Volunteering offers more than just lending a helping hand—it’s a path to personal growth, connection, and lasting community impact. Looking for a reason to get involved? Here are a few “whys.”
Volunteering is good for both your physical and mental health.
Studies show that volunteering can reduce stress, improve mood, and even lower the risk of disease. By dedicating time to others, you gain a deeper sense of appreciation and purpose. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers,” and experience lower rates of depression and anxiety—especially among adults 65 and older.
It’s a great opportunity to network and make new friends.
When you volunteer, you join a community of people who share your values and passion for helping others. You might find yourself spending time with seniors at Fifty Forward, mentoring students through Raise Your Hand, or delivering meals at St. Luke’s Community House. No matter where you serve, meaningful friendships often grow right alongside the work you’re doing.
Your community needs you.
Nonprofits rely on volunteers to keep their missions moving forward—often filling critical gaps that limited staff and funding can’t. According to Independent Sector’s latest report, in Tennessee, each hour of volunteer service saves a nonprofit $30.55. That means if 75 volunteers each give 16 hours of their time, they’ve effectively donated more than $36,000 worth of support to local organizations.
Find the right opportunity that speaks to you—and see your impact in real time.
The best volunteer experiences connect your skills and passions with community needs. Whether you love working outdoors, mentoring youth, supporting families, or lending your tech talents, there’s a place for you to make a difference. When you volunteer through Hands On, you can track your hours and see how your time and energy translate into measurable community impact.
Explore the types of volunteer opportunities.
Volunteering comes in many forms:
- Virtual opportunities: Serve from anywhere by helping with administrative support, mentoring, or tutoring online.
- Group projects: Team up with coworkers, classmates, or friends to make a big impact together.
- Family-friendly activities: In a world of busy schedules and screen time, volunteering offers families a chance to connect through a shared purpose.
- Skill-based volunteering: Use your professional expertise—whether in tech, finance, marketing to help nonprofits grow stronger.
Ready to get started?
Make a difference by exploring Hands On, powered by United Way of Greater Nashville, where you’ll find hundreds of ways to volunteer with more nonprofits and community organizations looking for help.
Whether you love working outdoors, mentoring youth, supporting families, or lending your tech talents, there’s a place for you to make a difference.