For the entire month of September, in honor of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance, we’re joining together with 911day.org to encourage all our colleagues and neighbors to make a difference.

With everything going on right now in the world around us, we could all use a little ray of sunshine. And it turns out, doing good is not just good for the health of our communities: it’s good for our personal health, as well. Research shows that volunteering can help lift your spirits and may even make you healthier and improve longevity. Here are 8 ways you can help others, while bringing a little bit of joy and health to your own life.

During the pandemic, we’ve heard many people say they feel less connected -- but are still interested in helping others. We’ve especially heard this feedback from many of our volunteers aged 55+, who are navigating a wide range of stressors, from caring for their own health, to taking care of families and grandkids, while also experiencing higher than average unemployment rates.

It is during times of great need that we can do the greatest good, and hearing from those who were courageous, took a stand, and affected change can inspire us to do the same. Here are 10 quotes to renew your spirits and inspire you into action.

Happy National Volunteer Month! It's the time of year when organizations across the country take time to celebrate the dedicated volunteers serving their cause and inspire others to get involved.

Valentine’s Day is the one day of the year we come together and celebrate love. But there’s a lot more to love than what’s typically associated with the holiday – bouquets of red roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, cards from secret admirers and so on.

Love is about understanding, compassion and joy. It’s about kindness and generosity. And about giving in to something greater than yourself. In many ways, volunteers embody all of these qualities. That’s why we’re highlighting 7 ways to volunteer and put that love into action.

Want to increase volunteer retention? Here’s how to do it and enjoy the process.

It’s start the New Year by taking a show of hands. How many of you subscribe to this belief?:

Guest post by Warren Fowler. 

Volunteering is often thought of as a selfless act — one where you give up your time for a worthy cause without being paid. While this may be true, what is often less obvious are the many benefits people experience when they volunteer.

The end of the year can be a rough time for many people. Days are shorter and darker; nights are longer. In colder weather, people are less inclined to go out and some struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Spending the holidays alone can feel isolating, and traveling to see loved ones can be stressful. Some see the end of the year as a time for self-reflection, leading to feelings of regret, inadequacy or inferiority.