I began my volunteering journey at the local tennis club. To be honest, sometimes it was because I had to. But somewhere between collecting tennis balls and organizing events, I discovered it was actually fun! Then, I met this girl in my class who struggled with reading and writing. Spending time helping her ignited something in me — a passion to make a difference, one person at a time.
Ten years ago, I took the leap and started my own NGO, a small initiative driven by a purpose I truly believed in. Today, we have a wonderful team of volunteers who share in our vision and help us achieve our goals. So, why am I telling you this? Because volunteering is such a win-win activity — it benefits both the giver and the receiver.
And you can perfectly match it with your interests. You love sports? In the last year, I visited three major international sports events, and you could see the volunteers everywhere. From the UEFA Football European Championships to the Olympics — none of these events could have taken place without the thousands of volunteers who guide fans, build tracks, clean, and perform countless other tasks. They are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, adding energy and enthusiasm to every moment. And no matter whom I spoke with, all of them had big smiles on their faces, were incredibly friendly, and genuinely enjoyed meeting so many people and being part of something bigger.
Olympic volunteer Manuella Mallam has her photo taken with the Olympic rings outside Bercy Arena ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
You don’t have to start an NGO to make a difference. There are thousands of opportunities to give back, no matter where you are in life. From helping at local shelters to mentoring young people, every effort counts. Volunteering not only creates positive change in the world but also enriches your own life. It connects you to others, builds new skills, and brings fulfillment in ways you never imagined.
So, find a cause you care about and dive in. The world needs more hearts like yours. Here are some links you can start your volunteer journey with
