Part 1
While on the surface volunteering may seem to be a time consuming effort with no reward to be gained, ask anyone who has volunteered before and they will surely tell you that it was worthwhile. Yes, chances are there may be no monetary gain, but there are often countless other benefits that can enrich our lives and last longer than any money we make.
If you call ALTA today and sign up to be a tutor, not only will you change a life but you can also:
Learn or develop a new skill
Our Alta tutors will tell you that the intensive training period which they undergo before they begin teaching is extremely rewarding. You are given thorough training in teaching methods, classroom delivery, and team teaching. These are skills which will last a lifetime and which you can use with your own children. When you begin teaching, you will gain further skills in time management, patience and creativity which will benefit you in your personal and professional life. Many of the skills you learn as a volunteer can also come in handy at your workplace and make you a more dynamic and holistic person.
Boost your career options
A study done by TimeBank through Reed Executive shows that 73 per cent of employers are more likely to hire someone with volunteering experience than someone without. Additionally 94 per cent of employees who volunteered to get experience in their field, had benefitted either by getting their first job, improving their salary or being promoted. If you have some free time and a desire to change someone else’s life, volunteering with Alta could very well be an opportunity to learn skills which will help you in your future job.
Also, if you have just graduated from university, volunteering is a good way to wet your feet before fully committing to a particular career. For example, if you are interested in teaching or literacy, you can sign up to be an Alta tutor and spend an academic year developing your interests while advancing someone else’s reading skills.
Develop a sense of purpose
After many years of working, many of us become disenchanted and feel as if we are just going through the motions. The dreams we had of changing the world are no more. However, volunteering can make these dreams a reality. Volunteers at Alta have the incredible opportunity of seeing the results of their time and dedication at the end of each academic year.
If you become an Alta tutor, you can find new meaning and purpose in your life by changing the life of another person. Sharing the skill of reading and writing with another person can change their world. In doing so, you will undoubtedly add more zest to your life, improve your mental stimulation and feel a sense of purpose.
• Continues next week.
• MORE INFO: Call Alta at 624-2482 and experience the benefits of volunteering today!