Why Should You Volunteer? | Marty Lancton

Volunteering is more beneficial than one might think. It can help you connect with your fellow neighbors and make a difference in the world around you. There are various benefits that result from volunteering. Discover some of these below!

You'll Make Friends

Most busy individuals don't have the time to get to know their neighbors in their community. Being in a big city can make one feel disconnected from their neighbors, but there's nothing wrong with wanting to connect with others. Even if you don't know many people in your community, volunteering is a great way to grow your inner circle.

Gives You Professional Skills

Being able to volunteer can help you feel accomplished. It can also help you land a job or improve your resume. If you're in college and are looking for a job, volunteering can help you gain the necessary experience to excel in your field. While you shouldn't only volunteer in order to improve your resume, it can help you stand out from the crowd. Most employers are looking for people with solid character and a commitment to their work. Having previous involvement in volunteering gigs showcases this aspect of your personality.

Lets You Explore a Passion

Volunteering is a fun way to spend time doing something that you love. For example, if you're a teacher who's interested in helping others, volunteering can be a great way to do so. There are also many opportunities that you can take on, such as becoming a mentor or tutor. Ultimately, you'll be able to spend time doing something that you love and making a difference in the world around you, which will result in a happier you.

Tips for Getting Started in Volunteering

Getting started volunteering can be a bit intimidating, but it's worth the effort. You can start small by visiting your local community's website. There, you can find out more about volunteering opportunities and connect with other people in the surrounding neighborhoods. Additional ways to get involved include joining a local group or finding volunteer opportunities through social media. 

If you're having a hard time finding a volunteer opportunity that interests you, consider starting one of your own. You can recruit volunteers online and begin networking with local businesses in order to make an impact.

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About Marty Lancton

Patrick "Marty" Lancton is a Houston, Texas native and a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience as a union President and Vice President, business owner, partner, board member, and state-certified firefighter. He's incredibly involved in and passionate about the lives of the first responders, especially firefighters, from all around the Houston, Texas area.

Marty Lancton's journey as a firefighter and paramedic with the first responders began in the year 2000, when he joined the City of Cedar Park Fire Department in Cedar Park, Texas. After three fulfilling years, he then moved to the City of West University Fire Department in West University, Texas. He stayed at the fire department until 2009 before moving to the City of Houston Fire Department, and has remained there to this day.

Marty Lancton has served in a number of positions of authority within the first responders community. For example, since 2015, Marty has served as the Chairman of the Executive Board for the Houston Professional Firefighters Association Charitable Foundation. Not only that, but also in 2016, Marty was elected President of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, and in 2017, he even joined the State Association of Firefighters as the Vice President for the Executive Board of Directors. Marty Lancton also joined the Texas AFL-CIO as Vice President of the Executive Board of Directors. In 2019, Marty accepted a senior fellow position from the British American Project. Most recently, Marty made huge career advancements by joining the American Leadership Forum and the United States Executive Committee of the British American Project as a Senior Fellow in 2020. To learn more about Marty Lancton, visit his websites!