Volunteer with Rappahannock Education Farm

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Benefits to Volunteering with Rappahannock Educational Farm

Research shows that volunteers make an immeasurable difference in people’s lives. More good news is that volunteers also reap huge benefits.

At the Rappahannock Education Farm, volunteers will have an opportunity to get their hands in the dirt and be active participants in the magic of planting a seed, watching it sprout, nurturing a plant, harvesting vegetables and seeing them donated to enrich the lives of those in our community who would otherwise experience hunger, lack of adequate nutrition and food insecurity.

Multiple studies show that volunteers experience improved physical and mental health and a sense of connectedness with others. Research published by the Mayo Clinic Heath System identifies three huge benefits of volunteering:

1. Improves physical and mental health.

Volunteer activities keep people moving and thinking at the same time. Volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers. Research also has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.
Reduced stress further decreases the risk of some physical and mental health problems, such has heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety and general illness. In addition, people who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender and physical health.

2. Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.

The work that volunteers provide is essential to everyday activities, giving volunteers a sense of purpose, especially when giving their time and talent in the areas they find meaningful. Older volunteers experience greater increases in life satisfaction and self-esteem.

3. Nurtures new and existing relationships.

Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to participate in a shared activity.
In many cases, volunteers have diverse backgrounds, which helps expand their social network and allows them to practice social skills with others.

People volunteer for different reasons, such as exploring careers, sharpening skills, staying active during retirement, meeting new people and serving their communities. Yet all volunteers share a common desire to improve the health and welfare of people in their communities. This common bond connects volunteers with each other and with a purpose greater than themselves.