5 lessons I learned from volunteering

Mélusine Lebret rounds up her volunteering experience here at We Make Change whilst providing us insight into her journey from early last year and outlining 5 lessons she’s learned whilst volunteering.

The journey to becoming a volunteer

Since I was very little, I always loved volunteering for the causes that I cared about. From my village fair to international conferences, I always loved the concept of making an impact. Giving my time to have a positive impact in this world? That sounded like fun!

During my second year of undergraduate studies, I decided to take it to the next level and commit myself to a Social Enterprise with a global outlook: We Make Change. I started volunteering at We Make Change during the first lockdown, as a Project Coordinator.

I strongly believed in what We Make Change stood for - allowing wonderful organisations to create change as well as growing as a Social Enterprise ourselves.

An even more rewarding experience was to be promoted as the first-ever Head of Projects at We Make Change, after having volunteered for a bit less than a year. With this promotion, I had the opportunity to manage a wonderful team of Project Coordinators from across the world, and bring in new ideas and organisations.

Finally, as a Change Day Coordinator for the Partnerships and Health & Well-being Change Day, I contributed to expanding We Make Change’s objective and deepened the amazing experience our members have with us.

5 key lessons I learned

For those looking to volunteer, currently volunteering, or just curious, I’ve rounded up some key lessons I've learned to help you understand the benefits of volunteering.

1. You can make an impact

When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to choose where to make a difference. Most of the time, Social Enterprises are working to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. This allows you to channelise your energy in a specific cause or sector and do everything out of passion. The work you complete as a volunteer is purposeful and helps the world and people around you, this sense of accomplishment Volunteering for the causes you care about can change the world. Whether that be volunteering for 2 hours a day or 6, the smallest actions can make the biggest difference.

2. The people make the experience

Working with different people from various professional and personal backgrounds makes the volunteering experience more personal and fun. I’ve worked alongside so many talented ChangeMaker’s, Social Enterprises, and organisations all dedicated and connected by one cause. In particular, volunteering within a team has made this feel more than an experience but rather a community where I will cherish these relationships for a long time.

3. You will develop new skills

We hear a lot that you can develop new skills and although it may sound repetitive. It is undoubtedly true that when you volunteer your skills to support Social Enterprises you gain exposure to multiple outlooks. For example, whilst studying and volunteering I've not only developed management skills, but I have also gained experience in how organisations work in the social impact sector.

4. You’ll be challenged

Whether or not if you’ve volunteered before or just starting you’ll experience new challenges. You can push yourself to achieve personal goals, practice existing skills or try something different. For me, I challenged myself to volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic and here I am a year on feeling accomplished and excited for more.

5. It will be an experience you will never forget!

Volunteering has been such an exciting period in my life. Participating in these opportunities can help you achieve a sense of fulfilment whilst having so much fun along the way. I’ve enjoyed the many virtual social events with my team and have plenty of great stories to share about my journey!

The We Make Change family is wholesome, diverse and one of a kind. It’s only the start of something very big. When you work for such an organisation, you feel the direct impact you have created and feel part of a community that will make the world a better place.

My biggest lesson learnt…our generation can make CHANGE 🌟

Get involved

If you'd like to start or accelerate your own remote volunteering journey, find out how We Make Change makes impact easy for individuals and teams across the world.