Making a Difference
Edited on March 30th, 2025:
Welcome lovelies and beau’s! Have you ever wondered what kind of impact one small act of kindness can have? What if I told you that just a few hours of your time could not only change someone else’s life but also transform your own?
To continue with last week’s theme of school stories, I wanted to share two of my favorite speeches from my Speech Class. One was a persuasive speech on the importance of volunteering, and the other was an informative speech on international relations.
Since these speeches hold a special place in my heart, I’ve decided to split them into two separate posts. Today, I’ll be sharing my persuasive speech on volunteering—an old post I’m re-sharing because the message is just as relevant now as it was back then.
For this speech, I used Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, a well-known technique for persuasive speaking that follows a five-step structure: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action. Shall we begin?
As a child, I was hesitant to volunteer because I was scared of the circumstances that I would see. But years later, I realized there is nothing to be afraid of. Instead, there is plenty to be thankful for, which is why, you should volunteer today! Volunteering allows you to improve someone else’s life all while improving your own. As presented by CNCS, it states how those who have. “A strong relationship between volunteering and health have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression than those who do not" (Nationalservice.org). Volunteering opens door to help others who are in greater need than you. It can be so many things, such as participating in Habit for Humanity, which is when you will build a house for a family in beed. Or help prepare a meal for the homeless through the Salvation Army or your local church. In addition to those, another favorite in school was Feed My Starving Children where groups of individuals work together to get the most boxes of food packed within the time limit. Although it can be hard work, it creates a fun atmosphere.
No matter your passion, you should be able to find something out there that interests you. Start slow. Even helping for a half an hour can give you a boost beyond belief. So, be the different in someone’s life today! You will create long-lasting friendships, a peace of mind, body, and soul, and it can assist you with your career. Plus, it is an unforgettable experience!
Meanwhile, one of the most common reasons why Americans do not volunteer is because they feel disconnected. So instead, people will chose distractions because they feel more comfortable than walking into a situation where they are nervous or afraid. At least that is what David Eisner has found, Head at the Corporation for National Community Service. "People who chose not to give one hour a week to volunteer usually spend at least eight hours more a week watching television. He says that people with fewer connections, through their neighborhood or place of work, for example, are less likely to feel engaged in their communities" (The Chronicle of Philanthropy. 2008, 27 July). Another reason people do not volunteer is because after going to school or work all day, the last thing people want to do is to be busy with something else. A lot of times, I want to come home and relax. And while this is understand, there is an easy way to fix this problem. Find a volunteer experience that fits your needs. After all, there are all kinds of different opportunities out there. There are ones that only meet once a month such as the Soup Kitchen. Growing up it was always the third Saturday of every month. Then, there are food pantries, usually they do not require constant hours. For example, at a previous church that my family and I attended, their Food Pantry was every Tuesday between 12pm-7pm. You did not have to sign up ahead of time. You would go when you could. All volunteers were welcome. In addition to that, there are several other types of opportunities, some occur more frequently while some require a year’s worth of time. For instance, if you want to be a mentor to a kid at the Boys and Girls Club of America, they usually require a year of participation. All in all, I would start by following your passions, then, checking to see what is in your area(s). And finally, figuring out which opportunity works best with your schedule. Once you begin the journey, you will experience the benefits that come with volunteering.
Now one reason helping people is beneficial is because it connects you to other people and helps build skills for later in life. According to the 2010 US News & World Report, "Volunteering offers enhanced social networks and a way to stay active in the community, and with that, a sense of belonging" (U.S. News & World Report, 2010). It is also meaningful because by helping others you create relationships whether it be long-lasting friendships or future job connections. According to 2009 Access, "Volunteer activities can strengthen social ties that protect individuals from isolation during difficult times, while the experience of helping others can lead to a sense of greater self-worth and trust" (Access, 2009). By doing this, you share an unbreakable bond because you both came for the same reason. At the least, it can provide you with some , it is easier to branch out and make more friends and contact" (Volunteering and it's Surprising Benefits, 2013, Sept). In turn, it will teach you how to be more open-minded as well as how to communicate effectively. Therefore, you should start volunteering today as you will learn new skills and gain new friendships.
Another way volunteering can help you, is that it is good for your mind, body, and soul. Doing good for others will assist the mind as it combats depression. According to a Corporation for National Community Service report, "High levels of oxytocin decrease stress, which in turn, helps ward off illness and keeps the body healthy. Volunteering also elevates levels of the body's opiates, like endorphins, or 'happy hormones,' and dopamine" (U.S. News & World Report, 2010). Usually when depression hits, you are feeling down and all alone but with the 'happy hormones' you will come alive. In the same Corporation for National Community Service report, it states, "Volunteers reap physical and emotional benefits, including less stress and depression, and live longer lives" (U.S. News and World Report, 2010). Overall, volunteering can help you by improving your self-confidence. As Help Guide states, that by "Volunteering you are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view on your life and future goals" (Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits, 2013, Sept). Which is why, volunteering should be a priority. There are many benefits.
Next up, volunteering is beneficial as is the experience can open new doors in the future. There are many ways that volunteering improves your life, but one of the best ways is by creating meeting new people. In the 2013 article Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits, it states, "Volunteering offers you the chance to try out a new career without making a long term commitment. Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could be beneficial to your career". While volunteering puts you in a good position for a job, it also teaches you valuable job skills. "Just because volunteer work is unpaid it does not mean the skills you learn are basic" (Volunteering and it's Surprising Benefits, 2013, Sept). Volunteering taught me many things over the years. I learned to communicate more effectively with people from various backgrounds, how to track statistics and look at demographics, as well as, becoming more organized and having great time management skills. There is a lot to learn.
At one point, I participated in One Billion Rising/The Long Red Line that raises awareness for Domestic Violence. During that experience, I was able to meet so many different people, hear their stories, and stand up to make a difference. From then on, I learned that it is important to use your voice. By doing so, you can create more awareness and reach more people to support your cause. Another example would be when I was an advocate with Student Government at Elgin Community College. We participated in a conference at the Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, which included voicing our concerns and providing feedback on legislation. We spoke directly with representatives about the positive and/or negative impact certain legislation could cause. Overall, you can learn valuable and transferable skills by taking time out of your schedule to volunteer today.
Last but not least, volunteering is a fun and memorable experience to be a part. It is truly an experience! And you are more than likely to achieve great things. As it states in the article, Volunteering and it's Surprising Benefits, "While doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be relaxing and energizing escape from your day-to-day life routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with the renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life" (Volunteering and its Surprising Benefits, 2013, Sept). Not only is it a memorable experience, but it can be life-changing for you as well as the individuals you are assisting. Be the difference maker today!
Volunteering has many benefits, but it can also be challenging to fit into a busy schedule. If you're a student, one way to make it more manageable is to check if your high school or college offers academic credit for community service. According to The College Board, “Schools offer academic credit for volunteering through service learning—a program that provides hands-on learning through service to the community” (The College Board, March 20, 2014).
At Elgin Community College (ECC), for example, students can earn credit by enrolling in GSD 150-103 (S.E.R.V.E.), a one-credit course designed to connect students with volunteer opportunities. As described on the ECC portal:
"S.E.R.V.E. provides students with opportunities to participate in community service experiences. Students are matched with an agency based on their skills, knowledge, and interests. Opportunities may include tutoring, literacy training, neighborhood improvement, environmental safety, animal shelter care, assisting the elderly or disabled, and providing mental health care." (AccessECC Portal, March 20, 2014)
If you’d like to enroll, you can find GSD 150 under COL—General Student Development in the Student Registration portal. There are no prerequisites—just sign up before the semester deadline! If you need assistance, stop by the , where staff can help guide you through the process.
My Experience with S.E.R.V.E.
I first joined the program during my first semester at ECC after a friend recommended it. At the time, Katie S., who ran the program, invited me in to discuss my interests. Since I wasn’t sure where to start, she provided a packet with 20–25 local volunteer options near campus. While the list offered great suggestions, students weren’t required to choose from it—you could propose your own organization, and ECC would verify if they were willing to participate.
This flexibility made the experience even more rewarding. Not only did I earn college credit, but I also found a meaningful way to give back to the community.
Here are some links to help you get started:
In conclusion, volunteering is a win-win—it not only benefits those in need but also enriches your own life in countless ways. By giving your time and effort to your community, you open yourself up to new experiences, meaningful connections, and personal growth. Volunteering is good for your mind, body, and soul, can help advance your career, and creates lasting memories.
As the Corporation for National and Community Service puts it:
"Pride, satisfaction, and accomplishment... In addition, when we share our time and talents, we solve problems, strengthen communities, improve lives, connect to others, and transform our own lives." (March 20, 2014)
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and make a difference today!
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
