
Learning for LifeandWork
Why a young person may volunteer for a NGO
Updated: Feb 27, 2020

To gain experience
A young person may volunteer for a NGO to learn new skills and knowledge which could prove useful for their CV and applying for jobs or courses.
To develop skills
Young people may volunteer for a NGO to develop skills such as communication and working with others. They learn to work with others as part of a team and to communicate their ideas.
For personal development
Volunteering for a NGO helps the young person to develop their emotional intelligence and attitudes such as empathy and commitment. They may volunteer for a NGO to learn more about themselves.
They have an interest in the NGO
The young person may be interested in the work of the NGO and keen to learn about what is involved in this type of work.
They may be committed to the cause
The young person may believe in the cause that the NGO promotes and wants to support this by volunteering for the NGO.
To make a social contribution
The young person may volunteer for a NGO because they may feel that they want to make a positive contribution to their community/society. This is a way of helping others.
To make friends
The young person may volunteer for a NGO to meet other people and make new friends through their volunteer work where that can learn to build relationships with others.
To feel good
The young person may volunteer for a NGO to make them feel good about themselves, giving them a sense of achievement for the work that they are involved in and so improving self-esteem.
To help others
The young person may volunteer for a NGO to actively help others in their community/society.
To actively participation
The young person may volunteer for a NGO as this encourages young people to participate in their community/society
To be a contributor to society
The young person may volunteer for a NGO as they may want to develop a greater understanding of their role in society.
To improve understanding of the issues
Volunteering may enable young people to develop a better understanding of social injustice and inequality and prompt them to take action.
For increased self-awareness
The young person my volunteer for a NGO to gain a better understanding of how their actions can impact both negatively and positively on others.
To Improve self-confidence/self-esteem
The young people may volunteer for a NGO and so gain confidence and satisfaction from doing something worthwhile and of value.