We all seem to get busier and busier day by day, but in reality it is quite possible to free up some time and spend some extra hours volunteering for causes that matter or for other projects that we can learn from. Volunteering is great as you will probably feel good simply by the fact that you have helped others and also it is a great hobby because it can take you out of your daily routine.
The past autumn I volunteered for the Helsinki International Film Festival (Rakkautta ja anarkiaa, “Love and Anarchy”) and also for the Helsinki Design Week Festival. Here are five reasons why I think volunteering is a great experience:
1. Make things happen
If it weren’t for volunteers it would be a lot more difficult and expensive to put up several events. By volunteering you make it possible for events to happen (e.g. volunteering at festivals) or you can make a significant difference for a person in need or for a cause (e.g. volunteering at homeless shelters or the red cross).
2. Meet new people
While volunteering you get to meet so many new people! For example, chances are you will get to know other volunteers, the people in charge of the events, and also people attending whom you help. From all this, you can learn something new, you can make friends or even make some contacts for your future career.
Helsinki Design Week opening party at Ateneum
3. Get access to interesting places and events
You may be able to enter exclusive events (e.g. opening parties), you might get to know places you didn’t know existed (e.g. get to explore a new part of the city!). You just might happen to be in the right place at the right time to attend some show or event that you normally wouldn’t have chosen and actually end up liking it.
Iittala and Arabia Design Centre during the Helsinki Design Week
4. Free goodies
If you volunteer for any event or cause, chances are you will get a t-shirt from the festival or get free-entrance to some events.
Festival swag from the 30th Helsinki International Film Festival
5. Acquire new skills
When you volunteer you might find yourself doing new things and be expected to do a wide range of tasks, and from every single task there is something to learn from. For example, speaking to the festival audience may help you to improve your public speaking skills. Or you may get training in first aid, gardening, some software, etc. The possibilities are endless depending on where you volunteer!
Where do you see yourself volunteering? How about in the upcoming documentary film festival (DocPoint)? Or perhaps volunteering for your nearby park (for example as a Park Pal)?