It’s official! Volunteering makes you happy.
Research has shown that just a few hours of volunteering can make a difference to mood and happiness. Better still, sustained volunteering is associated with improved mental health. Volunteers sleep better, are healthier, and have a greater sense of well-being than those who don’t volunteer. In-fact, the altruistic emotions and behaviours associated with volunteering can even help you live longer.
Environmental volunteering benefits the whole community and is a great way to get outdoors and experience our unique natural environment. Volunteers are rewarded with the knowledge they are making a meaningful contribution to preserving our unique natural surroundings while learning new skills and meeting like-minded people.
Before you start looking for a volunteering opportunity, have a think about what you would like to achieve. National groups such as Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment and Landcare Australia offer various environmental volunteering opportunities from administration through to various landcare activities such as weed eradication and re-planting programs.
The next step is finding an opportunity
Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) Inc. is currently seeking more active volunteers – both local and remote (i.e. online) to help us maintain our high levels of activity. Volunteers are needed to help with projects, events and display activities, as well as general admin duties and media/publications work.
A fair portion of the above work would ideally be done by locals (i.e. in the Toowoomba area) because the HOPE office is in Toowoomba. However, quite a bit of the literature review, research, media and publications activity can be done via email. If you have a little bit of time to help us in any way, then contact the HOPE office on email [email protected] or phone (07) 4639 2135.
Research sites like GoVolunteer and VolunteeringAustralia which allow you to search for volunteer positions nationally, and to find local contacts. Alternately, just get out there and talk to people, visit your community centre or post a message on a community noticeboard. Anyone can volunteer, age is no barrier. Visit the Junior Landcare website for youth groups.
The important thing is getting out there and getting involved. Gather all your good intentions and find a cause you can relate to, meet new people, get some exercise and contribute to preserving a cherished resource. Your body and soul will thank you for it.
This article was kindly provided by HOPE Australia.
