It's easy to become stuck in a cycle of work, family, and personal commitments when you live a busy life but I truly believe there is always time to volunteer or get involved in your community. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a retiree, community involvement can have a profound impact on your life. In this blog, I’ll explain why you should consider getting involved in your community and introduce you to some local community groups that you might be interested in.
Expand Your Network and Make New Friends:
One of the biggest takeaways of community involvement is the opportunity to expand your social circle and make new friends. Whether you're new in town or simply looking to meet like-minded individuals, community groups provide a welcoming environment where you can connect with others who share your interests and passions.
Learn New Skills:
Community involvement is a fantastic way to acquire new skills. Many community groups offer workshops, training sessions, and hands-on experiences that can help you grow both personally and professionally. So, if you've always wanted to learn something new there's no better place to start than your local volunteer groups.
Balance Your Life:
Life can often feel overwhelming with work, chores, and personal responsibilities. Getting involved in your community can provide an escape from your daily routine. It's an opportunity to engage in activities you enjoy, reduce stress, and better your work life balance.
Satisfaction Through Giving Back:
One of the most rewarding aspects of community involvement is the satisfaction of knowing that you're making a positive impact on your community. Whether it's volunteering, contributing your skills, or supporting a local cause, the feeling of giving back is unparalleled.
If you’ve been convinced to get involved then let's take a look at a few community groups you could consider joining:
Young Farmers: Don't be misled by the name; you don't have to be a farmer to join. This non-profit organisation offers a range of activities, from balls and farm tours to competitions. It's open to ages 15-30, making it a great group for people looking to connect and chat about the agriculture sector. Young Farmers is located all over the world with around 60 clubs located in New Zealand.
Rotary: With a global mission to promote service, integrity, and world understanding, Rotary is a perfect fit for those wanting to make a significant impact beyond their local community. They work on global initiatives like eradicating polio, and anyone over 18 can join.
Timebank: If you're keen to learn new skills and give back, Timebank is a fantastic option. It's a service exchange group where you trade your time for credits that you can use to receive services from others. It's open to anyone and operates throughout New Zealand.
Supporting Community Groups as a Business:
If you run a business and want to get involved in your community, there are plenty of ways to lend your support.
- Offering a workplace tour
- Helping out at an event they’re hosting - follow their social media to stay up to date with what events they have on!
- Event sponsorship/donations
Trinity Employment Services has proudly supported numerous events in the community since starting up.
- We have sponsored the Special Children’s Christmas Party, white ribbon quiz nights, young farmer events and Rural Support Trust events
- We have offered free immigration consults and CV advice at Multicultural Aoraki
- We have also done quite a bit of work with and for “Lean on a Gate” - a campaign that focuses on encouraging people to take 5 minutes out of their day to call someone who is having a hard time or someone they simply haven’t talked to in awhile.
So, take that first step, explore the community groups that align with you, whether you’re a business or someone who just wants to be more involved, and start making new friends, learning new skills and giving back to the people around you!
