Volunteering is a fundamental way to give back. It benefits both the recipient and the volunteer. It allows individuals to connect with their communities and make a real difference. 

Below you’ll find a selection of quotes to inspire and affirm the value of volunteer work. These quotes, from a variety of influential figures, highlight the importance and impact of volunteering. We hope you enjoy them!

Our 15 Favorite Quotes About Volunteering

1) "Volunteers do not just do the work; they make it work."

- Carol Pettit. Pettit acknowledges the critical role of volunteers in bringing initiatives to life, emphasizing their essential contribution to success.

2) "Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in."

This quote, typically and incorrectly attributed to Marjorie Moore, highlights how volunteering is a daily act of shaping and improving our communities, linking it to civic engagement and responsibility.

3) "The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others."

- DeAnn Hollis. Hollis celebrates the depth of passion and dedication volunteers bring to their work, emphasizing the impact of their commitment.

4) "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

- Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India's independence movement and pioneer of non-violence. Gandhi's insight reveals how volunteering offers a path to self-discovery through dedication to others.

5) "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart."

- Elizabeth Andrew. This quote highlights the essence of volunteerism, where commitment comes not from spare time, but from a deep desire to help.

6) "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth."

- Muhammad Ali, professional boxer, philanthropist, and social activist. Ali's words remind us that helping others is not just an act of kindness, but a fundamental human responsibility.

7) "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

- Martin Luther King Jr., leader in the American civil rights movement. King challenges us to reflect on our contribution to the welfare of others, emphasizing service as a core value.

8) "The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve."

- Albert Schweitzer, theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, and physician. Schweitzer links true happiness with the fulfillment found in serving others, highlighting the joy in altruism.

9) "Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else's help."

- Heather French Henry, former Miss America and veterans' advocate. This quote speaks to the interconnectedness of human experiences, underscoring the universal need for and value of support.

10) "I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can."

- George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright, critic, and political activist. Shaw expresses a profound commitment to community service, viewing it as a privilege rather than a chore.

11) "The essence of volunteerism is not giving part of a surplus one doesn't need, but giving part of oneself."

- Katherine Moore. Moore's statement highlights the personal investment and emotional commitment that true volunteering entails.

12) "Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more."

- H. Jackson Brown Jr., American author. Brown's observation connects happiness with generosity, suggesting that giving brings greater joy than receiving.

13) "You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man."

- Seth Parker. This quote celebrates the immeasurable value of alleviating others' suffering through kindness and support.

14) "Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch."

- Judy Blume, American writer known for tackling complex issues in her fiction. Blume's words remind us of the lasting impact our actions, especially volunteer work, have on others.

15) "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

- Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and former president. Mandela's quote underscores the importance of making a positive impact on others as the true measure of a life's value.

Conclusion

The quotes we've shared highlight the importance of volunteering and its role in human connection and community building. They come from a range of perspectives but all emphasize the transformative effect of volunteering on both the individual and the wider community. 

Whether you're organizing volunteers or offering your time, your efforts matter to your community. Let these quotes motivate you to continue your valuable work. Your contributions, big or small, play a part in creating a better world.

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As CEO of Civic Champs, I lead our team of passionate change leaders to create technology solutions to create a seamless and rewarding volunteering experience for both volunteers and service organizations.