Start Planning Now for Your Holiday Giving & Outreach

A fundamental aspect of the STARR Site Certification is promoting community engagement and volunteering. The concept behind this is that as you forge relationships and cultivate a positive presence within the community, your work as a mental health researcher will become a more recognized and trusted resource within your community.

It’s a win-win for your site and the community. But it goes way beyond that.

When done right, corporate volunteering programs are a powerful tool for fostering happier, healthier workplaces while being a force for good at the local level. These programs correlate with numerous positive psychological outcomes at both the individual and the organizational level. Research shows that employees’ participation in company-led volunteer programs has positive personal and professional outcomes. Employees who volunteer at work report five times higher well-being and 89% increased job satisfaction.

 

Team Volunteering

Many community nonprofits need support for their holiday events. Check with your local nonprofits and put together a short list of options for your staff to do some team volunteering. It could be cleaning up and decorating a community park or packing backpacks for school children; there are many team projects that you can explore to boost morale and participation among your staff.

Provide Your Patients with Volunteer Opportunities!

Volunteering can be a powerful booster for emotional and mental health. When we help others, it leads to a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This, in turn, can reduce stress and boost your overall mood. Volunteering also provides opportunities for social interaction and building connections, which can combat feelings of loneliness or isolation. It’s a natural mood-lifter, as it can increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Plus, knowing you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life can be a source of long-lasting joy and contentment.

Who needs this more than your patients?

Don’t forget to invite your patients to participate in your site’s group volunteer activity!

As we head into the holiday season, give some thought to how your site can spread some joy and make a positive impact on your community. Whether it’s serving meals at local shelters, collecting and distributing gifts for underprivileged families, or assisting with holiday-themed events for children, volunteering helps those in need AND builds relationships and awareness of your research site AND brings a sense of fulfillment and warmth during the holiday season! ❤

As always, we are happy to help get your site engaged with your community, so don’t hesitate to contact us for extra support!

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