By Barbara Pierce
“I enjoy giving back,” said 59-year-old Dale Seaton of Marcy. “That’s the biggest part of why I volunteer. I like helping others; it gives me a sense of community.”
Seaton is a volunteer with United Way —an event coordinator —and a board member, in addition to working full time in information technology.
“He’s one of our most dedicated volunteers,” said Kristyn Bucciero Beckwith, director of marketing, United Way of the Mohawk Valley.
A multitude of remarkable social and physical benefits come from giving back.
For volunteers like Seaton, it’s almost a motto: “I like helping others, giving back. It gives me a sense of pride, a sense of community.”
“My volunteer work is a big part of who I am, of what I need to be,” he added.
Research confirms the physical benefits of volunteering. A Carnegie Mellon University study showed that volunteers are 40% less likely to develop hypertension as compared to non-volunteers. The type of volunteering didn’t matter. The only thing that matters is the amount of time spent, according to researchers. Volunteer time reported by study subjects was 200 hours a year.
A Canadian study showed that about two hours a week appears to be the “sweet spot” that creates benefits. Benefits like better overall health, fewer physical limitations, fewer depression symptoms and a longer life.
Just being around other people makes us healthier. Volunteering increases social interaction and gives us a support system. One of the best ways to make friends is to volunteer.
It’s been proven that people with strong social networks live longer, have less heart disease and cancer. They have stronger immune systems and recover faster from health problems. They’re happier people.
“United Way started me on the path to volunteering,” said Seaton. “My company asked for a volunteer to be the coordinator for the United Way campaign. I raised my hand.”
“I was the campaign coordinator at my job for six or seven years,” he continued. “This introduced me to the United Way staff. I’ve stayed involved with them.”
As an avid athlete, Seaton competes in running events and triathlons all over the state. An active swimmer, he’s the treasurer for his swimming league.
He coached the girls’ softball team for his daughter’s school and continued for 14 years, long after she was out of school.
“We use volunteers to help us with projects that take more hands than we have available in our staff,” said Beckwith. “We have several committees of local individuals. These volunteers give us their time, plus knowledge and expertise to help us do more.”
Some of the projects the United Way has accomplished through volunteers include “Born Learning Trails” in local parks throughout Oneida and Herkimer counties, a series of signs that offer fun, active learning activities for children. Volunteers pack “Welcome Home Kits” with supplies for families moving into their own apartments after being homeless; conduct annual counts of homeless persons; do diaper distribution.
Aside from the many health benefits of volunteering, there are other good reasons to consider volunteering: It’s a great way to prepare yourself for a career change, learn new skills, explore other options, add experience to your resume, network with others to learn about job vacancies.
Volunteer jobs often lead to paid employment. There are a million volunteer opportunities. To consider what might be a good fit for you, first decide which causes you care about; volunteering for an organization that you feel passionate about will increase the chances that you’ll enjoy the opportunity. Think about whether you want to work with adults, children or behind the scenes.
The five different types of volunteer work fall into these categories: environmental, animals, social, health care, sports and leisure. Within each of these categories, you can find a wide range of volunteer projects and organizations to consider getting involved with.
Consider the skills you have that you enjoy using, as well as how much time, energy and effort you are willing to commit to. Be realistic about your availability; don’t over-commit yourself.
Research volunteer opportunities online. A great way to research is to use a volunteer website. For example, Volunteers United is an easy-to-use website where non profits list volunteer projects in the Mohawk Valley, powered by United Way of the Mohawk Valley.
Volunteers United is a free and centralized place where you can search and find local volunteer opportunities. It’s a great way to connect nonprofits looking for help, and those that wish to give back through volunteering.
See www.volunteersunitedmv.org.
Or, Google “volunteer opportunities in (name your city).” Go to the websites of the organizations to determine which might be a fit for you.
When you volunteer, you’ll create a tremendous impact on the lives of others. Volunteering will change your own life as well.
“The biggest part of it is the enjoyment of giving,” Seaton said.
Featured image: Dale Seaton of Marcy works at International Paper in Utica and volunteers with United Way of the Mohawk Valley. ”I like helping others; it gives me a sense of community.”