The Power of Volunteerism: How Getting Involved Can Save Our Communities
Today, the fate of many nonprofits is at risk due to dwindling federal funding and shifting priorities. But there’s one thing we can do to support the programs we care about to make a meaningful impact: get involved. Volunteering is a powerful way to preserve the causes you care about, create change where you are, and strengthen your community. While it’s common to measure volunteer impact through numbers—like hours served or clients helped—true volunteerism goes much deeper. It’s about the connections made, the skills shared, and the way it transforms lives.
Volunteers are often seen as simply filling shifts or helping with specific tasks—like serving meals or cleaning up after events. While these services are essential, volunteers have much more to offer. They bring diverse perspectives, talents, and passions that can breathe new life into an organization, especially when resources are tight. Some volunteers want to contribute in a hands-on way, while others want to engage more deeply by offering their expertise, leadership, and fresh ideas. Both are equally valuable, and it’s crucial that organizations harness the full potential of both types of volunteers.
At a time when many nonprofits are uncertain about their future, volunteerism has become even more essential. Volunteers may not be able to fill all the gaps left by reduced funding sources, but their collective energy and commitment can lift some of the burden. In times of crisis, volunteerism can provide organizations much-needed support, and foster a sense of collective purpose, and a deeper connection to community for us all.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the magic that happens when people are truly engaged in a cause. While serving as Director of Volunteer and Guest Services at MUSC Children’s Hospital, I created a volunteer advisory committee for those who wanted to take on leadership roles to provide feedback on current volunteer programs and make suggestions as to how we could improve. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. The committee not only helped identify training needs for staff when interacting with volunteers, but they also took it upon themselves to develop a Children’s Hospital license plate program through the South Carolina DMV that is still thriving today. A portion of the proceeds from the license plate sales go directly to supporting hospital programs.
But it didn’t stop there. The committee used community resources to guide them in establishing a grant-making process that would fund programs specifically designed to alleviate the stress of hospitalization on the young patients and their families. Volunteers were no longer just helping with tasks—they were leading initiatives, developing new fundraising streams, and driving meaningful change in the hospital. It was proof that when volunteers are given the opportunity to engage at a deeper level, they can create truly transformative outcomes.
Similarly, I’ve witnessed the awe of children whose lives have been touched by volunteers in profound ways during my time at the Children’s Hospital. One particularly memorable moment occurred while serving as a program coordinator of the Burned Children’s Fund at MUSC. I served on the original planning and organizing committee for Camp Can Do, a camp for burned children, where firefighters from across the state volunteer as camp counselors. One day, a young burn survivor who lived far inland in South Carolina arrived at the camp. When she and her counselor walked outside, she caught sight of the ocean for the very first time and exclaimed in surprise, “Who filled this thing up?” The wonder in her eyes, the sense of discovery, was a direct result of the time and care someone generously gave to her experience. Volunteers can offer more than just physical labor; they provide emotional support, inspiration, and opportunities that shape lives in ways we can’t always quantify.
During my time as Executive Director of Youth Service Charleston, a nonprofit organization committed to developing civic responsibility in young people, I had the privilege of leading a team working with students. One of the most powerful examples of volunteerism I witnessed came from a group of 5th graders who were eager to make a difference in their community. After learning about many local issues, they chose to focus on a proposed 12-foot wide pedestrian and bicycle lane on the Ravenel Bridge. The students, not even old enough to drive, researched the project and presented their findings to the mayor and city council. Their passionate involvement was instrumental in ensuring the pedestrian lane was included in the final design. This is just one example of how volunteerism—no matter the age or background of the volunteer—can drive change and create lasting impacts.
By volunteering your time, skills, and passion to a cause you care about, you can create tangible differences in your community. Volunteerism has a ripple effect—it not only helps organizations thrive but also provides personal fulfillment and a sense of connection that we need more than ever.
We’re in a time when the fate of many organizations depends on their ability to adapt, innovate, and tap into the energy of volunteers. It’s a chance for individuals to come together, to step up, and to help steer their communities toward a brighter future. So, think about where you can make a difference, and consider how volunteering could be a powerful way to take action in these turbulent times.
And the next time you think about volunteering, don’t just focus on the hours served. Ask yourself: How can I contribute in a way that will create lasting change? By listening to your own motivations, and by engaging with the needs of the organizations you care about, you’ll find that volunteerism is not just about completing tasks—it’s about being part of a movement for positive change.
We’d Love to Hear Your Story!
Have you had a volunteer experience that made a lasting impact—whether on the organization you served or on you as a volunteer? We’d love to hear how your involvement made a difference. Or are you a nonprofit organization that has had success in engaging volunteers in a way that extends the organizational impact and reach? Share your story with us and inspire others to discover the magic of meaningful volunteer engagement!
