Why I Volunteer—and Why It Matters
As a Human Resources Manager, wife, mother, and someone constantly balancing work and family life, time is a precious resource. So people sometimes ask me, “How do you find time to volunteer?” My answer is always the same: I don’t find time—I make time. Because for me, giving back to others isn’t just something I do to check a box or feel good for a moment. It’s become part of who I am, and it’s changed my life for the better—both personally and professionally.
Volunteering has taught me so much about leadership, connection, and the simple joy of being useful. It’s one of the most rewarding habits I’ve built into my life, and I believe it’s something more professionals should explore—not just because the world needs more helpers, but because we become better people, parents, coworkers, and leaders through the act of service.
Small Acts, Big Impact
You don’t have to do something grand to make a difference. In fact, some of the most meaningful volunteer work I’ve done involved small, everyday efforts. Whether it’s helping sort food at a local pantry, mentoring young women entering the workforce, or just being present for community events, those moments add up.
There’s something powerful about stepping outside of your own routine to help someone else. When I’m volunteering, I’m not focused on emails, deadlines, or performance reviews. I’m focused on people. I’m reminded of how much we all need each other, and how much we’re capable of giving—regardless of how busy we are.
One of my favorite volunteer experiences was working with a local group that provides job coaching for women re-entering the workforce. As an HR professional, it felt like the perfect intersection of my skills and passion. But what I didn’t expect was how much I would learn from those women—their resilience, hope, and determination were truly inspiring. I walked away from that experience more grateful and motivated than ever.
Bringing Volunteer Lessons Into the Workplace
It might surprise you, but volunteering has actually made me a better HR leader. I’ve learned to communicate more clearly, to lead with more empathy, and to appreciate the strengths people bring to the table—even if their resumes don’t say it all.
Volunteering has taught me patience and the value of listening, two skills that translate beautifully into managing people. It’s helped me see individuals more fully, beyond job titles and performance metrics. When I bring that mindset into the office, it changes how I approach team dynamics, conflict resolution, and employee engagement.
I’ve also encouraged my coworkers to get involved in causes that matter to them. We’ve organized group volunteering days, community clean-ups, and even donation drives. These efforts build more than good public relations—they build team unity and purpose. When people work together outside of their usual roles, something shifts. They bond in a different way. And when they return to the office, they often bring that positive energy with them.
The Fulfillment Factor
Volunteering fills a space in my heart that nothing else quite can. It brings a deep sense of purpose that goes beyond professional success or personal goals. There’s a unique kind of joy that comes from knowing you made someone’s day a little better, or helped ease a burden they were carrying.
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and speed of modern life. We chase deadlines, juggle family commitments, and sometimes forget to look beyond our own little worlds. Volunteering pulls us out of that tunnel. It widens our perspective and brings our values into sharper focus.
I’ve found that after a day spent volunteering—whether that’s outdoors, at a shelter, or helping with a fundraiser—I feel lighter. More centered. More in tune with what really matters. That clarity helps me be a better version of myself in every area of life, from parenting to professional leadership.
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—Just Present
One of the biggest myths about volunteering is that you need to have a certain set of skills, or a lot of extra time, or some kind of saint-like patience. That’s not true at all. You just need to show up.
People don’t need you to be perfect—they need you to care. They need you to listen, to offer a hand, to say “I’m here to help.” Some of the most impactful moments I’ve witnessed during volunteer work didn’t involve any big, dramatic gestures. They involved kindness. Encouragement. Showing up consistently.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to start giving back, I’d encourage you to begin small. Find a cause you care about and take that first step. Maybe it’s serving food once a month at a shelter, or helping with your child’s school fundraiser, or writing cards to isolated seniors. Every act counts.
Final Thoughts: Building a Life That Matters
For me, volunteering isn’t a chore or an extra item on the to-do list. It’s part of the life I want to build—a life of compassion, connection, and impact. It reminds me that no matter what title I hold at work, my most meaningful role is simply being a good human.
So yes, I’m busy. But I will always make time for giving back. Because in the end, it’s not just about what we achieve—it’s about how we show up for others. That’s the true art of giving back.