Self Confidence Through Community Service

Self Confidence through Community Service

There's nothing quite like helping others for making you feel good about yourself. Getting involved in community service projects can build your self-confidence while you improve the world around you.

Some community service opportunities require an ongoing commitment while others are one-time events. Once you've decided how much time you can give, one way to decide on a project is to decide what issues are most important to you. Do you feel most passionate about the environment, education, health, domestic abuse, the elderly, poverty, animals, or any number of other issues? Now wouldn't it increase your confidence if you felt like you were doing something to improve this important problem?

Some larger cities have volunteer placement agencies that work much like job banks. They act as the intermediary between non-profit organizations and volunteers who would like to help. Sometimes you can find volunteer opportunities by reading your local paper. If you have a specific organization in mind that you would like to help, then the best way to become involved is to simply call the organization and ask what they need.

If you're interested in educational issues, the project that best fits you will most likely involve students. Try not to feel good about yourself when confronted with a child who thinks you're amazing. If you're interested in tutoring or otherwise volunteering in a classroom, you can call your local school for more information.

If you're looking to create more of a mentorship relationship, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is the most popular choice. If you want to take part in a fun environment without the steady commitment of a mentorship program, look into Boys and Girls Clubs and after-school programs held by school districts, churches and communities. Be ready for background checks before you're allowed to work with children in any capacity.

One of the easiest ways to get involved with health issues is to take part in a charity run or similar event. The American Cancer Society is known for its Relay for Life program and there are walks to fight breast cancer, runs to raise money for diabetes research and many more. Whether you're organizing the event or raising pledges to take part in it, your self-confidence will soar with every step you take towards eradicating a health menace.

There are many other possibilities. If you would like to take steps to fight homelessness and poverty, shelters, soup kitchens and food pantries would love your help. If you want to help animals, humane societies always need volunteers. If you're concerned about the environment, see if the recycling center could use your help. You can also take a larger view on any particular issue and work for societal change by writing letters to elected officials or joining activist groups.

Performing community service can increase your self-confidence by putting your own life, with all of its ups and downs, into perspective. It's hard to feel down on yourself for not owning your own company when there are many who are struggling to find meaningful employment. You won't even be able to think about the designer clothing you can't afford when you've just served the only warm meal a homeless person will receive all day. Now this isn't meant to imply that you should feel superior to people who are facing hardships, but you will find yourself more grateful for your friends, family, employment, home and health when you meet people who lack any one of these essentials.

If you really enjoy your community service experience, you should consider joining a community service organization such as the local Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions or Optimist clubs. They can widen your circle of friends and provide new business contacts while also offering increased opportunities to serve your community. Service organizations also offer opportunities for leadership and training that can improve your self-confidence. While you're giving back to the community, the organization can give back to you.

Whether you're gaining new skills, making the most of your best qualities or simply basking in the glow of making a difference in the world, look to community service for many opportunities to improve your self-confidence.