Volunteering for introverts: 5 Tips for fun with purpose
Thinking of volunteering in Singapore for a good cause, but not sure where to begin?
You are not alone! Many introverts share a desire to give back to the community, but often encounter difficulty finding volunteering opportunities they are comfortable with.
Not to worry, we’ve got your back! Read on for handy tips on how to choose the best volunteering avenues for your introspective nature. What’s more, discover how to make a positive impact by leveraging your strengths as an introvert. Make sure to also check out our list of introvert-friendly volunteer roles below!
Celebrate Your Introvert Superpowers
While it’s true that introverts generally have a more reserved nature, and enjoy their quiet time, it doesn't mean they lack the communication and social skills to make a difference. In fact, they can have what it takes to be a good volunteer. They can possess some personality traits that make them invaluable to the community service scene. Here are some unique strengths they can bring to the table:
- Active Listening: Introverts tend to be great at active listening, which is a vital part of communication. This trait is a real game-changer in volunteer work, as it fosters genuine connections, and makes others feel heard and valued.
- Creativity: Introspection opens the door to a rich inner world of imagination, giving introverts an edge in creative and innovative thinking. This makes them natural problem solvers, with plenty to offer in the way of crafting solutions for challenges in the community. Not convinced? Just take a look at the likes of famous introverts like Albert Einstein, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill Gates!
- Empathy: Although extroverts are known to have a way with people, here’s a surprising fact: a Yale study shows that it’s actually the introverts who understand people better!1 This innate empathy to truly understand and connect with others lies at the heart of volunteerism, making introverts well-suited to be volunteers.
- Attention to detail: Introverts spend a significant amount of time observing their surroundings and the people they interact with. It comes as no surprise that they have developed a keen ability to pick up on subtle cues and non-verbal communication. This attentiveness becomes particularly handy when interacting with vulnerable members of the community who may have difficulty with speech.
- Independence: Volunteering organisations are always on the lookout for more helping hands, with many seeking individuals who are comfortable working autonomously. For most introverts, good planning skills and independent decision-making are an integral part of their personality, which make them a great addition to any volunteer team looking to boost their efficiency.
Five tips for enjoying your volunteer journey as an introvert
Get inspired with these practical tips for a fun time while doing your bit for the community!
- Find a cause that matters
Opt for volunteer roles that resonate with your authentic self, and cater to your unique preferences as an introvert. We recommend going with a cause that you’re genuinely passionate about to give your mission a deeper sense of purpose, and add more meaning to your volunteering experience.
- Volunteer with your friends and family members
Gather your close friends and family members to do some good together as a fun social activity! Look forward to creating lasting memories and forging stronger bonds, while sparking positive change in the community. Additionally, simply having familiar faces around can make the process of volunteering less intimidating, and a lot more comfortable for those with a tad of social anxiety.
- Sign up for online volunteering
A remote volunteering role offers many advantages to someone who's introverted. For starters, you get to volunteer from the comfort of your own space, away from noise and other distractions. You'll also be working without the pressure of immediate social interactions, allowing you ample time to craft your responses, and focus on your task at hand.
- Consider volunteering in smaller groups
If you’re new to volunteering, try looking out for roles in one-to-one, or smaller group settings. Introverts tend to thrive in environments with fewer people, where they can engage in deeper conversations and build personal connections.
An intimate volunteer group setting not only helps you to avoid getting overwhelmed, it also allows you to interact meaningfully with like-minded individuals. Who knows, you might just stumble upon life-long friendships on your quest to make a difference!
- Choose a role with growth opportunities
Introverts truly come out of their shell when sharing something they excel in or are passionate about. If you have a unique skill or talent, why not volunteer to teach others as a way to contribute to a cause close to your heart
Alternatively, if one of your goals in volunteering is to broaden your perspectives and build expertise in areas that interest you, a role with learning opportunities may be for you. It’ll give you the chance to explore and satisfy your intellectual curiosity in a safe space within the supportive volunteering community. We do hope that you could pick up new skills while getting involved in volunteering. Not to mention, the experience gained will look great on your resume!
Volunteer Opportunities for Introverts
If you’re ready to make a difference for a worthy cause, NTUC Health offers many opportunities and is looking to add more introverts to their team of dedicated volunteers. We welcome students above the age of 16, caregivers if you have spare time on your hands and families to provide support to our seniors as volunteers.
Join us to contribute to the well-being of seniors in our community in various ways. Keep scrolling to discover the perfect volunteer role for you!
Befriender
As a befriender, you'll be making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable and home-bound seniors. This role involves conducting regular home visits and making phone calls to bring warmth and companionship to the elderly, helping them to stay connected to their community. You may also be lending a helping hand to healthcare professionals by checking and reminding befriendees to take their prescribed medications on time.
Put your listening skills to good use by encouraging them to open their hearts, and share their stories in a cosy one-to-one setting. There’s no need to worry if you lack experience as you'll receive an orientation and thorough training to gear you up for this incredible role. But if you happen to speak multiple languages, especially a Mother Tongue or a dialect, it is an added bonus!
Photographer
Got a talent for capturing life's beautiful moments through the lens? As a volunteer photographer, you'll have the perfect opportunity to use your passion for photography to make a difference in the lives of our seniors. Work behind the scenes at our events to document their joyful experiences, heartwarming interactions, and create a log of our seniors' most cherished memories.
Language Translator
Play a vital role in making healthcare services accessible to the senior community by offering your services as a language translator.
Your knowledge in languages can help to bridge the gap in communication between our senior folks and support staff during community health screenings and assessments. Malay and Tamil translators are especially welcomed as they’re always in high demand!
Rations Distributor
If you’re a person of few words, this role is for you because it’s all about action! Aid in ensuring our seniors get enough to eat by going door-to-door to deliver donated food supplies. There’ll be no need for small talk, as you put your muscles to work to provide support to our seniors. Your presence alone will speak volumes of kindness and care for our elderly.
Medical Escort
Keep our seniors in the pink of health by accompanying them on their medical visits. As a medical escort, you will be in charge of escorting them to and from their medical appointments. Tune in to your natural ability to listen attentively to the doctor’s advice, and assist in ensuring our seniors never miss a beat when it comes to their medical instructions. Don’t worry, prior to this NTUC Health will provide you with relevant training.
Activity Coordinator
If you have a skill or a special interest you’d love to share, there’s nothing more rewarding than spreading happiness to seniors in our nursing homes, day centres for seniors and active ageing centres as an activity coordinator.
You’ll be able to get creative in your contributions by facilitating wholesome activities like an arts and craft workshop, setting up a movie screening, or conducting light exercise sessions.
Perhaps leading an activity is not your thing? You don’t have to worry about being thrust into the spotlight as we’re always looking for coordinators who can just join in the activities with seniors to create a vibrant and engaging environment. You’ll also be able to contribute by keeping a close watch for their safety, and reminding them to stay hydrated between more demanding activities.
Creating Positive Change, One Introverted Step at a Time
At NTUC Health, we understand that not everyone can commit to extensive volunteering hours, and that's perfectly okay! Your willingness to spare even a little time on an act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on the lives of others.
Sign up for a volunteer role that speaks to your heart today.
Suggest Your Own Volunteering Role to Us
Fancy a role that’s not listed here? Go ahead and take the initiative to reach out to us with suggestions for your desired role. Let us know more about your aims, hopes and interests as a volunteer too. We’ll appreciate it!
