At World Inspiring Network, our volunteers are absolutely integral to the work that we do. They lead our campaigns, fundraise and write blog posts. They help us to collect and distribute donations and run community workshops. Their passion and commitment are crucial to ensuring that our projects are successful, and we are constantly amazed by their creativity and dedication. We are always looking for new volunteers! Here are just a few reasons why you should volunteer with an NGO like WIN.
Make an impact!
“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” – Denzel Washington
By volunteering for an NGO, you can contribute to tangible, positive change around the world, transforming lives and helping communities to thrive. You could be the key to shaping someone’s future, inspiring them to pursue their aspirations and providing the practical support they need to achieve them. Volunteering for a smaller organisation can be particularly rewarding. World Inspiring Network works with four communities in rural Ghana; Osunu Dompe, Ahomahomasu, Besebuom and Tafi Mador. These communities receive very little help from other, larger organisations, and we feel that we are really making a difference by supporting their development through our campaigns. The contributions made by each of WIN’s volunteers are absolutely key to ensuring these campaigns are successful.
“Every person can make a difference, and every person should try.” – John F. Kennedy
Connect with others!
“If you have the courage to connect with people from different races, nationalities, backgrounds, cultures, and regions, you have the power to bring about a change in the world.” – Germany Kent
Volunteering can be a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people, form connections with others and become part of a larger community. Small NGOs can feel like a second family, with everyone working passionately towards the same goal, supporting one another. At WIN, we hold regular volunteer virtual meetups, communicating with one-another to share ideas, skills and knowledge. Connection is easier than ever before, hindered less and less by distance and borders. Meeting people from other continents, countries and cultures can be one of the best things about volunteering.
Enhance your skillset!
“Humanity progresses because of attempts to serve. and the more you serve others, the more you’re serving yourself.” – Aniekee Tochukwu Ezekiel
Volunteering can help you to acquire new skills and greatly enhance the skills you already have! Collaboration, communication and effective teamwork, for example, are key to the successful organisation and implementation of initiatives. When challenges arise, innovative thinking and creativity are absolutely crucial. Volunteering improves leadership capabilities, time management, and could even help you to develop public speaking skills! At WIN, we take pride in supporting our volunteers as they gain new skills. In November, for example, several of our volunteers participated in workshops hosted by Global Giving, learning about storytelling, connecting with supporters and effective fundraising. Learning new skills and using them to help others can greatly improve your employability!
Get to know other communities… or learn more about your own!
“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in”. – Author Unknown
Volunteering with an NGO often gives you the opportunity to gain an in-depth knowledge of the community that you are supporting. This community may be on the other side of the world or right outside your door. Learning about others can offer diverse perspectives and encourage you to try new things. WIN encourages international volunteers to learn more about the country and communities we serve, sharing videos, pictures and interviews with residents to cultivate knowledge and understanding. Our Ghanaian volunteers are invited to accompany us as we visit our target communities, helping to distribute supplies and organise workshops.
It’s good for your health!
“There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.” ― Bernard Meltzer
Did you know that volunteering can greatly improve your health? Research indicates that helping others positively impacts both physical and mental health, reducing stress and decreasing the risk of depression. By volunteering, you can gain a sense of purpose and increase self-confidence! Some studies even suggest that volunteering reduces symptoms of chronic pain and decreases the risk of heart disease, with those involved in NGOs more physically and mentally active than those who are not.
To join World Inspiring Network as a volunteer, please APPLY HERE.
