Healing Yourself in Helping Others
The New Year is upon us, and with each new year comes resolutions on how to live a healthier life. In my search for inspiration for what I can do to improve my health and well-being in the new year, I came across the benefits of volunteering. Therefore, I am passing this knowledge on to you to inspire you to “heal it forward” by healing yourself in helping others.
“One of the most impactful ways to help yourself is by helping someone else.”
-Dr. James Beckerman, cardiologist, Providence Health Institute
Volunteer (verb) – a single word with a simple definition, “offer (help).” Yet this single word has so much power behind it. Volunteering acts as a butterfly effect. Every act ripples out to impact the lives of individuals and the community at large. Some of these effects include the improved health and well-being of those who offer their help.
Research has shown that those who volunteer experience health and well-being benefits such as a broadened social network, improved mental well-being, higher happiness levels, stress relief, and a longer lifespan (University of Maryland Medical System).
- Broader social network – socialization is good for your mental health; it lightens your mood and helps you feel connected as you meet new people who share your interests. Socializing is also good for your brain health and can lower your risk of dementia.
- Improved mental well-being – When we volunteer, our brain produces hormones, such as dopamine, that boost our mood. Reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.
- Higher happiness levels – As we volunteer, broadening our social network and reducing our risk of mental health challenges, our overall happiness increases over time. Volunteering also gives people a sense of purpose, which is especially important for those facing significant life changes such as retirement.
- Stress relief – According to the Mayo Clinic, “Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.”
- Longer lifespan – Volunteering has been linked to lowering mortality rates and helping individuals live longer. Considering all that we have just learned about the benefits of volunteering – broadened social network, improved mental well-being, higher happiness levels, and stress relief – it just makes sense that volunteers would live longer (and more fulfilling) lives.
As you think about what 2023 will bring for you and what you want to achieve, consider putting energy around dedicating your time to a cause important to you. Minnesota is a wonderfully philanthropic place to live, with thousands of causes waiting for someone like you to join them. Places like Gilda’s Club Minnesota. At Gilda’s Club, you can volunteer in the gardens, at events, in the clubhouse, or out championing our mission in the streets! There are dozens of ways to get involved at GCTC.
I have included a list of some of our current volunteer openings below. I hope you will join us and “heal it forward.”
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Committee
The volunteer committee is a year-long position to maintain and improve the volunteer program at Gilda’s Club Minnesota. Read through the Volunteer Committee Charter to learn more about this opportunity!
Clinic Ambassador Lead
The individual in this long-term position will recruit, train, and mentor GCTC’s clinic ambassadors. In addition, this key volunteer will be integral to Gilda’s Club Minnesota community engagement work. Read the position description here for more information.
Clinic Ambassador
Gilda’s Club is seeking individuals interested in building and maintaining relationships with cancer clinics and service providers in the Twin Cities to create awareness of Gilda’s Club Minnesota (GCTC) and our program of support. The person in this position is responsible for the following:
- One or more clinics, building and maintaining a relationship with clinic contact(s).
- Provide an overview of GCTC’s programs. maintain and update an inventory of GCTC materials at assigned location(s) at the beginning of every three-month program cycle or as requested.
- Positions are available in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Shakopee, and Coon Rapids.
Gilda Greeters
A Gilda Greeter is often the first person someone with cancer or their family member talks to at GCTC. They are the first impression of our program. Gilda Greeters welcome members into the clubhouse physically and virtually. These positions are scheduled for 12-week periods, coinciding with each new calendar period (January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December). Greeters can start at any time during each period.
- In-person Gilda Greeter shifts are typically 2-4 hours long. In-person Gilda Greeters welcome members, sign them in for classes, and work on various other tasks.
- Virtual Gilda Greeter shifts are 30 minutes. These greeters welcome members to zoom classes, sign them in, turn hosting capabilities over to the facilitator, and answer questions.
Interested in doing something else to support Gilda’s Club Minnesota? Contact Renee with your ideas!
With gratitude,
Renee Anderson
Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator
612-227-2147 office | 952-767-2591 direct
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55305
