What is a volunteer?

A volunteer is a person who performs a service willingly and without pay. If we had more volunteers, I feel that our community would be a much superior place to live. Why do people volunteer? Some have chosen to become involved so they can provide a needed service, solve a problem, or advance a worthy cause; others look for personal development. You learn responsibility, how to use your time wisely, how to work efficiently, you earn volunteer hours which looks great on a college resume, and in many cases, how to have fun. Not sure how to get started volunteering? Ask your guidance counselor, teachers, and friends. A few of my suggestions on where to volunteer would be Albert Wisner Library, the homeless shelter, and the animal shelter. Ask questions about the organization you are volunteering for. What is the organization’s mission? What volunteer work will you be doing? What are the opportunities for advancement and variety? Will I receive a certificate stating my hours and duties? Who is my supervisor? These questions are vital to a successful volunteer experience. Like a friend once told me, it is good to give back to your community. It helps build moral and improves relations with the surrounding community. It improves people skills as well as job performance. Most importantly, it builds self-confidence. You know you have made an important contribution to the community and it feels great. So what do you have to lose? Volunteer. Ariel Ambar Sophomore Warwick Valley High School