People do volunteer work for various, sometimes deeply personal, reasons. However, I believe that most of us share one common sentiment. We want to transform the world into a better place, and there are a million ways in which one can contribute to the cause that is close to your heart.
Usually, when people hear “volunteering”, they imagine working “in the field”–repairing houses, working in a soup kitchen, teaching children. However, if you cannot contribute in this way, you can always give your support in other ways remotely. Writing is one of these, and it’s perfect for you if one of the following statements holds true:
You Are Passionate About Writing
You like writing, but maybe you are not sure if this is a career path that you are going to pursue in the future. Volunteering is a great way to explore it. Deadlines and timelines need to be met. If you find the activity to be sufficiently rewarding, you are one step closer to living your dream and doing what you love to do.
While writing pro-bono, you will get to improve your skills and develop some “must-have” qualities that make you a great candidate in the eyes of your potential employers. As a writer, you also need to amass an impressive portfolio, something to show off. So what’s the first step? Well, you could start writing for your university’s newsletter.
You Are An Introvert
If you don’t possess a socially-driven cheery and bubbly personality, it doesn’t mean that you cannot help others. Writing or designing are brilliant options for introverts. They’re pretty much tailor-made for you if you wish to work within your comfort zone.
When I tell someone that I do volunteer work, they usually imagine me grocery-shopping for the elderly or teaching (which I do too!), but they are surprised when I say that I write as part of my volunteering job. Most people, you see, are not aware of the skills required to prepare a flawless copy.
You Want To Make A Difference
According to a study conducted by Deloitte, a lot of young people aged 18 to 26 are willing to work for the companies that provide volunteering opportunities. However, the media thinks the younger generation is lazy. This stereotype is wildly untrue and damaging!
As a writer, you can give your peers a voice. Spread the word; encourage and inspire others. With words as your tool, you can make a lot of difference in the age of social media and community journalism.