Whatever we achieve in life, we give it back to society knowingly or unknowingly, some time or the other. It’s another thing to give back to the community willingly. Many young individuals today are choosing to volunteer with an NGO. The reasons are multifarious, but all crucial. It’s a positive sign that indicates that the youth who will be the future of this country, are empathetic, giving, empowering and kind towards society and its members.
If you are a young individual who has just finished schooling, you can step out and enrol yourself in some nearby NGO. Why you might ask…here’s why
Make a difference: Uplifting and helping the underprivileged section of society is the best thing you can ever do as a way to give back to society and the nation as a whole. Your services in the NGO will foster community development. You realise the importance of helping others in need and the kind of difference it can make. It’s good to know that your service and efforts can bring about a positive change in the lives of many people.
Build your Career: Volunteering has helped many secure a job in reputed companies. When seeking employment opportunities it gives you an edge over others. Many companies today recruit candidates who have some experience in social work. The reason is, that such individuals come with polished interpersonal skills and a rich experience working with people of all kinds.
Adds weightage to the CV: Many NGOs also offer an experience letter, certificate or recommendation letter. This makes your CV strong ad speaks well about you.
Networking Opportunities: Volunteering with an NGO brings along with it a requirement to communicate with a lot of people from different fields of work. Be it an event, or a campaign you will come in contact with people who will add some value to your life. This is a great way to build a network. One never knows how this network can be of use in life. Besides, when you meet people, there is a good exchange of ideas and information which opens up newer doors of learning.
Personality Development: One of the greatest personal benefits of working with an NGO is the development of interpersonal skills. You learn to be a good listener, speaker and most importantly communicator. You become more confident and understanding of the issues and concerns of others. With an ample amount of experience, you cultivate the skills of a good leader and decision-maker. Volunteering helps develop communication, leadership, and decision-making skills. Overall, your personality is enhanced.
If you are thinking about volunteering, you can work in these student-friendly NGOs
MAD (Make A Difference)
Aim: To help build a reasonable quality of life for every child
Greenpeace
Aim: To protect the environment
WWF (World Wildlife Fund)
Aim: To conserve Earth’s biodiversity, minimize wasteful consumption, reduce the impact of climate change, reduce pollution, and formulate policies that will improve environmental governance.
CARE
Aim: To alleviate poverty and social injustice, and empower women and girls
LEPRA
Aim: To beat leprosy by helping with diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of people affected by the disease.
Teach for India
Aim: To reduce educational inequity
There are a lot of unhappy and underprivileged souls in the world. They lack access to some of the basic facilities in life. If your service and efforts could even better the life of one soul out of the many, it will equal one successful life.
