BENFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering does not have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of your time. Giving in a simple way can help those in need and improve their quality of life. It can also improve your health and happiness.  By volunteering, you can give your time and skills to the causes and issues that matter to you. Volunteering is a chance to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of those around you. It also provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experiences and knowledge.

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Volunteering is a good for your mind and body.

If you are seeking to reduce stress in your life, try volunteering! We know that may sound a little odd, but volunteering has been proven to reduce stress as noted by the Mayo Clinic’s “6 Health Benefits of Volunteering” article. Volunteering helps counteract the effects of not only your stress level but depression, anger, and anxiety. Through social interaction, helping and working with people can have a profound effect on your overall psychological well-being. Nothing can relieve stress better than a meaningful connection.  So, the next time you’re looking for ways to decrease stress volunteer with Bahamas Lotus and know that you’re not just helping those in need you’re helping yourself as well.

Volunteering can increase your confidence.

Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction. Through volunteering you can challenge yourself to try something different, achieve personal goals, practice using your speaking and presenting skills also discover hidden talents. Studies have indicated that helping others has a profound affect on your brain chemistry promoting joy and realigns you with a sense of purpose. Your role as a volunteer can give you a since of pride and identity. Confidence is a hard skill to develop because it’s rooted in the act of kindness. When you volunteer, you learn to be confident for those who can’t be. 

1. Volunteering allows you to expand your connections.

Networking allows you to create meaningful connections as a volunteer with likeminded individuals. Expanding your connections is a great way to make a difference, overcome stagnant feelings and experience a sense of self-accomplishment and satisfaction. Volunteering builds familiarity, extends your relationships and contributes to a sense of stability. Volunteering not only teaches you the confidence you’ll need to create sustainable connections, but it will open new doors that can help you build a strong network. From local community leaders to successful board members, volunteering connects you with a side of your community that you might not otherwise have a chance to meet. By volunteering you allow yourself to expand your network and meet new interesting people. 

The benefits of volunteering are always evolving; however, there is one thing about it that will remain true: it changes lives. The positive impact you will make here at Bahamas Lotus will be a great asset to our nonprofit organization. Whether you have enough time to volunteer once a month or once a week, we appreciate your time. Try volunteering it will open your hearts and new doors you just never know who you’ll meet while volunteering.

Are you ready to volunteer with Bahamas Lotus? 

Volunteers provide their time and work on a variety of different tasks. Many of these tasks include marketing and fundraising, administrative duties, and team projects. The hours for this job vary and can be full or part-time, depending on the position and how many hours you can provide. The location of the job can vary also, such as fundraising at outdoor events or administrative work in an office environment. This job is well suited to people who are passionate about the cause they work for, are great communicators, love working as part of a team, and have a positive energy and personality.

Volunteers need to be empathetic, great communicators, and comfortable working as part of a team towards shared goals and targets. There is no formal requirement to become a volunteer, but the following skills are beneficial:

1. Teamwork– volunteers should work well as part of a team and value diversity, as they will often be working with people of all different backgrounds and ages.
2. Communication Skills – volunteers should have strong communication skills and be able to follow instructions clearly and efficiently.
3. Confidentiality– volunteers are often involved in working with confidential matters or sensitive subjects, so their ability to withhold this information is vital.
4. Organization Skills – in order to manage different tasks, volunteers need to be organized and able to manage their time effectively.
5. Work Ethic– volunteers must be able to work on various projects and sometimes in adverse conditions to achieve a goal or target, so it’s important that applicants for this position have an excellent work ethic.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected communities around the world, and the Bahamas Lotus family is no exception. Nonetheless, The Bahamas Lotus Volunteer Program has never ceased to operate because we know that volunteers are an indispensable part of our mission. We continue to invite those that are interested in dedicating their services to Bahamas Lotus mission to join us. We need you now, more than ever.

We ask that volunteers join us in ensuring that The Bahamas Lotus community continues to prosper despite the pandemic. This means following The Ministry of Health protocols that were not necessary prior to the pandemic. Simple rules such as requiring that all adults wear face coverings while working and keeping hands sanitized have allowed us to keep The Bahamas Lotus family safe and healthy during the pandemic. Volunteers applying to serve during the COVID-19 Pandemic should be aware of the following information:

Traveling to the Family Islands for Service: The local government have opened the borders interisland travel, but have distinct rules for entry and exiting the Family Islands. Some require travelers to bring proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within days of travel. Volunteers will receive detailed information on travel requirements for the specific Island where they will serve.

Quarantine: Upon arrival in The Bahamas, Regional and International will be required to quarantine in The Bahamas Lotus lodging to ensure they were not exposed to COVID-19 during travel for a period of seven to fourteen days. Volunteers may be required to quarantine at any moment during their volunteer service in the event of a suspected exposure to COVID-19.

Masks: Volunteers, as well as all adults on Bahamas Lotus sites, are required to wear face masks that always cover both nose and mouth when working or conducting any activity inside or outside on behalf of Bahamas Lotus.

Testing: Volunteers may be subjected to COVID-19 screening tests by Bahamas Lotus health teams during their volunteer service. Diverse forms of COVID-19 tests are available in the private and public health system for the Volunteers to utilize.

Mental Health: The "new normal" we know that while working at Bahamas Lotus one can experience feelings of stress, isolation, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, and even boredom. It is of utmost importance that prior to departure volunteers consider these feelings that they may face. Bahamas Lotus is committed to supporting the volunteers' emotional well-being as they navigate this new normal. Nonetheless, volunteers who feel that their mental health may not be able to withstand the rules and protocols we are asking them to opt out and consider applying for volunteer’s service again in the future when the pandemic is over.

Volunteers who complete the application process will receive an in-depth orientation regarding Bahamas Lotus COVID-19 protocols.