Volunteering | Dr. Barbara R. Edwards

April 9, 2020April 8, 2020

Different Ways to Volunteer Abroad

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton internist, standing with other volunteers on the Malawi mission trip

If you are looking for a new experience and love to travel, then volunteering abroad may be right for you! Volunteering abroad allows you to make connections not only with the people you are traveling with, but also with the locals of the country you are visiting. The experience and knowledge you obtain from volunteering abroad is priceless and will follow you throughout your lifetime. If you are interested in volunteering abroad, listed below are some summer volunteer programs you might be interested in. Although you may be unable to take a trip this summer, use this time of social distancing to plan your trip for next summer!

Thailand

In Surin, Bangkok you can give support to communities that are underprivileged by volunteering with children and elephants during a three-week program. You will also have opportunity to cook authentic food and learn about Thailand culture. On the weekends, you can explore local shops and restaurants as well as scattered ancient temples.

Bali

This two-week marine conservation program is hosted in Tianyar, which is a small fishing village in the northern area of Bali. This program allows volunteers to be a part of the effort to restore Tianyar’s coral reef that is currently in poor condition due to the many years of unsustainable fishing practices. You will be able to work with the Indonesian Nature Foundation to build artificial reef structures to house fish and provide a surface for coral to regrow on. Your efforts will help protect and restore the amazing, fragile ecosystems and the livelihood of the villagers of the surrounding area.

Morocco

Rabat, Morocco has one of the lowest literacy rates worldwide. This one-weekvolunteer teaching program will allow you tohelp the children of Morocco increase their knowledge of the English language. On the weekends, you can spend time exploring the city and indulging in this new culture.

Volunteering can be tremendously rewarding and can allow you to experience new cultures outside of the United States. These programs are also great for anyone who may only want to volunteer for a short period of time.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.

January 21, 2020January 8, 2020

Improving Your Health Through Volunteerism

Volunteering has many benefits for the community, but did you know that it can also improve your health? In addition to tremendous difference it makes in someone’s life, the benefits surrounding one’s health are just as dramatic. Below are a few of the health benefits one acquires when volunteering.

Reduce Stress Levels

You acquire a great sense of appreciation when you dedicate time to those who you’re helping. Volunteering has the ability to reduce blood pressure, which can be linked to a reduction in stress levels and ultimately improve the physical and mental well-being of our body. Those who volunteer may live longer due to lowered feelings of loneliness and stress.

Build New Relationships

Having the opportunity to give back also means having the opportunity to meet new, like-minded individuals who share similar aspirations. Expanding your network is never a bad idea and neither is enhancing social, interpersonal and communication skills. Humans are social beings, therefore, socializing can have positive effects on one’s physical and mental health.

Develop a Sense of Purpose

The work and time that volunteers provide to different organizations often causes people to feel fulfilled and find a new purpose in life. In addition to that, it has the ability to achieve the need for self-actualization, which is the realization or fulfillment of one’s talents and potentialities.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.

January 9, 2020January 14, 2020

Why Volunteering is Good for The Soul

Dr. Barbara R Edwards volunteering in Malawi

Volunteerism brings tremendous joy to those who get fulfillment out of helping others that are less fortunate. This act of service has several benefits that are both great for human health, and great for those who receive this assistance. Below are some of the benefits that one can experience when helping those in need.

Enhances Physical, Emotional, & Mental Well-Being

Volunteering has been proven to lower anxiety and depression, improve self-confidence, and minimize stress. Those who frequently help others often experience a “helper’s high” which is a euphoric rush that increases endorphins. On top of these benefits, volunteering also gives people health benefits which include a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as lower cholesterol levels and an improved immune system. With all of these amazing benefits, it’s shocking that more people don’t spend time volunteering!

Positive Impact on Community

Volunteering brings positive effects and changes to communities which make it a better place to be. In times of hardship, volunteering can bring people together and unite the community as one. Even small amounts of time or money donated by volunteering can have a huge, positive impact on a community

Impresses Job Prospects

In addition to establishing credibility on a resume, volunteering increases communication and interpersonal skills by allowing people to interact with their community members more, meet new people, and expand their network. Being surrounded by new people in new environments gives volunteers the opportunity to develop their social skills. Volunteering provides the opportunity to discuss different life experiences while at the same time relating to those who have shared the similar stories.

Dr. Barbara R Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.

December 11, 2019December 10, 2019

Volunteer Opportunities for the Disabled

There are people who think that disabled people can only be the recipient of volunteerism and not the benefactor, but this ideology is just not true. Volunteering is beneficial to every person no matter their age, race, gender, or disability. Although there are obstacles that disabled people may face while volunteering, such as inaccessibility of volunteer locations or lack of transportation, there are many opportunities out there for those who are disabled or handicapped that want to volunteer. Some examples of volunteer opportunities for the disabled include:

Serving meals at soup kitchens
Stocking shelves at food pantries
Preparing and providing meals to seniors
Cleaning up parks and helping keep communities beautiful
Volunteering at animal shelters
Volunteering at nursing homes

People choose to volunteer every day to obtain new skills, build their confidence, and gain work experience. Volunteering is a great way to better yourself and build connections and networks of support. If you are interested in learning more about the volunteerism opportunities in your community, contact your local government, or do a quick online search! The volunteer possibilities are endless.

November 13, 2019November 12, 2019

Three Unique Ways to Volunteer

group of volunteers putting their hands in to the group

If you have grown tired of the same volunteer activities that you have been doing, it may be time to switch things up and find a new, unique way to volunteer. As great as it is to volunteer at food pantries and animal shelters, it is natural to get bored of doing the same thing repeatedly. If you want to volunteer in a different way, here are three unique volunteer activities you can try.

1. Show Off Your Theatrical Capabilities

If you love to act, you can volunteer for a community theater production. You could also volunteer by singing in a community choir if you want to share your musical talent with the world. Another way to volunteer in the spotlight could be to give tours at a local museum, or you could even work behind the scenes for many of these places.

2. Volunteer from Home

Thanks to technological advancements, you can now volunteer without leaving your home. Some virtual volunteer opportunities include: blogging, translating, or becoming a crisis text line volunteer. These are just a few ways to virtually volunteer and a simple Google search could give you many more options for your local area.

3. Hike for Others

Not only can hiking personally benefit you through exercise, but you can hike to benefit others as well. Common volunteering tasks may include basic maintenance to keep trails in great shape, assisting with building projects, and mentoring young hikers. If you live near hiking trails, reach out to them to learn about the volunteer opportunities they offer.