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15 quotes about volunteering: inspiration for the community-minded

Article by GVI

GVI

Posted: December 13, 2022

Volunteering can have a profound impact on both the individual and the community. It allows individuals to give back and make a difference, while also providing a sense of fulfilment and purpose. 

Many famous figures have shared their thoughts on the importance of volunteering and the positive effects it can have. Here are a few inspiring quotes about volunteering. Take a read, think about them, and use them to drive you forward into action!

Quotes about volunteering

  1. “Volunteering is the lifeblood of our communities. It’s not just about giving back; it’s about giving forward, and creating a better world for all of us.” – Michelle Obama
  2. “Volunteering is the ultimate expression of community spirit.” – Colin Powell
  3. “Volunteering is the rent you pay for living on this earth.” – Unknown
  4. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs
  5. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali
  6. “Volunteering is the gateway to a lifetime of meaningful action, purpose, and fulfilment.” – Unknown
  7. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
  8. “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” – Unknown
  9. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
  10. “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” – Barack Obama
  11. “To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” – Douglas Adams
  12. “No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
  13. “The best way to find out what you want to do with your life is to find out what you don’t want to do with your life.” – Tim Ferris
  14. “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso
  15. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

While you’re inspired by these quotes about volunteering, remember responsible volunteering!

It’s important to remember that volunteering is not always a selfless act, and that it can sometimes be motivated by a desire for personal gain or recognition. It’s important to be accountable for your actions as a volunteer and to consider the potential consequences of your actions on those you are trying to help. This means being honest and transparent about your motivations and being willing to listen to and learn from those you are serving. By being accountable, you can ensure that your efforts as a volunteer are truly making a positive difference in the lives of others.

At GVI, we believe in the power of responsible volunteering to make a positive impact on the world. Our programs are designed to be sustainable and to empower local communities, rather than imposing outside solutions. 

We work closely with our partners on the ground to ensure that our volunteers are making a meaningful contribution and that their efforts are having a lasting impact. 

By volunteering with GVI, you can be confident that you are making a difference in a responsible and ethical way. Join us and make a positive impact on the world.

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