Giving Back: The Purpose and Passion Behind Interstates’ Commitment to Volunteering
I’ve recently spent some time outside of work giving to the community and church. This got me thinking and digging deeper: why does Interstates promote giving back to the communities in which we work? It doesn’t take much browsing on Interstates’ social media to see all the organizations and causes team members support – preparing cookies for our craft teams, volunteering for the Midwest Honor Flight, and supporting local charities both financially and with our time all over the country. The list goes on and is immense; however, if you look at some of those pictures, you will see BEAMING team members with genuine smiles on their faces, donating their time and having a great time doing it with their coworkers.
What’s So Great About Volunteering?
As 2024 draws to a close, with a little help from the internet and ChatGPT, here are four reasons why volunteering is good for both you and those who benefit from your volunteering efforts.
- Impacts everyone involved: Volunteering is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of modern life; it not only builds communities but also positively impacts the lives of individuals. Beyond the immediate impact on those being helped, volunteering offers a myriad of benefits to those doing the volunteering, shaping them into empathetic, resilient, and fulfilled individuals. In one of our leadership trainings for our teams, we set aside time to give back. The positive impact on those serving and being served is a big reason why part of that program includes giving back as a leadership class to a local charity.
- Creates connections: Volunteering can create a sense of belonging and connection between volunteers and those they serve, especially in a world where social isolation and loneliness are increasingly prevalent. Volunteering provides an opportunity to forge meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals – such as your coworkers. It can also give you an opportunity to connect with those you’re serving. This often unites all parties to a common cause. We literally have thousands of opportunities to help and volunteer, whether it's working together for a food program for kids, helping send veterans to Washington, D.C., cleaning up roadways, or purchasing gifts for kids at Christmas- the opportunities are enormous. It’s up to you to find the programs you’re passionate about.
- Improves your mental well-being: On a personal health level, volunteering is a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety. Research from the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health Publishing, and the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that engaging in volunteer activities can boost mental well-being, reduce stress, and improve physical health. The act of giving back shifts the focus away from personal worries, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. In essence, volunteering acts as a form of therapy, offering a reprieve from the pressures of everyday life while promoting emotional resilience. So, not only are you helping others through your work, but you’re also helping yourself.
- Benefits the community: One of the most evident reasons to volunteer is the positive impact it has on the community you serve. Volunteering helps bridge gaps in skills, time, and resources that many community programs face, enabling them to better reach the people and places that need support the most. Aesop once wisely said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Even the smallest volunteering effort contributes to building a stronger foundation for the future of the community and those who live in it.
Ultimately, the benefits of volunteering extend far beyond the immediate impact on communities; it is a journey that enriches the lives of volunteers themselves. By fostering connections, alleviating stress, building skills, and promoting personal growth, volunteering unlocks the full potential of individuals and communities, empowering them to make a positive difference in the world while finding fulfillment and purpose along the way.
So, the next time you are asked to give up your time, whether it be from work, family, or friends, please say “yes” and give it a try. Embrace the power of volunteering and give back to the communities that we live and work in.
-Eric Moerman, VP of Regional Offices
Volunteer Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity’s Annual Women Build Week
Interstates has a strong history of serving our communities. With our Engage program, a volunteer program led by employees, we serve dozens of organizations, communities, and individuals each year. One organization we recently partnered with through Engage is Habitat for Humanity. Read on to see what our team did to serve their local community in Sioux Falls, SD.
On September 26, members of the Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) joined together to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s annual Women Build Week by painting a house for a local woman in Sioux Falls. Women and children are the most likely to be affected by poor living conditions, and these events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities. This is our second year participating in this initiative, and we plan to continue this in the future. You can read more about Women Build Week here: Women Build
Eight team members were able to join to help give this house a facelift and give the owner a little pick-me-up. They nearly finished painting the house, with just ¼ left to do. The home owner shared with our team, “I never would have been able to get this done on my own.” This was a great opportunity for some team members to impact someone in their community and reconnect with each other. We had team members from three different offices and even had some team members that were able to meet in person for the first time after working together remotely.
Interstates has participated in at least 40 service projects already this year. Our teams have a clear passion for Making a Difference in our Communities, and this shines through in their volunteer work.