How Local Volunteers Are Transforming Their Communities

Introduction

In 2020 alone, over 1 billion people around the world volunteered — their combined work

estimated to contribute nearly $1.5 trillion to the global community. A volunteer, by definition, is

someone who freely offers their time and energy without expecting anything in return. While

society may sometimes view volunteering as a simple or meaningless act, beneath this act lies a

force that has deeply transformed communities and uplifted lives.

The Heart Behind Volunteering

Many people volunteer out of gratitude for what they have and a desire to support others in need. Volunteering offers a sense of purpose and pride — the acknowledgement of even small actions can create meaningful change. It also allows people to grow personally and connect with others who share similar values. Whether it’s helping a child learn to read, cleaning up a public space, or distributing food for labor workers, volunteers choose compassion over convenience — not for recognition or money, but because they genuinely care. “Volunteers are not paid because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.” — Sherry Anderson. This powerful quote serves as a compelling reminder that, despite how society may sometimes undervalue volunteering, its true worth lies far beyond money.

When Kindness Creates Change

Look into the eyes of those in dire need, holding on to hope for a miracle. Volunteers are that

miracle — stepping in with no expectation of reward, no charge, just an act of pure kindness. For

instance, when the Christchurch earthquake struck in 2011, a Facebook post by a student sparked what became the Student Volunteer Army. Over 13,000 students helped clean up liquefaction mud, debris, and support residents—demonstrating the power of grassroots action in disaster recovery. Another example could be when in 2004, school-bus driver Jorge Muñoz—dubbed the “Angel in Queens”—prepared and distributed over 100,000 home-cooked meals to homeless and day-labor workers. In 2010, he was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for this extraordinary service. All of these selfless acts deeply impact our communities. If we continue on this path, society has the potential to truly flourish. And if I’m being honest, volunteering feels like one of the last pure expressions of humanity in a world that’s slowly forgetting its morals.

The Hidden Struggles of volunteering

There are significant challenges that volunteers have to bear. For example, they often need to

balance school, work, or family responsibilities, which can make it difficult to stay committed

long-term — especially for students and working adults. Moreover, many volunteers work

behind the scenes and may feel unappreciated or overlooked, particularly when their efforts go

unnoticed by the public or organizations. In addition, volunteers sometimes work with very little

support, lacking supplies, tools, transportation, or funding needed to carry out their work

effectively.

How Others Can Get Involved

If your country doesn’t provide volunteering, you can use Rally2Repay to do multiple

volunteering programs, while gaining hours of volunteering. Additionally, platforms like UN Online Volunteering, Zooniverse, and Translators Without Borders connect volunteers with global causes digitally.

Sources:

- United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme. (2021). State of the World's Volunteerism

Report 2022: Building Equal and Inclusive Societies.

- Anderson, S. (n.d.). Widely attributed quote.

- University of Canterbury. (n.d.). Student Volunteer Army.

- The White House. (2010). President Obama Honors Recipients of the 2010 Citizens Medal.