The beauty of volunteering is that it satisfies both the participant and the project, both learning, transforming and hopefully coming out a better version on the other side. At IDEAS, short-term volunteers have a direct and lasting impact on our long-term projects and Associates. They are vital to our mission and vision and we love having them join our team.

However, not everyone realizes how valuable their skills and abilities are and how much their time is appreciated. Recently, I read an article on VolunteerMatch as to why most Americans don't volunteer and the reason was this: 75% of Americans do not volunteer because they are never asked to.

Factors such as time, skills, energy and commitment also come into play, but if all it takes for 3 out of 4 people to jump on the volunteer bandwagon is to receive a personal invitation, then I would say that is a fairly simple fix. Let us shout it from the rooftops that everyone has a part to play, a contribution to make, a gift to be given. Skills, passions and experiences have value and worth and that they can actively participate in bringing hope to those without it.

At IDEAS, we have both short- and long-term volunteer opportunities. You can use your photography skills in India for two weeks, your compassion and teaching skills with refugees in Cyprus for three months, or your desire to bring hope and healing to trafficked victims in Thailand for two or more years. And let us make it clear: you are invited to volunteer.

You are needed.

Your skills are valued.

You have a story to tell and a gift to give others.

No matter what your passions or skill sets are, everyone can find a place to contribute what you love and know. And at IDEAS, you are officially invited to join our team.

In what ways do you enjoy volunteering or how do you hope to get involved this year?