So the job market sucks. Yes, we know this. But working without pay is always an option to pass the time if you're having trouble getting hired. I'm talking about volunteering. Sound appealing after a $140,000+ education? Well, April is national volunteer month, and in light of this, the benefits of volunteering come to mind. In addition, volunteering presents an opportunity for those looking to gain work experience during this economic recession.
In August, I will be a graduate of Marquette University entering the Jesuit Volunteer Corps for a year. I made the choice to volunteer after graduation long before I knew the economy was going to hit bottom. However, I see that now more than ever is the perfect opportunity to pick up a volunteer job, whether you're a freshman or a senior.
In 1974, President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing April as national volunteer month. In the 35th April since then, it's a good time to look at what has happened to volunteerism in America. Volunteering in America has increased greatly. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), 60.8 million volunteers dedicated 8.1 billion hours of service to community organizations in 2007.
In the ideal world, everyone would volunteer their time in some way. And most people do give a little of their time to others. However, interestingly, the CNCS noted that when people watch a little less TV, the amount of volunteer work they perform increases greatly. It noted that "adults who have never volunteered spend an average of 436 more hours per year watching TV than adults who volunteer, according to Volunteering in America." Adults from across the volunteering spectrum committed similar amounts of time to housework, shopping and other activities, but the variable most closely related to the amount of time spent volunteering was time spent in front of the TV. Just think what would happen if we traded in some of our hours of TV for volunteering activities.
During my time at Marquette, I would say the most beneficial activities I have been involved in have been volunteering, and I have found an overwhelming amount of opportunities to volunteer here. I know many Marquette students volunteer regularly, and I think the tone of volunteerism at this university creates a healthier and happier community both within the campus boundaries and throughout the Milwaukee area.
The CNCS recently released a research report entitled, "The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research." Turns out that research proves that volunteering promotes individual health as well. The report notes that "Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer."
If unable to find a job, volunteering helps pass the time and is also a great resume builder. The Career Services Center encourages students to add volunteer experience to their resumes for a reason. Volunteering shows a giving spirit, work ethic and just plain old experience.
Visit the Web site of the Center for Community Service at HREF="www.marquette.edu/about/service_center.shtml">www.marquette.edu/about/service_center.shtml for opportunities on campus, including Marquette's largest one-day service project, Hunger Clean-up approaching on April 18.