Embracing the Spirit of Volunteering: Celebrating National Volunteer Week

Every year, communities across the country come together to recognize the power of volunteering during National Volunteer Week. This special time highlights the incredible impact that volunteers have on society, from supporting local causes to driving change on a larger scale. Volunteering is more than just giving time; it’s about building connections, strengthening communities, and creating lasting positive effects.

This post explores why National Volunteer Week matters, how volunteering benefits individuals and communities, and practical ways to get involved. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer or considering your first opportunity, understanding the spirit behind this week can inspire meaningful action.

Why National Volunteer Week Matters

National Volunteer Week serves as a dedicated moment to appreciate the people who donate their time and skills without expecting anything in return. It shines a light on the often unseen efforts that keep AMIS and other nonprofits thriving. This week encourages people to reflect on the value of volunteering and motivates others to join in. And, this week, we want to thank the many volunteers that support our mission in so many ways, including:

• Serving as Amigos, via one-on-one friendship and mentoring opportunities

• Hosting small group events and meals for international students and scholars

• Volunteering at our events, including our annual Welcome Reception in the fall

• Supporting our fundraising event and providing needed funds to support our work

  
  

By celebrating these contributions, National Volunteer Week helps build a culture where giving back is a shared priority.

The Benefits of Volunteering for Individuals

Volunteering offers more than just community benefits. It also provides personal rewards that improve well-being and growth. Here are some key advantages:

• Skill Development: Volunteers gain new skills or sharpen existing ones, from leadership to communication.

• Social Connections: Volunteering creates opportunities to meet people with similar interests and values.

• Mental Health: Helping others can reduce stress, combat depression, and increase happiness.

• Career Opportunities: Experience gained through volunteering can enhance resumes and open doors to new jobs.

• Sense of Purpose: Contributing to a cause fosters a feeling of accomplishment and belonging.

  
  

For example, a retired person volunteering as an amigo not only helps our international students with practicing their English skills but also stays mentally active and connected to the community.

How Communities Benefit from Volunteer Efforts

Communities rely heavily on volunteers to fill gaps that government and organizations cannot always cover. Volunteers bring energy, creativity, and local knowledge that make projects more effective and sustainable. And, AMIS is no different. As a small nonprofit, we rely heavily on volunteers to supplement our manpower (or womanpower!) to accomplish our goals and mission.

Some community benefits include:

• Stronger Social Bonds: Volunteering events bring neighbors together, building trust and cooperation.

• Economic Impact: Volunteers save our organization thousands of dollars annually, allowing funds to be used elsewhere.

• Improved Services: Our volunteers help us maintain essential components of our programs, namely in providing friendship and hospitality for Atlanta's international students

• Increased Civic Engagement: Active volunteers can become advocates for immigration reform and international student issues, driving positive change.

  
  

Ways to Get Involved During National Volunteer Week and Beyond

If you want to join the celebration and make a difference, there are many ways to get started. Here are practical steps to find the right AMIS Atlanta volunteer opportunity:

• AMIGO Program: This program helps to welcome and acclimate international students during their time studying in Atlanta through one-on-one or small group (2 to 3) student interactions. We are accepting applications for volunteers to pair with incoming international students. Assignments will be made in the fall so now is a great time to submit your application! A background check is required if you have not volunteered with us previously or your existing check is more than 5 years old.

• Host Small Group Welcome Meals: Volunteer to host a group of 3 - 8 new to Atlanta/USA international students any time in August or September. The number of students, date and time, and meal are up to you! We will connect you with international students who are newly arrived in the city, and you will have the privilege of hosting them for their first meal in an American home.

• Welcome Reception: Be a Welcome Ambassador and help AMIS welcome ALL international students and scholars to Atlanta! We need volunteers to help with a variety of jobs to welcome and connect with the 200+ students we anticipate attending this year's Welcome Reception. Please get your free ticket and you will receive a volunteer job sign up closer to the date to choose a specific job. You will enjoy meeting international students, live music, free food, and more

• Thanksgiving Dinner Host: Volunteers can invite an international student in your Thanksgiving celebration. It may not seem like much, but this act of hospitality will make a big difference in the experience and memory of an international student from another country.

• Invite Friends or Family or Spread the Word about AMIS: Volunteering together can make the experience more enjoyable and impactful. And, we are always looking for new volunteers, donors and supporters for our work. Please help us reach new people and businesses!

  
  

Volunteers That Inspire

Consider Kumar Shivam, who began his connection with AMIS as an international student

Kumar Shivam with his Fulbright scholars

several years ago. Shivam now volunteers in many capacities with AMIS and is even on our Board of Directors. Over time, he has gotten more involved with AMIS and has helped to connect with new international students and scholars. His efforts not only helped to make students studying in Atlanta on a long-term basis feel welcome but he also has helped scholars in Atlanta on a short-term basis. Shivam recently volunteered as an Amigo friendship partner through our partnership with Georgia State University's Fulbright Teaching Excellence scholar program. "Getting to know the Fulbright TEA scholars has been such a rewarding experience for me as well" says Shivam. "I’ve genuinely enjoyed our conversations and the time we’ve spent exploring Atlanta together. These exchanges are what make international programs so meaningful and I’m grateful to be part of it."

We are grateful for Kumar Shivam and for all our volunteers that help inspire cultural and global understanding through friendship. These touchpoints genuinely make a difference in the lives of young global leaders studying in Atlanta and make them feel supported in their adjustment to living in a new country and culture. Thank you, Shivam! And, thank you to all AMIS volunteers!!!