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Volunteers are an important component to the success and expansion of our work. Whether they are trained facilitators or are assisting in workshop logistics or participant recruitment, they are an incredibly important part of our health promotion team. WIHA would like to formerly thank each and every volunteer who is involved in implementing evidence-based programs in our communities across Wisconsin and nationwide.
As program providers, volunteer recruitment and retention can often be viewed as a task to help us offer health education programming and services. But what if it’s much more than that? Could volunteerism be a health education intervention itself?!
Research shows that engaging in volunteer work has a significant positive impact on our health and here is why:
· Volunteering improves not only mental health, but physical health as well. Studies show volunteering has a favorable effects on depression, life satisfaction, and overall wellbeing. Some studies even show improvement in mortality rates for those who volunteer.
· Engaging in any volunteer opportunities is beneficial, but those who participant in continuous volunteering and those who shifted from inactive-to-active volunteering show better physical function and less depression.
· Volunteering provides a sense of purpose (vocational/career wellness) and teaches valuable skills (intellectual wellness).
· Engaging in volunteer opportunities can nurture new and existing relationships (social wellness)
We have an incredibly opportunity to improve the health and wellness of our community by offering meaningful volunteer work, with a special focus on older volunteers. Research demonstrates that older adults experience greater increases in life satisfaction and self-esteem than younger generations, yet 76% of retirees don’t volunteer at all! So let’s get the word out!
You can find volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition resources at www.wihealthyaging.org, located on the Program Resources page for Professionals.
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