Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to our communities, it can also help us grow, find a sense of purpose, and connect with different people. When I think back to my first volunteer position at 15 years old, the experience of helping the people in my community gave me a sense of direction for my future career and life. While I initially volunteered as a necessity to graduate high school and complete my required hours, I coincidentally found my passion, and continued to volunteer long past those required 40 hours.
My volunteer experience provided me with many different skills that improved my self-confidence, and my life overall. While I was very shy to speak to new people beforehand, I was given the mentorship and abilities to be comfortable knocking on doors and making phone calls. I went from being unable to place an order at a restaurant, to being able to easily converse with new community members and spread a message I believed in. These skills are essential for job interviews & most fields of work, and they helped me gain future employment in various fields.
Volunteering also guided me to find my passion for working with marginalized groups and children. When we volunteer, we become part of something bigger than ourselves. We learn about how different people’s experiences can be and grow our compassion for others. This important and meaningful work provides me and many others with a great sense of community, purpose, and achievement for being able to improve the lives of those in need.
These skills have also been helpful in other areas of life. I was able to gain relationships with new friends at my volunteer placement who helped teach me and support my journey, and I became more confident in making new friends in the future. I also made connections with people who ended up employing me in another different field for 3 years. These connections and experiences shaped my future career goals and ambitions. Without volunteering, I wouldn’t have ever explored some of these life-changing opportunities out of fear and lack of experience. Even though my first volunteer experience was almost 10 years ago, I still use these skills, connections, and passions in my life today.
At Fuerza latina, our volunteers are a diverse group of people coming together with a common goal. The bonds formed here often extend beyond our programs, creating a network of support and friendship. For many, volunteering with us is a way to stay connected to their cultural roots. It’s about giving back to the community that has given them so much. Working together on projects, sharing stories, and supporting each other creates a strong sense of belonging and unity.
We offer a variety of ways to get involved. Whether you’re interested in education, community outreach, or advocacy, there’s something for everyone at Fuerza Latina. You might find yourself helping to organize events, assisting with administrative tasks, or directly engaging with community members.
Volunteering with Fuerza Latina Services isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about becoming part of a community and making meaningful connections. We invite you to join us in our mission to empower the Latina community. Whether you can spare a few hours or commit to a longer-term project, your involvement is important and will give you a sense of belonging and passion for community work and the power of volunteering.