Question
Volunteering Is Its Own Reward
1 In his 1961 inaugural address, John F. Kennedy famously
declared, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what
you can do for your country.” With his introduction of the Peace
Corps later that year, President Kennedy initiated an era of
service and volunteerism that remains as active as ever.
2 Today, dedicated Americans still serve communities
throughout the world as Peace Corps volunteers. What’s more,
over the decades new government-sponsored programs have
emerged that carry on and expand the mission to serve.
AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, for example, have touched the
lives of millions by engaging youth and senior citizens alike
much closer to home, in their own communities.
3 These large-scale government-sponsored programs
typically require a significant time commitment, but there are
also plenty of other opportunities for busy people who still
want to do their part. Charities and civic organizations allow
time-strapped volunteers to help out where they are needed.
Participants can deliver meals to seniors, spend time with dogs
in animal shelters, and visit people in hospitals. They can even
beautify public parks.
4 According to the Corporation for National and Community
Service’s research report Volunteer Growth in America,
volunteerism is on the rise. For people over age 65, the rate
has increased 64 percent since 1974. Perhaps even more
surprisingly, the rate for adults aged 45–64 has increased
almost 30 percent.
5 This dramatic increase, however, raises an interesting
question. At the risk of sounding cynical, what is in it for
the volunteers?
6 For ambitious youth who want to pad their résumés
with good deeds, the answer may seem obvious. The same
could be said for retirees with plenty of time on their hands.
But what about busy adults with families and full-time jobs?
English II
Page 13
Or hardworking students with demanding schedules? Why should
they make time to do unpaid labor? For those already stressed
out and stretched to the limit, why offer to do extra work?
7 The answer, actually, is quite simple. It’s good for you.
Helping others doesn’t build stress—it relieves it. People who
engage in volunteer activities are happier and stay in good
health longer than those who don’t.
8 Stephanie Watson, of Harvard Women’s Health Watch,
argues that volunteering not only delivers mental health benefits
by making people feel socially connected and less lonely, but it
also may help people live longer. “A growing body of evidence,”
she writes, “suggests that people who give their time to others
might also be rewarded with better physical health—including
lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.”
9 Rodlescia Sneed, who conducted a study in 2013 on
volunteering, notes that volunteering appears to lower stress.
“Many people find volunteer work to be helpful with respect to
stress reduction, and we know that stress is very strongly linked
to health outcomes,” she says. Sneed’s study found a correlation
between doing 200 hours of volunteer work per year and having
lower blood pressure.
10 Studies have also shown a link between helping others
and being happy. A study conducted by the London School
of Economics and published in Social Science and Medicine
found that the more people volunteered, the happier they
were. Compared to people who never volunteered, people who
volunteered once a month were 7 percent more likely to report
being “very happy.” People who volunteered once a week were
16 percent more likely to report being “very happy.”
11 A 2012 study in the journal Health Psychology had a
particularly interesting result. Like other studies, it found
participants who volunteered on a regular basis lived longer.
But what made this study unique was that it examined the
motives of the participants. The participants “who volunteered
for self-oriented reasons” did not live any longer than those
who did not volunteer at all. In other words, to get the health
benefits of volunteering, the volunteers had to be doing it for the
right reasons. They had to be motivated by a genuine desire to
help others and not by a desire to make themselves feel better.
English II
Page 14
12 If this study is to be believed, altruism truly is its own
reward. Paradoxically, the best way to look after number one
may actually be by not trying to look after number one.
13 Volunteering creates connections, builds communities,
and makes everyone involved healthier and happier. It not
only helps those being helped, it helps the helpers as well. By
asking what you can do for others, you may find what you can
do for yourself.
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Add your body paragraphsRequired
Add your counterargumentRequired
Add your conclusionRequired
1 In his 1961 inaugural address, John F. Kennedy famously
declared, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what
you can do for your country.” With his introduction of the Peace
Corps later that year, President Kennedy initiated an era of
service and volunteerism that remains as active as ever.
2 Today, dedicated Americans still serve communities
throughout the world as Peace Corps volunteers. What’s more,
over the decades new government-sponsored programs have
emerged that carry on and expand the mission to serve.
AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, for example, have touched the
lives of millions by engaging youth and senior citizens alike
much closer to home, in their own communities.
3 These large-scale government-sponsored programs
typically require a significant time commitment, but there are
also plenty of other opportunities for busy people who still
want to do their part. Charities and civic organizations allow
time-strapped volunteers to help out where they are needed.
Participants can deliver meals to seniors, spend time with dogs
in animal shelters, and visit people in hospitals. They can even
beautify public parks.
4 According to the Corporation for National and Community
Service’s research report Volunteer Growth in America,
volunteerism is on the rise. For people over age 65, the rate
has increased 64 percent since 1974. Perhaps even more
surprisingly, the rate for adults aged 45–64 has increased
almost 30 percent.
5 This dramatic increase, however, raises an interesting
question. At the risk of sounding cynical, what is in it for
the volunteers?
6 For ambitious youth who want to pad their résumés
with good deeds, the answer may seem obvious. The same
could be said for retirees with plenty of time on their hands.
But what about busy adults with families and full-time jobs?
English II
Page 13
Or hardworking students with demanding schedules? Why should
they make time to do unpaid labor? For those already stressed
out and stretched to the limit, why offer to do extra work?
7 The answer, actually, is quite simple. It’s good for you.
Helping others doesn’t build stress—it relieves it. People who
engage in volunteer activities are happier and stay in good
health longer than those who don’t.
8 Stephanie Watson, of Harvard Women’s Health Watch,
argues that volunteering not only delivers mental health benefits
by making people feel socially connected and less lonely, but it
also may help people live longer. “A growing body of evidence,”
she writes, “suggests that people who give their time to others
might also be rewarded with better physical health—including
lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.”
9 Rodlescia Sneed, who conducted a study in 2013 on
volunteering, notes that volunteering appears to lower stress.
“Many people find volunteer work to be helpful with respect to
stress reduction, and we know that stress is very strongly linked
to health outcomes,” she says. Sneed’s study found a correlation
between doing 200 hours of volunteer work per year and having
lower blood pressure.
10 Studies have also shown a link between helping others
and being happy. A study conducted by the London School
of Economics and published in Social Science and Medicine
found that the more people volunteered, the happier they
were. Compared to people who never volunteered, people who
volunteered once a month were 7 percent more likely to report
being “very happy.” People who volunteered once a week were
16 percent more likely to report being “very happy.”
11 A 2012 study in the journal Health Psychology had a
particularly interesting result. Like other studies, it found
participants who volunteered on a regular basis lived longer.
But what made this study unique was that it examined the
motives of the participants. The participants “who volunteered
for self-oriented reasons” did not live any longer than those
who did not volunteer at all. In other words, to get the health
benefits of volunteering, the volunteers had to be doing it for the
right reasons. They had to be motivated by a genuine desire to
help others and not by a desire to make themselves feel better.
English II
Page 14
12 If this study is to be believed, altruism truly is its own
reward. Paradoxically, the best way to look after number one
may actually be by not trying to look after number one.
13 Volunteering creates connections, builds communities,
and makes everyone involved healthier and happier. It not
only helps those being helped, it helps the helpers as well. By
asking what you can do for others, you may find what you can
do for yourself.
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Add your body paragraphsRequired
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## Introduction
Volunteering has been an integral part of American life since President John F. Kennedy's call to service in his 1961 inaugural address. In today’s society, the notion that “volunteering is its own reward” resonates more than ever, with numerous studies highlighting the mental, emotional, and physical health benefits of helping others. This essay argues that engaging in volunteerism not only positively impacts the communities served but also enriches the lives of those who volunteer, creating a win-win scenario that promotes well-being on both sides.
## Body Paragraphs
One of the primary benefits of volunteering is its positive impact on mental health. Studies indicate that individuals who engage in volunteer activities often report higher levels of happiness and decreased feelings of loneliness. For instance, according to research from the London School of Economics, people who volunteered on a regular basis were more likely to report being “very happy” compared to those who did not volunteer at all. The sense of social connection created through volunteer work fosters a feeling of belonging, contributing to overall mental wellness.
In addition to mental health benefits, volunteering is linked to improved physical health. Research conducted by Stephanie Watson at Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests that volunteering may even lead to a longer lifespan. This notion is further supported by the findings of Rodlescia Sneed from her 2013 study, which identified a correlation between the number of hours spent volunteering and lower blood pressure. By reducing stress levels, which are directly correlated with various health issues, volunteering can lead to significant physical health improvements, demonstrating that the act of giving has profound implications for one's well-being.
Volunteering also fosters strong community bonds, which are crucial for societal well-being. By engaging in service, individuals contribute to the growth and development of their communities, helping to address local needs and promote social cohesion. Programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps bring together diverse groups—youth, seniors, and working adults—fostering intergenerational relationships that enrich community dynamics. This sense of community not only benefits those receiving help but also creates an environment where volunteers feel valued and connected.
## Counterargument
Despite the numerous benefits associated with volunteering, some may argue that taking time to volunteer can be perceived as an added burden for those with already busy lives. For parents juggling work and family responsibilities or students facing demanding academic schedules, carving out time for unpaid labor may seem impractical. Critics might assert that the stress of volunteering could outweigh the benefits, leading to burnout rather than fulfillment. However, it is essential to recognize that volunteering does not have to be a time-consuming commitment; even small acts of service can provide significant mental and emotional rewards. In many cases, volunteers find that the benefits outweigh the inconveniences, leading to a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, the act of volunteering transcends the traditional view of self-sacrifice; it is, indeed, a mutually beneficial endeavor that fosters individual growth while addressing community needs. As the evidence suggests, volunteering offers invaluable benefits that promote mental and physical health, community connection, and overall happiness. By embracing the ethos of service—asking what you can do for others—we ultimately discover the rich rewards that such altruistic actions can bring to our own lives. The path to personal fulfillment may very well be paved with the selfless act of giving to those around us.
Volunteering has been an integral part of American life since President John F. Kennedy's call to service in his 1961 inaugural address. In today’s society, the notion that “volunteering is its own reward” resonates more than ever, with numerous studies highlighting the mental, emotional, and physical health benefits of helping others. This essay argues that engaging in volunteerism not only positively impacts the communities served but also enriches the lives of those who volunteer, creating a win-win scenario that promotes well-being on both sides.
## Body Paragraphs
One of the primary benefits of volunteering is its positive impact on mental health. Studies indicate that individuals who engage in volunteer activities often report higher levels of happiness and decreased feelings of loneliness. For instance, according to research from the London School of Economics, people who volunteered on a regular basis were more likely to report being “very happy” compared to those who did not volunteer at all. The sense of social connection created through volunteer work fosters a feeling of belonging, contributing to overall mental wellness.
In addition to mental health benefits, volunteering is linked to improved physical health. Research conducted by Stephanie Watson at Harvard Women’s Health Watch suggests that volunteering may even lead to a longer lifespan. This notion is further supported by the findings of Rodlescia Sneed from her 2013 study, which identified a correlation between the number of hours spent volunteering and lower blood pressure. By reducing stress levels, which are directly correlated with various health issues, volunteering can lead to significant physical health improvements, demonstrating that the act of giving has profound implications for one's well-being.
Volunteering also fosters strong community bonds, which are crucial for societal well-being. By engaging in service, individuals contribute to the growth and development of their communities, helping to address local needs and promote social cohesion. Programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps bring together diverse groups—youth, seniors, and working adults—fostering intergenerational relationships that enrich community dynamics. This sense of community not only benefits those receiving help but also creates an environment where volunteers feel valued and connected.
## Counterargument
Despite the numerous benefits associated with volunteering, some may argue that taking time to volunteer can be perceived as an added burden for those with already busy lives. For parents juggling work and family responsibilities or students facing demanding academic schedules, carving out time for unpaid labor may seem impractical. Critics might assert that the stress of volunteering could outweigh the benefits, leading to burnout rather than fulfillment. However, it is essential to recognize that volunteering does not have to be a time-consuming commitment; even small acts of service can provide significant mental and emotional rewards. In many cases, volunteers find that the benefits outweigh the inconveniences, leading to a renewed sense of purpose and satisfaction.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, the act of volunteering transcends the traditional view of self-sacrifice; it is, indeed, a mutually beneficial endeavor that fosters individual growth while addressing community needs. As the evidence suggests, volunteering offers invaluable benefits that promote mental and physical health, community connection, and overall happiness. By embracing the ethos of service—asking what you can do for others—we ultimately discover the rich rewards that such altruistic actions can bring to our own lives. The path to personal fulfillment may very well be paved with the selfless act of giving to those around us.
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