During the 2023 edition of Hands On Atlanta Week, I had the honor of kicking off 48in48’s Global Event for a room full of coders. Their early October weekend plan? Building 48 websites for 48 nonprofits in just 48 hours!

Funny enough, for someone who leads one of the largest volunteer hubs in the country, I can be pretty picky about where I spend my time. I like my volunteer efforts to check a few boxes. Networking? Quality time with my kids? Maybe even a brief respite from them? The more boxes ticked, the better. And turns out, data from Hands On Atlanta’s 35-year journey agrees – people with a clear “why” are more committed and come back to serve more often inevitably to do more good.

But why my emphasis on the ‘why’? Typically, my talks involve sharing the challenges in the community and encouraging audiences to volunteer. Yet, with this group, that would have been preaching to the choir. So I pivoted to a topic I’ve actually never addressed during my tenure as Hands On Atlanta’s CEO – the myth that giving back has to be an act of pure altruism.

Volunteering isn’t just about giving; you get a lot out of it too. It’s a two-way street that can keep you coming back. Here are the five big things volunteers gain from their service:

Community
Service fosters a feeling of belonging. Working together creates strong, lasting connections, akin to what you might find at church, synagogue, or a local pickleball league.
Talent
Volunteering is an avenue for skill-building. It challenges you to step beyond your comfort zone, enabling growth. Whether you’re mastering something new or gathering tales for the next social gathering, it’s a win.
Well-Being
In today’s age, where loneliness, anxiety and depression are rampant, volunteering stands as a remedy. A dedicated volunteer once shared with me how a day of service transformed their headspace. They started the day feeling down and trapped, and ended it on a high note, feeling connected and useful. Such stories aren’t rare.
Creative Recharge
Service projects are a great place to find inspiration, or if nothing else, a new problem to solve – maybe even one you didn’t know existed. Stepping out of your daily routine can birth fresh perspectives.
Civic Pride
Engaging directly with community challenges instills a deep sense of pride and ownership. To see a community flourish and know you played a part – there’s no better feeling.

Last year, Hands On Atlanta successfully mobilized more than 40,000 people to serve. But here is the rub – 50,000 volunteer spots went unfilled. That translates to meals not served, kids without tutors, and needs unmet. For Atlanta (or any community) to flourish, we need to see volunteering not just as an event, but as a way of life. Volunteering is the way we connect with each other, grow, recharge and engage. Only then can we truly bridge the gap between giving and receiving.

So, tell me: Why do you volunteer? What’s the win/win for you?