Volunteering is often known as a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but for those new to it, it can feel pretty intimidating. Signing up is the easy part, but actually showing up? That’s where most people feel the most anxious. My first time volunteering was nerve-wracking, but I ended up learning so much along the way. Soon enough, I realized that volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience, and there’s so much you can learn from participating.
If you’re about to embark on your first volunteering experience, here are some things that I wish I knew before getting started!
Embrace The Nerves: Everyone Was New At Some Point
It’s normal to feel nervous before starting something new, or putting yourself in a new environment/experience. Volunteering could be something one does to step out of their comfort zone, which makes it the perfect opportunity for growth. It’s vital that you take these nerves and use them as fuel to do your best.
Nervous energy can be powerful if you channel it right. Take the nervous energy and put it into the project you’re volunteering for. It shows you care about doing well and making a difference. Let your excitement push you forward rather than holding you back! Try taking deep breaths and remind yourself that everyone was new at some point.
Don’t Be Afraid of Messing Up
Perfect is overrated, especially when you’re just starting. Whether it’s messing up a task or not knowing what to say, awkward moments are where you grow the most. Volunteer roles aren’t about being flawless, they’re about learning through doing. You’ll look back on your mistakes and laugh, since they’re all just stepping stones toward getting better.
Try looking at mistakes in a different light, as opportunities to learn more. “That wasn’t my best work, but now I know what to expect for the next project!” Every mistake is a mini victory in disguise.
You’ll Learn a Lot About Yourself
You may think volunteering is all about other people, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to get to know yourself better. Volunteering can reveal skills or passions you never knew you had. You may discover that you’re a natural organizer, or you realize you’ve got a knack for crafting!
Pay attention to the moments that make you feel energized, and keep them in your back pocket for the future. Jot down your thoughts after each shift, such as writing down what you enjoyed and what surprised you. It’ll help you get to know your strengths and weaknesses better, which you can use for new opportunities in the future. You can then sign-up for projects that’ll allow you to be the most productive and ones that you’ll actually enjoy.
You’ll Get More Than You Give
You might be thinking, “I’m here to give my time to others,” but the reality is, volunteering gives back in unexpected ways. Some things you can earn from volunteering experiences include new skills, meaningful relationships, and even potential career insights. Volunteering can make you feel like you’re getting more than you gave. You’ll learn about people, systems, and yourself in ways you never could have imagined. To summarize, ensure you keep an open mind and take everything in. You never know who you’ll meet, what you’ll learn, or how it might open a door in your life.
Embrace the “Messy” or Difficult Parts
The best parts of volunteering aren’t always perfect. It can be chaotic, stressful, or even a little uncomfortable. Although, those messy moments are what shape your resilience. It’s in these moments of struggle and awkward-ness where you’ll grow the most. If you can handle the unpredictable, you can handle anything! Learn to take the difficult parts in stride.
When things get chaotic, try finding the humor in it, if it is appropriate to do so. Laugh off the awkwardness and remind yourself that every challenge is just another way to build your confidence and resilience.
You Can Say “No” !!
Volunteering is about giving, but that doesn’t mean you have to give away all your energy and time. Setting boundaries is key to having a positive experience. It’s okay to say “no” when something doesn’t align with your capacity or values, and you should communicate this clearly. A volunteer role is a commitment, but so is your mental and emotional wellbeing.
This skill applies to many fields, not just volunteering. Practicing setting boundaries will benefit you in other aspects of your life, in ways you may not even be aware of! Know your limits, and don’t feel guilty about them. Taking care of yourself will make you a better volunteer in the long run.
TL;DR
Your first volunteer experience might be full of nerves, mistakes, and surprises, but it’s also full of growth and discovery. Embrace the journey and know that you’re learning more than you realize, both about the world around you and yourself. If you’re facing troubles and need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to your team leader or your peers.
The fact that you’re committing yourself to helping others is something to be proud of in itself. Your first volunteer role could just be the start of a meaningful and exciting chapter in your life!
Good luck, and happy volunteering!
Thank you Suha this was very insightful and made me feel better.
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