The 5 benefits of volunteering in conservation

Many years back I started to volunteer in conservation in New Zealand with the organisation Conservation Volunteers and continue to volunteer to this day around where I live. So here are the reasons why I volunteer and what it offers and perhaps, why you should consider it too.

1. Finding Connection: Almost every aspect of what we consume today is part of a global supply chain, making it easy to disassociate from our immediate surroundings. I started to volunteer in conservation to connect with nature. Over time, it helped me understand the ecosystems we are part of, to recognise the trees and flowers and the seasons they herald when in bloom. It helped me recognise birds, mammals, reptiles and other fun creatures around the bush as well as gain access to beautiful reserves I wouldn't have visited otherwise. I remember in one of the sessions, I helped clean a stagnant creek, overgrown with weeds. The next time I went there, a family of ducks had made it home. I'd like to believe I played a part.

2. Finding Joy: In learning about the environment, one also has the opportunity to encounter it at close quarters. Often while volunteering, some odd creature will pop it's head to say "Hello!" or more often than not run for it's dear life. But once in a while, when you're busy planting or pulling weeds a Magpie or Kookaburra will come patiently sit next to you, waiting for you to turn the soil and dig up a juicy snack for them. 

3.Building Community: Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people, build community, as well as network with people with similar values. Having moved to Sydney, Australia a little over a year back, volunteering helped me find people I could relate to and build a sense of community. Over time, this community has grown into other activities from book clubs, hiking, photography and even trivia. It also connects you with people who are genuinely inspiring and encourage you to be more.

4. Getting Creative: Volunteering helped me discover things about myself and enhance pathways I was headed in. I've always struggled with meditation, and volunteering in conservation turned out in more ways than one to be a very meditative practice. To be present, mindful and develop better listening skills (The last one I needed the most!). In addition, volunteering constantly offers new ways for me to get creative with my photography and offers constant inspiration to make art.

5. Find the courage for an alternate career: I've always volunteered for causes I care about - be it marine conservation in Rajah Ampat in Indonesia to bush regeneration in urban reserves around Sydney. I find myself drawn to this space and exploring projects to combine my skills towards driving conservation outcomes. One project among others was working on the Manly Dam Biodiversity Project, which added a wealth of knowledge to over 420 species of fauna that you can encounter while still living in a city. I am hoping that down the line I can combine conservation, volunteering and creativity in more meaningful ways.

In his TED talk, I referenced at the start of the article, Chris Anderson concludes by saying that "If you commit to a journey of generosity, sooner or later, two amazing companions will join you... meaning and happiness". I wish you both.