help foster empathy and inclusivity, qualities necessary for building safe, unified communities.

Help Children Value Themselves: As children grow, they develop an increased self-awareness. Children and teens who consistently participate in acts of good through activities like community service not only learn to value others, they learn to respect themselves, which is critical to sustaining emotional well-being.

Reinforce Social Capital: Participating in community service is especially important for low-income youth. Research shows that volunteering can serve as an "effective conduit to positive educational and career outcomes for low-income youth" ( Opportunity Nation ).

Create Volunteers for Life: Children and teens who volunteer are more likely to become more civically-engaged adults . Young people who volunteer regularly are more likely to volunteer and donate to community causes as adults.

The Importance of Youth Volunteerism

Support families through daycare and eldercare

Improve schools by tutoring and teaching literacy

Support youth in mentoring and after-school programs

Beautify local areas through beach and park cleanups

Build homes for the homeless

Provide meals for the hungry

Fundraise for nonprofit museums, libraries, and the arts

Help with environmental conservation efforts

Care for abandoned animals

And much, much more.

Volunteerism isn't just good for adults. It can help children, , and college students develop important habits for life. Here are a few significant reasons volunteering is important for young people:

There are plenty of ways organizations and communities can engage young volunteers. Check out this article for best practices in engaging teen volunteers .

The Importance of Volunteers in Nonprofit Organizations

Why is volunteering important to our nation's nonprofits? There are currently 1.3 million active charitable nonprofits in the United States, and many of them rely on the work of volunteers to carry out the necessary activities that meet critical community needs. What's more, nonprofits are the "building blocks of democracy," according to the National Council of Nonprofits . 88% of the United States' nonprofit organizations have an operating budget of $500,000 and offer "more personal, easier access points for connecting people in all kinds of areas." Nonprofits know why volunteers are important : volunteers help them to address pressing social challenges when resources are scarce. Without their services, our nation would be without some of the most important social advancements like modern welfare and the Voting Rights Act.

Show prospective volunteers they matter: One of the most common hurdles to engagement is . People don't have a lot of it, so they want to know that their time spent your organization matters, and that will be used in a meaningful way. They also want to see the tangible impact of their efforts. Use your volunteer hours tracking and tools to demonstrate their impact and recognize their efforts.

Figure out what matters to your community: What inspires to volunteer? Organizations are more likely to engage volunteers when they understand what inspires them and the causes that resonate with them. There are many ways you can gather this kind of information, like hosting community-wide forums and discussions, conducting surveys, and matching volunteer skills to the appropriate opportunities. Nonprofit Quarterly recommends creating multi-stakeholder buy-in-from schools, residents, and community organizations-to understand a range of diverse perspectives and community needs.

Keep asking: Many people don't volunteer simply because they were never asked. Use different methods of communication to ask once, and then ask again! Nonprofits are getting more creative about the ways in which they recruit volunteers. However you decide to reach out, include a call to action and make registration as simple as possible.

The Importance of Volunteers to Communities

We've discussed the importance of volunteering to the volunteers themselves and to the charitable organizations that manage them. But we mustn't forget the true aim of volunteering in the local community : to improve the lives of community members! The importance of community service is considerable, and there are countless benefits that communities glean from nonprofits and their volunteers. Every day, volunteers:

Generally, volunteerism saves resources, especially where social programs and affordable services are limited. Volunteering helps to fill these gaps in critical services. Every hour that we give to our community through volunteerism is an hour that the community gains back in real dollars. Those dollars (deemed $25.43 hour by the Independent Sector ) can then be spent in other ways that serve and better the community.

The importance of volunteering in the community cannot be overstated. Volunteers help meet critical, local needs. But community service also offers symbolic importance. Barbara Steward, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service , reminds us, "The fabric of our nation is strengthened by the service of its volunteers. When we stand side-by-side to help others, our differences fade away and we learn that Americans have more in common than we realize." In summary, volunteerism not only saves resources for the community; it's what brings us together.

Three Ways to Engage Volunteers

We understand the importance of volunteerism but in order to meet the needs of communities, nonprofits must work to engage long-term volunteers and create a culture of volunteerism. Nonprofit Quarterly lays out three essential tips for engaging committed volunteers:

Volunteerism is contagious. When community members work together to address local needs, they increase social capital and strengthen the networks with other civically-engaged individuals. Communities with robust social capital tend to foster more pro-social citizens. Creating a positive experience for your volunteers, and listening to the diverse perspectives of your community members will help to bolster the attitudes, like trust and empathy, that make charitable organizations successful.

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Why is Volunteering Important? - Galaxy Digital Volunteer Management Software

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Why is volunteering important? Volunteerism is ingrained in American society. 77.3 million adults volunteered through an organization last year, and their time is worth a staggering $163 billion in economic value. More than half of adults engage in "informal volunteering" in the United States, supporting friends, family, and neighbors.

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February 22, 2020

Welcome to POINT's guide to the best places to volunteer in Cincinnati-your resource for getting involved and supporting the Queen City community!

We all have things we care about, whether it's community health, the environment, equality, poverty, arts & culture, or something else. It can be discouraging to see things you want to help, but not know how. Well, we're here to help POINT you in the right direction!😉

Download POINT for free on the App Store or Google Play and start volunteering, on your time.

Cincinnati - via Wikipedia

Find volunteering events in Cincinnati for causes you care about on POINT.

There are a ton of awesome organizations to get involved with around Cincy. Just download the app for free on the App Store or Google Play.

If there's a local nonprofit organization you'd like to see on POINT, invite them here! POINT is the easiest way for Cincinnati charities to find and manage volunteers.

Volunteer in Cincinnati for community health initiatives

The American Lung Association leads the fight for healthy lungs! They are the trusted source in all things lung health: education, lung disease research, support, programs, services, and advocacy aaaand they need help with all of it!
Take a deep breath in, now breathe out, repeat. Ok, ready to do some good? Find one of their events on POINT, and just tap "Go".

Volunteer in Cincinnati for environmental conservation and sustainability

Gorman Heritage Farm is a 122-acre nonprofit, working farm with a mission to educate about agriculture, nutrition, sustainability, and the environment.
There are so many options for our nature-loving volunteers-from gardening, to photography, to animal care, to beekeeping. #savethebees🐝 We're here for it.

Volunteer in Cincinnati to support education

Girls on the Run Cincinnati uses running to show girls that they are good and strong and that they can do anything they set their mind to.
If you're all about that girl power (YAAAS) they need coaches, 5K support volunteers, and they even have an opportunity where you can help out with community awareness! 🏃🏻‍♀️

Volunteer in Cincinnati for equality

Ken Anderson Alliance supports and advocates for people with developmental disabilities. They have an amazing program called PLAY: social experiences designed by adults with disabilities for adults with disabilities. It includes small group outings like bowling, sporting events, restaurant dinner/trivia, walks in the park, and more.
And that's where you come in! You can be a part of these outings and get in on the fun while supporting incredible people.

LifeSpan, Inc. offers a ton of programs and resources for our community-regardless of age or ability.
You can get involved by becoming an Elder Victim Advocate and support the elderly by giving them the information they need to stay healthy and safe. Or, you can help out as a Friendly Visitor and build an amazing friendship with someone that has a developmental disorder. We all can use more friends!

Volunteer in Cincinnati to help people in poverty

La Soupe is eliminating food waste by rescuing it and preparing it for the food insecure in Cincinnati. They're not only helping people to get amazing meals, but they're also helping our environment. So you get two for one causes when you volunteer with La Soupe!
For our master chefs, you can be a Crockpot Teacher and teach high school students how to cook. Not your cup of tea? You can also be a food runner or rescuer, or help in the kitchen.

Volunteer in Cincinnati for arts and culture

Madcap Puppets and Education Center uses puppets, acting, and music to engage diverse audiences with performances that educate and celebrate.
If you can still sing all of the lyrics to the hit classic "Elmo's World" (la la la la x2) or if you're a fan of the theatre, this is your chance to get involved! They have all kinds of opportunities-from being an usher to building puppets.

Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council connects Cincinnati with the WORLD! They have events and programs that bring cultural awareness, global perspective, and international education to our community. They really get you to think outside of your little bubble.
For our travel bloggers, jet setters, or map quiz pros, WAC has some pretty cool ways for you to get involved, including being an ambassador. You can host a dinner, host a visitor for a weekend, be a local guide and more!🌍✈️

If there's a cause you care about, you can find a way to volunteer on POINT!

Just download the app for free on the App Store or Google Play, find an event, and tap "Go" to do more good, in real life.

P.S. If you don't live in Cincinnati, Columbus, or Austin, you can invite a friend to POINT and join our waitlist. The more people on the list, the sooner we will be in your city!

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Top 20 Places to Volunteer in Cincinnati

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February 22, 2020 We all have things we care about, whether it's community health, the environment, equality, poverty, arts & culture, or something else. It can be discouraging to see things you want to help, but not know how.

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Volunteers are the heart of our House. We have a variety of roles and volunteer experiences to meet your needs. From becoming a "regular" around our House, visiting us when you can or helping from home, there are many ways to help families with sick children.

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Volunteers are the heart of our House. We have a variety of roles and volunteer experiences to meet your needs. From becoming a "regular" around our House, visiting us when you can or helping from home, there are many ways to help families with sick children.

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How do donations work on POINT?

To give on POINT, find a local nonprofit by clicking on a cause and donate directly to nonprofits by clicking on their profile in the app.
Why should I donate to nonprofits on POINT?

POINT has a nonprofit directory, sorted by cause category. This makes it easy to find awesome local nonprofits and see how they are helping with COVID-19 relief efforts, all in one place. Plus, you can track your donations on your POINT volunteering profile.
Is POINT a nonprofit or a for-profit?

Both! There are two POINT entities. POINT Technologies owns the software provided as "POINT," and a separate entity, POINT Global, is a 501c3 nonprofit that enables us to direct donations to local nonprofits, as well as provide program based support to nonprofits. Through POINT Global, all donations on POINT are 100% tax deductible.

We started out as a nonprofit; read our CEO's letter on why we made the change.

Does POINT keep a percentage of the donations?

Our mission is to make our top-notch tech available for ​free​ to 501c3 nonprofits, yes ​free.​ We believe that great nonprofits deserve great tech and that it shouldn't break the bank. POINT Technologies charges a 2% processing fee from donations to make sure we are able to sustain this crucial part of our mission and keep our tech free.
Why are there fees?

Donations are processed through ​Stripe​, who take a 2.2% + 30c card processing fee. POINT provides our volunteer management platform to nonprofits for free because we believe great charities deserve great tech. In order to sustain this, POINT Technologies take a small 2% fee from every donation.
Does my donation get sent to the charity immediately?

POINT sends nonprofits a check on the first of the month for the total amount donated to them in the previous month if donating through the link on a nonprofit's profile. This helps us keep all of our processing fees to a minimum.
What charities can I donate to on POINT?

If you have a specific nonprofit in mind, you can search for it on our app under the "Causes" tab. Or, you can explore each cause and see a list of POINT charities underneath. Click on a nonprofit to be taken to their profile where you can make a donation.
Can I donate to a nonprofit that's not on POINT?

You can only use POINT to donate to nonprofits that are on our platform. If you want to donate to a nonprofit not yet on POINT, invite them to join! Our charity management dashboard is 100% free for nonprofits. Learn more at pointapp.org/nonprofit.
Does my $5 really help?

Absolutely. A lot of little donations from thousands of people ​adds up quickly​. Especially since many nonprofits have had to cancel fundraisers due to COVID-19, every donation plays a vital role in sustaining their mission. Whether you can afford $5 here and there, or $50, your financial support goes a long way.
How can my company match my donation?

You can forward your e-receipt to your employer as proof of donation, and ask them if they are willing to match it. If they are able, reach out to ​info@pointapp.org and copy your company so we can help them match your donation.

You can also ​invite your company​ to create an account on POINT and subscribe to our CSR management platform. This way they can track the impact of their donations and the aggregate impact of employee giving.

How do you protect my information?

Our donation software is secure and encrypted. We share your name, email, and amount donated with the nonprofit, and use this information to make sure donations are correctly tracked in your account.

We ​never​ sell data. Read our privacy policy ​here.

Can I donate anonymously?

Not at this time. You need to have a POINT profile in order to donate to specific nonprofits. You can ​register​ for a free account on our website, or by downloading our free app for ​iOS​ or ​Android​.

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To give on POINT, find a local nonprofit by clicking on a cause and donate directly to nonprofits by clicking on their profile in the app. Why should I donate to nonprofits on POINT? POINT has a nonprofit directory, sorted by cause category.

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Help Volunteer - Freestore Foodbank - Cincinnati Charity Volunteer ✋

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Volunteers help Freestore Foodbank, a Feeding America Charity, provide meals to hungry children and families in Cincinnati tristate area in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Matthew 25: Ministries is carefully following all recommendations from Gov. DeWine, The Ohio Health Department, and other governing officials in order to best protect the health of our staff and volunteers. At this time, Matthew 25: Ministries is suspending group volunteer opportunities until further notice.

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Volunteers play an essential role in the work of Matthew 25: Ministries. The donated goods we receive must be sorted, counted, packaged, and put on pallets ready for shipment to various parts of the world. There is a job for everyone! During the COVID-19 pandemic, Matthew 25: Ministries is carefully following all recommendations from Gov.

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"You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give."
Winston Churchill

"Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another."
Erma Bombeck

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"You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give." Winston Churchill "Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another." Erma Bombeck

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Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services

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Volunteer your time. Give in to giving - Best inspiring Animated short film

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Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Unsplash - Brooke Cagle

Spending time with your partner, family or friends is worth much more than a silly trinket that will end up on the shelf collecting dust. Here are some ideas on how to give gifts of time and how to package them.

Many of us are lucky enough to have everything or more stuff than we need - and for many, time is the most precious thing we have. We can't simply go out and buy more of it. Which is why a gift of time is a great way to show someone that you care.

How Do You Gift Time?

Often, we receive gifts that we neither want nor like. Over the years, we collect massive amounts of things that we would have never purchased. In contrast, a gift of time - spending time with people - is much more valuable.

You are not only saving money and resources; you are giving your partner (or, our course, your friends or family) something unique. How you want to gift your time is up to you, but the following ideas will help you get inspired.

At Home: Ideas for Quality Time Gifts

Giving time instead of things saves money, resources, and makes everyone happy. (Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Unsplash - Lea Böhm )

Babysitting: Friends who are parents will be extremely grateful for a little bit of time together. You can make it happen by making it your gift of time to take care of their kids for an evening.

Doing Chores: We all know how hard it is to fit housework into our busy schedules. Not everyone can afford a hired help. So if you help out with someone's housework, they will appreciate it.

Giving Lessons: Has a friend ever said to you "You have got to show me how to do that!"? Then finally make time for that lesson! As a gift of time, teach your friends something that they always wanted to learn from you - like knitting, sewing, mending, crocheting, fixing a bicycle, building furniture, etc.

Game Night: Does your family love board games? Give them a night of gaming!

Movie Night: Any film lover will be happy if you allow them to show you all their favorites. Or maybe get inspired together by watching a new documentary or series.

Jam Sessions: If you and your partner or friend have a hobby in common like playing music, learn a duet or try out piano pieces for four hands!

Gifts of Time for Nature Lovers

Spend quality time with friends by having a picnic in the park. (Photo: Pixabay/ CC0)

Picnic: A picnic in the park or at your family's favorite spot in the woods could be a lovely gift of time for a nature lover.

Bicycle Tour/ Hiking: Does your friend or partner love hiking or cycling? Then give them a voucher for a hike or a bicycle tour. The memories you'll make together will not be as quickly forgotten as the twentieth scarf or thirtieth pair of socks.

Dog-Sitting: Taking care of your friend's dog for a day is a great way to give them time. Or maybe decide to walk the dog together for a week.

Foraging for Herbs: If you know a lot about herbs or medicinal plants, a foraging trip through the forest is a wonderful way to spend time with someone you care about. Help your friends identify plants and show them how they can be used. End with a tasty liquor or a beautiful dish with edible flowers.

Garden Work: Do you have a garden that you don't have nearly enough time for? A thoughtful gift of time is a day of garden work together.

Spending Quality Time With Your Partner

Time together is the most precious thing we have. (Photo: Pixabay/ CC0)

Cooking Together: If you enjoy cooking or baking, why not surprise your partner with a candlelight dinner or breakfast in bed? These gifts of time are classics for a reason!

Reading Aloud: Even something that seems so simple can be an engaging way to spend time together. Read an old favorite or discover a classic together.

Photos: You could sort through old boxes of photos and put an album together. Or take a drive into the countryside to make new memories and take new photos together!

Renovate/ Decorate: Paint the bedroom or declutter and redecorate! It's more fun together.

Sharing Hobbies: Does your partner have a hobby? A day of sharing your favorite free-time activities can be a nice surprise and a perfect way to spend quality time together.

Massage: Everyone loves a good back massage. Light a few (homemade) candles and play some relaxing music and you've got the perfect romantic gift of time.

Giving Time to Children

Children will enjoy spending some quality time with you. (Photo: Pixabay/ CC0)

Playground Time: Your niece, nephew, godchild, or your own children would love to spend more time with you. Simply spend an afternoon with them at the playground or in the woods.

Do an Activity: Children love it when you spend quality time with them. You could do arts and crafts, make your own playdough or bake oatmeal cookies.

Storytime: Did you enjoy bedtime stories in your childhood? Your own children will remember them just as fondly.

Go Swimming: Going swimming in the summer or building sandcastles on the beach - what could make kids happier than that?

How to Wrap a Gift of Time?

Get creative! Present your gift of time in an envelope, as a coupon or in a picture frame. (Photo: Pixabay/ CC0/ brunoglaetsch)

You can present your gift simply but elegantly in the form of coupons which you can make yourself or buy. (You will find different coupons on Amazon** ). Or you could write your gift down on a piece of paper and put it in a glass bottle.

If you want to give more than one gift of time, you could write your vouchers on little pieces of rolled-up paper and put them in a nicely decorated box (like these ones on Amazon**). Also, write down dates that you have set aside.

A picture frame is also a charming way to pack your gift of time. (You'll find different frames on Amazon**.) Decorate the frame yourself with natural materials, if you like.

How you decide to package your gift, does not matter. The contents are the most important part. Your friends and family will treasure them no matter what. Because these special gifts are ones that only you can make: time spent with you.
Read on:
This article was translated from German into English by Christie Sacco. You can view the original here: Zeit schenken: Tolle Ideen für Zeit-Geschenke

** Links to retailers are partially affiliate links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org because we get a small portion of the proceeds.

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The Gift of Time: Great Ideas for Giving Quality Time - Utopia

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Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Unsplash - Brooke Cagle Spending time with your partner, family or friends is worth much more than a silly trinket that will end up on the shelf collecting dust. Here are some ideas on how to give gifts of time and how to package them.

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This post contains affiliate links to some great products that I feel you will enjoy! Learn More.

As we approach the holiday season, birthdays and other special occasions, it's time to think about what to give your loved ones. But are you tired of run-of-the-mill gift ideas or do you dread getting a huge dent in your pocket by buying fancy gifts for your family and friends? Try one of these thoughtful gifts of time ideas this year!

Thoughtful Gifts of Time Ideas

Your family and friends do not want you to go into debt to give them gifts!

There's only one thing more precious than our time and that's who we spend it on.
~Leo Christopher

As much as you obsess over getting the perfect gifts for your loved ones and budgeting for them, let us tell you that the greatest gift of all is already there with you. The other good news is that you neither have to scroll through online shops for it nor will you have to pay a single dollar to get it.

You can make your loved ones feel truly special by giving them the 'Gift of Time'.

Grab your Free 8 Gifts of Time Coupons at the bottom of the post!

In this post, we'll be discussing some wonderful gift of time ideas that are surely going to win you the 'Best Gift Giver of the Year' trophy!

Make sure to keep a 2020 Day Planner of all your Gift of Time commitments!

8 Best "Thoughtful Gifts of Time Ideas" for Your Friends & Family

1. A Spotless Home

Cleaning a house is a pretty time-consuming job that's not enjoyed by many. And people who have tough work schedules find it even harder to take out time to clean the house.

That said, even though people don't enjoy spending their days off cleaning their house, everyone loves the look and feel of a clean and tidy home.

So, this year surprise your loved ones by giving them a coupon to help give their home a quick clean up so they can enjoy resting in a spotless home during the holidays or any time of the year!

2. A Few Hours of Babysitting

Do you know a couple among your friends who hardly gets any time to themselves because of their parental duties? How about you offer to babysit their children for a few hours while they can enjoy a romantic dinner? We can assure you they will love it.

Even if they don't want to specifically plan something for themselves, they would still be grateful to you for allowing them some 'me time' away from the kids.

3. The Perfect Looking Yard

Mowing and Trimming is a great Gift of Time Coupon

If you know someone who desperately needs yard help for their house, ask them to let you mow and trim their lawn. This way, they can spend their Saturdays & Sundays enjoying their yard instead of dealing with all the work. Whether out in the country or in the suburbs, so many people need yard help.

Nobody likes it when they get a call from their Home Owner's Association telling them to tend to the jungle growing outside their door or in the backyard. So, consider giving the gift of 2 hours of mowing!

14 Colorful Gifts of Time Printable Coupons for Only $1.99!

4. A Delicious Meal

Are you known for your excellent culinary skills? Why not put them to use? Head to your loved one's house and tell them you're going to be their chef for the day with your gift of time casserole coupon!

Delight them with an amazing casserole or meal without them having to do any preparation, take part in the cooking or the clean up afterward. They will not only love the food but it will also give them a chance to sit together with their family and have a wonderful time.

5. Clean and Fresh Laundry

Who doesn't love the smell of clean and fresh laundry? Unfortunately, however, the time and effort that goes into it are what repels most people from doing regular laundry. This is especially true for young people who are either studying or working in places far away from their families.

They already have so much to do that they hardly get time to do these daily chores. If you happen to have any such people in your circle, give them a helping hand with their laundry. They will truly appreciate this gesture and it will save them so much time.

6. A Perfectly Clean Car

Car cleaning is another chore that car owners either don't enjoy or they just don't get enough time for it. So, a nice and deep car wash from you will always be welcomed by your friends or family.

All you need is to take out an hour or two from your time and get hold of some basic car cleaning supplies.

7. Shoveling Snow!

When it snows, sidewalks need to be shoveled! Offering to help shovel is a perfect Gift of Time. It is one of those jobs that need to be right after it snows so the sidewalks do not get packed down.

Getting the snow off right away allows the sun to melt the remaining snow and dry up the walkways which are actually huge safety factors. Consider this as a great gift of time idea while helping someone you love.

8. Hauling and Stacking Firewood

Offering to haul and stack firewood for those on your list that heat with wood is a super nice gesture and another perfect helper type gift of time.

Maybe give one hour as your gift for hauling and stacking firewood.

Also, consider giving any of the following for Thoughtful Gifts of Time Ideas:

A Dozen Cookies

One Delicious Chocolate Cake

Take Down the Christmas Decorations

Clean out the Chicken Coop!

....the sky is the limit on helpful projects!!!!

In Conclusion:

This year, surprise your loved ones with gifts that will truly make them happy and decrease their stress levels. We hope that this list of the top gifts of time ideas will inspire you to come with the perfect gifts for those who are special to you.

Free Gifts of Time Coupon Printable:

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The Gifts of Time - 8 Thoughtful Ideas That are Simple & Helpful

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This post contains affiliate links to some great products that I feel you will enjoy! Learn More. As we approach the holiday season, birthdays and other special occasions, it's time to think about what to give your loved ones.

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How to Do It

Think of a person whom you care about.

What might you be able to do for this person that entails nothing more than the giving of your time? Certain acts of kindness entail gifts of money or goods, but, in this exercise, time is of the essence, as it were.

Plan a gift of time for this person and give it, whether it means doing something with them or something for them on your own. Spend as much time as needed to do the favor well and do not take any shortcuts. You might even consider taking off your watch or putting your smartphone away.

If you did something for them on your own, do not tell the recipient of your gift how much time you spent. Let the gift speak for itself.

Why You Should Try It

When we're busy, it's easy to sacrifice quality time with others in favor of work and other obligations. But that can lead to regrets: We fall out of touch with friends, or miss out on our kids' milestones. This exercise ensures that we allocate time for the important people in our lives.

In turn, taking time for social connection allows us to build up a store of positive experiences and supportive relationships that we can draw strength from in the future, potentially leading to better health and more success at work or helping us through hard times.

Plus, the gift of time is absolutely free-it's one that anyone can give.

Why It Works

Time is one of the most precious gifts we have to give, particularly in an age when technology seems to garner our constant attention. This exercise encourages us to think more carefully about how we spend our time.

Devoting time to others is a gesture of kindness and love that can not only make us feel good but also make others feel good and deepen our relationships. And because each social interaction is different, we have countless opportunities for new positive experiences.

Evidence That It Works

Gander, F., Proyer, R. T., Ruch, W., & Wyss, T. (2013). Strength-based positive interventions: Further evidence for their potential in enhancing well-being and alleviating depression. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(4), 1241.

Participants were assigned to give three "gifts of time" by meeting up with three people they care about in the same week, above and beyond their normal activities. Compared to a group who journaled daily about their memories, they reported greater happiness one month later. The longer they continued the practice after the initial week, the greater their happiness boost.

Quick Description

Giving the Gift of Time can help nurture your relationships. How strong are your social connections? Take our Social Capital quiz to find out:

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Think of a person whom you care about. What might you be able to do for this person that entails nothing more than the giving of your time? Certain acts of kindness entail gifts of money or goods, but, in this exercise, time is of the essence, as it were.

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Giving back is important. Even the seemingly smallest of efforts can make a difference. While it's not always easy to find the time thanks to a busy work and family life, there are things you can do in your spare time to help others. Giving back can be rewarding and a productive use of your free time, so take a look at these great suggestions for things you can to do so some good.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Share your skills

If you have a particular set of skills (and not in the Liam Neeson/Taken way), then sharing them could have many benefits for others. There are some excellent ways you can share your professional expertise to help others, including being a mentor to someone or running workshops in your community. Sharing your knowledge through writing is another great way to use what you know to benefit others and can be a fantastic creative outlet to use your brain in a different way.

Run for a Charity

If you tend to use your spare time for fitness, why not do it for a charity? Training to run for a marathon to raise money for a good cause is a wonderful way to give back, while also helping you to focus on your own health. Choose a charity that is close to your heart and document your efforts to inspire others to do some good too. Even if you think you don't have much free time to exercise, there are some clever ways to sneak in a work out to help you train for that good cause.

Become a Counselor

Mental health awareness is becoming an important subject that's finally getting the attention it deserves. Many people struggle with mental illness and if you think you could do some good to help others with their problems - why not think about becoming a counselor? There are many great uses for mental health counseling programs that include helping people at your workplace, in schools or in the community to help them deal with problems they're experiencing. If you've got a talent for listening and the desire to enhance your skills, maybe it's time you gave it a try?

Volunteer

Volunteering is something you can do at any time - there's no minimum required for dedicating some time to help others. There are many different ways you can volunteer your time to help others, including spending time with the elderly, working with children and animals or even helping with community projects. There are unexpected benefits to volunteering you might not have thought of that can bring a lot of joy to your life. As ways to spend your free time go, volunteering can be very rewarding and offer experiences you wouldn't get by spending all of your free time doing nothing.

Finding ways to help others in your spare time will make you more grounded as a person as well as keep you busy. It's a great way to set an example to your children and could even become a family activity you can all enjoy together. Think about how you spend your free time and see if you could use some of it to do some good for others.

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Using Your Spare Time To Do Good For Others - Guy and the Blog

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Giving back is important. Even the seemingly smallest of efforts can make a difference. While it's not always easy to find the time thanks to a busy work and family life, there are things you can do in your spare time to help others.

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This is the fifth in our special "12 Days of Giving" series running for the holiday season. It's a little different from what you might think of as traditional presents or giving. We aren't really talking about stuff you buy or a gift list. Rather, on these 12 days, we will be talking about different gifts that you can give to yourself, or others - those that have a deeper meaning, that can help you live with intention, be happier, be healthier. Soul gifts, you might even call them. Join us on the journey.

It's relatively easy for most of us to purchase a gift for someone. But giving them your time is another thing entirely. Whether it's our children, spouses or friends, it's all too easy in our busy schedules to not really look when your kid is showing you a picture they drew at school while you're cooking dinner; or tune out and mentally go over tomorrow's to-do list while your partner recounts their day.

Trust me, I know. We're all busy, and with so much constantly going on we can't always be there in the way we'd like for others. But to give of yourself with your time is perhaps the most meaningful and important thing you can do to show another person how much you love and value them. Time, after all, is the only thing that none of us can regenerate more of. We all have only a finite amount of it - what, and who, you choose to spend it on says a lot.

So when you sit down to do a craft project with your kid instead of handing them a toy, or you go to the park together instead of looking at your separate screens, you are telling them that they matter in a way that few other things or actions can do. When you set aside a date night to do nothing other than focus on each other with your partner; when you carve out time for lunch with that friend you haven't seen in too long; these things remind you both of what really matters.
Here are a few ideas and fun ways to give someone else - and yourself! - the gift of time:
Make and send handmade holiday cards

A couple of years ago I wrote a story for Modern Woman magazine about the art of handmade greeting cards. When it comes to sending holiday cards, many simply sign a name, stamp the envelope and ship it off. But the holidays are all about connecting, and one way to do that is by taking a bit of time to create a personal card.

Not only will the recipient love it, but the project is a fun way to get in touch with your creative side and disconnect from technology for some good old-fashioned tactile stuff. If you have a big holiday card list, you don't have to make cards for everyone; maybe just make them for those closest to you.

Listen to someone who needs it

I mean, really listen. It might be a family member, friend or co-worker, but we all likely know someone who is going through a tough time and could use someone to talk to. So many times when we talk with people on a regular basis, we are distracted with our phones, our own thoughts, or just listening so that we can respond with what we want to say.

But to be with someone 100%, give that person your total attention and listen to them attentively, without interrupting or interjecting your own stories, is a truly special gift. You will be amazed at what you learn and this may be the first time anyone has listened to them in such a profound and respectful way.

Practice a random act of kindness

If you've ever been the recipient of one of these acts, you know how they can completely change the course of your day, or even your week. The most simple, small acts can have a ripple effect of positive repercussions - so much so that there's even a Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, whose mission it is to "make kindness the norm." I love this idea. It's a great place to get ideas, and they also have some cool things like a Kindness Calendar you can download for free (just did!).

Bonus benefit? Being kind is actually scientifically proven to be good for you. It has health benefits and produces oxytocin, the "love hormone" that lowers blood pressure and improves overall heart health. Kindness is also contagious - and is a pretty awesome thing to spread around. In fact, pretty much all of the things on this list are both good for our own mental, emotional and physical health, and contagious.

The RAK site has lots of inspiring and feel-good videos; here's one about a "Week of Kindness" that the St. Matthews School in Cambridge, England held. I can't think of many more important things to teach kids.

Give yourself to others through volunteering

Anyone who knows me, knows that I've been highly involved with a number of nonprofits, and an active volunteer, for all of my life. And speaking of great things to teach kids, altruism is something that can't be started too early.

I have a grandson who just turned 7. On my birthday this year, my daughter sent me this paper he brought home from school. The first-grade class assignment was to write about what they wanted to be when they grew up. Jude wrote that he wants to help people. My heart was totally melted, it was the best birthday present!

Jude has been talking a lot more lately about this, wanting to do things to help people. We are going to buy gifts for a child on the Giving Tree, and when we pass homeless people on the street he wants us to stop and give them water and granola bars. He already has a kind heart, and I want to foster that, so I plan on searching for volunteer opportunities that we can do together. Here in Austin, there's a great organization called Generation Serve that is developing generations of community-minded leaders by engaging children in volunteerism. Volunteer Match also is a fantastic nationwide database of all kinds of volunteer opportunities, and you can search by type of organization, type of work, location, and even for volunteering as a family.

Share time and experiences instead of stuff

There's a whole host of different research that shows us that experiences bring far more happiness than things. Try incorporating this idea into your gift giving. For example, my partner Keith and I generally give each other experience gifts rather than stuff; because we love to travel, this is most often what we spend our gift resources on. But we'll also buy each other things like tickets to a concert, or a massage - things that are experiences, rather than something other thing that we don't need.

I've also suggested to my family that instead of doing gifts for the kids, we take them to do something fun, together as a family, instead. We've long opted out of much gift-giving among the family except for the kids; but to be honest, none of these kids needs more stuff, either. And the fun times, laughter and memories we will make by going skating together, or to a festival, or taking an art class, will outshine any gift-wrapped present. I'm betting that 10 years down the road, not one person will remember a present that was given to them a certain year; but we'll all remember that great time we had together.

Give yourself the gift of time

Slow down. Breathe. Be present. Do something for yourself that helps you recharge and rejuvenate. That might be a walk, a bubble bath, curling up in a chair with a good book....whatever it is, give yourself permission to just be. Rinse. Repeat.

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12 Days of Giving: The Gift of Time - MapQuest Travel

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This is the fifth in our special "12 Days of Giving" series running for the holiday season. It's a little different from what you might think of as traditional presents or giving. We aren't really talking about stuff you buy or a gift list. Rather, on these 12 days, we will be talking about different [...]

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If you want to live longer, try helping other people.

That's the cheerful implication of a newly published study which looked at the generosity and longevity of more than 3,500 people in their 60s and 70s from Wisconsin. Those who reported volunteering time and energy to help others were less likely to have died during the 13 years of the study than those who didn't, the researchers found.

But that wasn't the case for those who merely donated money to good causes.

Giving one's time - care giving, volunteering etc. - and "pro-social traits" characterized by being concerned for the well-being of others were associated with a lower mortality risk in older adults, "but giving money wasn't," the study authors wrote.

The paper, "Which types of giving are associated with reduced mortality risk among older adults," appears in the peer-reviewed journal Personality and Individual Differences, and was written by Heng Qu of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, Sara Konrath at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and Michael Poulin of University of Buffalo's Department of Psychology.

They followed members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, a periodic survey of a sample of the state's high school graduates that began in 1957. From 2004, the survey included data on whether participants had given money to charity or others, volunteered, cared for someone other than a spouse or given substantial time and energy in support of family or friends.

The authors of the paper were able to follow 3,544 participants from 2004 through 2017. Those surveyed were age between 64 and 67 at the start. Some 18% died during the intervening years.

Those who gave money - to charity or to other people - did not experience a lower risk of mortality, once adjusted for other variables such as health and socio-economic status.

Those who gave time and energy, however, did. "Volunteering was significantly associated with lower mortality risk," they found. The same was true for those who reported "giving support to friends" and those who reported being a care giver for someone other than a spouse. (Care giving for a spouse wasn't measured).

The results were adjusted to take into account the amount of social support that participants received in turn. In other words, the study wasn't just measuring how social or antisocial people were, but specifically whether they dedicated time and energy to caring for others.

Americans ranked eighth in the world in terms of rate of volunteering, according to the Charities Aid Foundation. It estimates 39% of us volunteered last year, down from 45% five years ago, when the U.S. ranked third in the world.

After a record-breaking 2017, charitable giving by individual Americans fell last year in response to a volatile stock market and the new tax law. Charities raked in $427.71 billion overall in 2018, an increase in total dollars from the previous year. But when adjusted for inflation, the figure represented a 1.7% decline in overall giving, according to Giving USA, an annual report on philanthropy released earlier this year.

The dollar amount of donations from individual Americans dropped 1.1%, while donations from corporations and foundations -- the charitable entities often established by wealthy families -- increased by 5.4% and 7.3% respectively.

The results of the most recent survey should be treated with the usual scientific and statistical caution, Qu told MarketWatch. The analysis, she says, cannot prove that giving time and energy to others will improve your health and make you live longer. It can only show that - in this particular study - the two were correlated. Furthermore, she noted, the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study was ongoing, and there will be more data in the years to come.

Nonetheless the researchers say this isn't the first study to find links between "pro-social behavior" - behavior that improves the welfare of others - and better health outcomes. "Being caring and friendly may be a long-lasting way to promote health, even in to old age," they suggested.

Why might this be? Dedicating time and energy to others may help us deal with stress by getting us to focus on something other than our own troubles, the researchers suggest. If so, that would explain why giving time and energy, but not money, seems to correlate with longer life. This would fit with other research, including scientific studies on how pro-social traits are associated with the reduction of stress hormones, they added.
(Leslie Albrecht contributed to this story.)

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Giving your time to help others, rather than your money, may help you live longer

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If you want to live longer, try helping other people. That's the cheerful implication of a newly published study which looked at the generosity and longevity of more than 3,500 people in their 60s and 70s from Wisconsin.

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It's a fact that most Americans are feeling more time-constrained than ever. With waking hours largely consumed by work, precious minutes remain for the daily list of to-dos, including exercise, cleaning, and socializing with friends and family. For some, time has become an even more valuable resource than money. Indeed, twice as many Americans would prefer two weeks of vacation over two weeks of extra pay. People's sense that time is scarce decreases their willingness to give time to others - be it individuals or worthy organizations.

A recent paper published in Psychological Science, however, shows that helping other people can actually increase feelings of "time affluence" and alleviate the perceived "time famine." The research demonstrates that spending time on others makes people feel like they have done a lot with their time - and the more they feel they have done with their time, the more time they will feel they have.

Time for Someone Else or for Oneself

In the first of four studies conducted by Cassie Mogilner, Zoë Chance, and Michael Norton, participants carried out five-minute tasks in which they either gave their time or wasted it. Participants in the giving-time condition wrote an encouraging note (which was subsequently mailed) to a gravely ill child. Participants in the wasting-time condition were instead asked to complete a filler task that required counting the letter "e" in multiple pages of Latin text.

Participants who gave time by writing to a sick child felt like they had more time than those who wasted time. Although both giving time and wasting time could signal that one has an abundance of time, only giving time led participants to perceive their time as more abundant.

In a follow up, people were assigned either to "spend 10 minutes doing something for yourself that you weren't already planning to do today" or "spend 30 minutes doing something for someone else that you weren't already planning to do today." The results were similar. Spending time on others seemed to "expand the future" in contrast to spending time on oneself.

In the third study, some participants spent fifteen minutes helping an at-risk student from a local public high school by editing his or her research essay. Others were told all the essays had been edited, and they could leave early - thus essentially being granted "free" time. Participants who gave their time helping felt as though they had more time than those who received an equivalent amount of "free" time.

Moreover, those who had received the "windfall" of fifteen minutes completed an average of seven minutes less work on an additional task than those who had spent the time helping another. These results suggest that spending time prosocially may increase how much one does in the future, not just prosocially but also more generally.

A fourth study involved participants vividly describing a recent expenditure of time doing something that was not part of their normal responsibilities - either for someone else or for themselves. Consistent with the findings of the previous studies, participants who remembered giving time felt they had more time than participants who remembered spending time on themselves. Also as predicted, participants who gave time felt more effective than those who spent time on themselves.

Connecting Time Spent on Others to Happiness

The finding that giving time increases perceptions of having time by increasing feelings of self-efficacy is welcome news in light of research showing the detrimental consequences of time pressure on happiness, stress levels, and prosocial behavior. Although feeling starved for time generally leads individuals to prioritize spare hours for themselves - decompressing in front of the television or getting a massage, for example - these results suggest that if people instead spent time on others, they might feel less time constrained and better able to complete their myriad tasks and responsibilities.

In short, when individuals feel time constrained, they should become more generous with their time - despite their inclination to be less so.
Each quarter, we feature a piece of scholarly research that provides insight on what motivates people to engage in "prosocial behavior" - things like donating money, buying gifts, volunteering one's time, and so forth. The research highlighted is selected by Professor Frank Flynn, Professor of Organizational Behavior.

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Research: There Are Big Benefits to Giving Your Time

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It's a fact that most Americans are feeling more time-constrained than ever. With waking hours largely consumed by work, precious minutes remain for the daily list of to-dos, including exercise, cleaning, and socializing with friends and family. For some, time has become an even more valuable resource than money.

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"I wondered why somebody didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody."

- Author Unknown

To many people, giving time is simply volunteering. You do it because it's the "right thing to do." Or, you do it because you were asked.

Yet, giving time is much more fundamental to our well-being than just volunteering or doing good things. It's a foundation on which we can build a better life for ourselves while we build better neighborhoods and communities. It's a safe and solid way to become more integrated into our communities, to build networks and friendships, and learn to act with intention. It's a foundation to build meaningful purpose into our lives.

Plus, it's free.

Giving times works in these important ways:

Perception. Giving time changes our perception of time so we become more open to new opportunities. That gives us more time. Read this study to see how some Ivy League professors put that to the test.

Intent. The more intent you have to help someone in our community, the more giving time will come back to you. Serving ourselves is limiting. Serving others is empowering.

Connection. Isolation is one of the under-reported scourges of humanity. When we're connected within our communities, we're happier and more productive. Giving time helps connect you with like-minded people.

Immediacy. Helping others doesn't have to wait until you can quit your job, take a life-changing trip, or wait until you're retired. It can start now by helping someone in your family in a small way - do the dishes, pick up after them, give them a ride, be extra kind.

Happiness. Being open to doing more, having the intent to help others, being connected, and doing it now gives more than just a sense of satisfaction. It makes a real difference in every aspect of our lives.

If you start giving your time with intention, everyday, you'll find that you will start to make a real difference in your life. Slowly at first, but it will change. People will start to treat you differently because you treat them differently. You'll start to ask "how" can I do this, rather than "why." You'll start to see opportunities rather than problems.

Eventually, you will lay your head down on your pillow some night and you'll realize that "Yes, I made a difference."

We *do* have time to make a difference.

Start by giving time today.

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"I wondered why somebody didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody." -- Author Unknown To many people, giving time is simply volunteering. You do it because it's the "right thing to do." Or, you do it because you were asked. Yet, giving time is much more fundamental to our well-being than just volunteering...