Why You Should Volunteer This International Workers’ Day
On the 1st of May each year the enormous contribution of working men and women is celebrated around the world, and rightly so. From keeping our streets safe and clean to putting food on our tables, the contribution of workers to the world’s well-being can not be overstated.
Showing solidarity for these working men and women is not only a great way to celebrate the holiday, but also provides the opportunity to make a contribution to your local community and try your hand at new tasks.
While volunteers are not paid for their work, doesn’t mean they don’t make a significant contribution. In the United States, for example, every hour of volunteer time was estimated to be worth $23.56 in 2015. Volunteering isn’t simply a peripheral activity for those with some time on their hands, it makes a real and significant contribution to the world we live in today.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering is a two-way street. It isn’t just about what you give to society, it’s about building your know-how and experience and developing as a well-rounded individual. Here are just some of the key benefits of partaking in a volunteer project:
• People who start volunteering before the age of 18 are twice as likely to volunteer in adult life.
• Volunteering is good for your health – physically, emotionally and mentally. Volunteers report lower stress levels and an improved sense of well-being.
• In today’s competitive job market, the work experience gained on a volunteer project can serve as the perfect foundation for your chosen career. In fact, any kind of volunteer experience will look great on your resume.
Labor Day in Thailand
International Worker’s Day coincides with Labor Day in Thailand, a public holiday when banks, government offices and many businesses are closed. The day is marked with a number of events around the country, including parades and ceremonies.
Labor Day is also a significant day for everyone here at Friends for Asia. Each year we close our offices and our projects for the month of April. This allows our staff to enjoy the traditional Songkran New Year holiday, and for us to prepare for the busy summer season ahead. Labor Day marks the end of our holidays as all of our projects reopen for the year ahead.
This year we are delighted to offer a range of exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunities in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. As ever, we endeavor to offer a choice of volunteer projects that satisfy a broad range of interests. Once again, there are excellent opportunities for anyone thinking about a career as a teacher with our range of education volunteer projects (an excellent option for anyone considering teaching longer term in Thailand). We will also be restarting our popular Elephant Camp and Women’s Empowerment projects.
We are now taking bookings on all our projects for the summer season. If you are interested in the experience of a lifetime, contact us today to find out more about our Thailand volunteer projects.
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