Volunteer at the Ostego Bay marine Science Center!

Community Service: Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer

Thinking of becoming a volunteer? See a list of reasons that will help you make up your mind.

#10: It's good for you.

Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards. It:

• Reduces stress: Experts report that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns.
• Makes you healthier: Moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one's fate, strengthen the immune system.

#9: It saves resources.

Volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on local improvements.

#8: Volunteers gain professional experience.

You can test out a career.

#7: It brings people together.

As a volunteer you assist in:

• Uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal
• Building camaraderie and teamwork

#6: It promotes personal growth and self esteem.

Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.

#5: Volunteering strengthens your community.

As a volunteer you help:

• Support environmental education
• Improve schools (museuem in a suitcase, tutoring, literacy)
• Support youth (mentoring and after-school programs)

#4: You learn a lot.

Volunteers learn things like these:

• Self: Volunteers discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self worth.
• Government: Through working with local non-profit agencies, volunteers learn about the functions and operation of our government.
• Community: Volunteers gain knowledge of local resources available to solve community needs.

#3: You get a chance to give back.

People like to support local community resources that they use themselves or that benefit people they care about.

#2: Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.

Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our community and the people who live in it.

#1: You make a difference.

Every person counts!

Do you like talking about nature and proud of our area? Learn more about our volunteer opportunities at the Marine Science Center by calling Joanne Semmer, President, 239.470-4993 or jj37a@yahoo.com. Click HERE to apply online.