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Volunteering: History and Importance

In America today, it is common to hear about volunteering opportunities at a variety of organizations, especially nonprofits. Volunteers are needed to assist in a variety of duties like cleaning cages at animal shelters, restoring native grasses at nature preserves, or leading Bible studies at churches.

But, did you know how the act of volunteering first started? Benjamin Franklin was the first to organize and recruit an all-volunteer fire crew in 1736. So, volunteering has been around for a long time! 

Caring Network is a non-profit organization in the Chicagoland area that utilizes volunteers in many capacities. We recognize the work we do to save & impact lives can’t be done without support on many different levels. If you’d like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, prayer, or partnership, reach out to us today!

The Importance of Volunteering

Why is volunteering important in our society? Helen Dyer, a Parks Funding and Volunteer Coordinator, once said, “Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” Volunteers offer their time and talent in areas they are concerned about and provide help and expertise. Let’s face it, without volunteers, many things would not get accomplished.

Additionally, volunteering can be a personally rewarding experience. As you volunteer, you are using your interests, talents, skills, and past experiences to help someone in need and accomplish something important. You get to see, firsthand, the impact you make. Furthermore, by volunteering, you can gain more skills and broaden your interests.  Lastly, you can meet others who share the same passion for that same interest.

Volunteering at Caring Network

Have you ever thought about volunteering at Caring Network? Your help can make an important impact in the lives of those we serve. We could use your help and have a variety of positions available.  If you like office work, we need willing individuals to assist in receptionist and office support duties. Do you like leading Bible studies and are compassionate about serving women or men who have experienced past abortions? There are open positions with our Restore After Abortion program. If you love praying for others, our prayer team could use prayer warriors. Are you in a small group at your church? We have a Connections program that helps provide relational & spiritual support to pregnancy clients.  Or, if you enjoy fixing or cleaning things, we could use your handyman or cleaning service help.  For more details and to see the list of positions available, see check out our Volunteer Opportunities page!

Volunteers are the backbone of many non-profit organizations. Caring Network is no exception. Our mission and vision to reach more women and save more lives relies on the support of others. To get involved today, reach out for more information.

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Reference:

Ott, Kevin. History of Volunteerism in America. Retrieved from: https://charity.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Volunteerism_in_America

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