53 Most Inspiring Volunteering Quotes

There are a lot of people who go out of their way to serve humanity in one way or the other through volunteering. Volunteering takes a lot of good heart and sacrifice because it means you’ll be doing something you’ll not be paid for. 

Volunteering has been around since the beginning of the world. People have always engaged in one form of volunteering or another from time immemorial. This article compiles over 50 most inspiring volunteering quotes to keep you motivated.

While it’s okay to feel discouraged, giving in to the situation is killing. To keep the mind motivated for the greater cause, a good quote can save the day.

In this article, we’ve put together 53 most inspiring volunteering quotes to keep the body, soul, and mind alive. Before we go on, take a quick look at the table of contents below

What is Volunteering?

According to Wikipedia, volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual or group, freely giving their time and labor for community service.

Volunteering is an act of freely performing an activity for an organization or community at no cost. It also means voluntarily dedicating your time and heart to the betterment of society. 

Each volunteering opportunity is aimed at the improvement of the environment and humanity. People volunteer in areas such as education, medicine, emergencies, natural disasters, and a lot more.

Importance of Volunteering

#1 Volunteering improves your social and relationship skills

Volunteering is a means of meeting people and improving your social skills especially if you’re the shy type that doesn’t like mixing up, through this act you get to loosen up a bit.

#2 Volunteering improves your physical health

People who volunteer tend to have a healthy life and they live longer more than people who don’t. It makes you stronger than ever before.

#3 Volunteering improves your mental health

People who volunteer always have a smile on their faces as it takes away depression and gives you a peaceful state of mind. There’s a beautiful joy that comes when you know you’re freely performing an act for the betterment of the society.

#4 Volunteering helps you build new relationships

Volunteering is a way of meeting new people and building your connection. It brings you closer to like-minded people and helps you form fruitful and lasting relationships.

Read Also: Why Volunteer? 10 Benefits of Volunteering that Will Make You Fulfilled

Why Do You Need Volunteering Quotes?

Volunteering quotes are important components that serves the following purposes:

Source Of Motivation

Volunteering quotes serve as a source of motivation when you feel like quitting, it’s not always easy to voluntarily dedicate your time to an activity, besides the biggest compensation for volunteering is it gives you happiness, so a good volunteering quote keeps you going.

Source Of Inspiration

Volunteering quotes inspire you to do more, it serves as an encouragement, it also gives you new ideas on different ways you can volunteer, volunteering quotes gives you the strength to put in your best.

Boost Your Confidence

Volunteering quotes boost your confidence especially when you get discouraged by people alone the way, they help you stay on the right path.

Improves Your Strength

Whenever you feel like giving up or lack the strength to keep going, volunteering quotes strengthens you.

Related Post: Volunteering Programs For High School Students In 2022

53 Most Inspiring Volunteering Quotes

Here’s a compilation of 53 most Inspiring volunteering quotes to serve as a source of motivation and inspiration to you.

#1. What we do for ourselves die with us, what we do for others remains and is immortal_ Albert Pike.

In simpler terms, a lot of things we do for ourselves cannot be remembered by us when we’re no more, but what you do for others makes an impact in their lives and society forever. People will always remember you for those positive difference you made in their lives and most times even history will too. An example is Mother Theresa.

#2. Volunteers are paid in six figures…. SMILES_  Gayla LeMaire

There are no other compensation volunteers get than happiness, joy and peace. It always makes the heart cheerful anytime a free act is performed. People who volunteer to help others in the world are always smiling and have peace of mind. 

SEE ALSO: Why Volunteer? 10 Benefits of Volunteering that Will Make You Fulfilled

#3. Every person can make a difference and every person should try_ John . F. Kennedy

We all can contribute in one way or another in making this world a better place, each of us is unique in our own little ways, there’s nobody who’s more superior or better in the act of volunteering all it takes is us trying our best or putting in an effort. One step at a time, the act doesn’t have to be big. Little things matter too. You can even start from your various communities.

#4. Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they have the heart_ Elizabeth Andrew.

This volunteering quote simply means that people who volunteer do not actually have free time. They have their lives too and things they do but a willing and dedicated heart to make a positive impact in people’s lives is what keeps them going.

You don’t need to wait till you have spare time before volunteering. All you need is a dedicated heart. Because if you wait till you have free time, you might never get it.

#5. Volunteering is at the very core of being a human, no one has made it through life without another person’s help_ Heather French Henry.

Since the beginning of the world, people have always helped each other out. As the saying goes, no man is an island. This is quite true because, in the end, we all need each other.

Just imagine you’re in need of help and no one comes through? 

So directly or indirectly you still need people’s help in life.

#6. Never underestimate your ability to make someone’s life better, even if you never know it_ Greg Louganis 

Before discouraging yourself or feeling like someone doesn’t need your help, put in an effort. You don’t need to ask if such people need your help before volunteering.

Don’t back out or feel you’re too small to make a positive impact on someone’s life no matter your status in life. No matter how little it seems, people always appreciate a helping hand.

#7. Compassion is not weakness and concern for the unfortunate is not socialism_ Hubert Humphrey.

The fact that you decided to volunteer for the betterment of humanity doesn’t make you weak, or clueless.

And, that you decided to dedicate your time to the lives of those who are in need of it doesn’t mean you can be easily used or trampled on. Neither does it mean you’ll be forming a new system of government targeted at the unfortunate.

#8. Every man is guilty of all the good he didn’t do_ Voltaire

No matter how small your good is, do it. No volunteering job is insignificant. Because you’ll be held accountable for the good you didn’t do.

Most times those things you consider unimportant might actually be the very thing that could save the world from a huge disaster.

#9. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has_ Margaret Mead

This volunteering quote simply means that you or a group of people no matter how small can make a difference in the world.

When you’re committed and dedicated to positively impacting and changing the lives of people around you, nothing can stop you. Don’t get discouraged, sooner or later a lot of people will also join you on that path.

#10. The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to beg in the street and to steal bread_ Anatole France

Without volunteers to help out in the world, how would the poor sleep, eat and take care of their daily needs? How would they get an education if no volunteer teachers them?

How would they get treatments if no medical persons agree to volunteer? So with laws in place that restricts certain behaviour, you can still make life better for people no matter how small your contribution is.

YOU MAY WANT TO SEE: 167 Most Powerful Motivational Quotes for Students | Updated

#11. Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter_ Martin Luther King Jr

Martin Luther King Jr, one of the greatest men in history gave this quote. He made a big sacrifice when he volunteered to speak for the people.

These people are currently enjoying the freedom he his fight got for them. You don’t achieve anything by keeping silent or refusing to volunteer.

#12. We don’t set out to save the world, we set out to wonder how other  people are doing and to reflect on how our actions affect other people’s life_ Pema Chodron

Nobody said you should save the world. The truth is none of us can do that alone. We just make little positive impact on people’s life’s and see how that act makes them feel. When you put a smile on someone’s face, you’re indirectly making yourself happy too.

#13. The unselfish effort to bring cheers to others is the beginning of a happier life for ourselves_ Helen Keller

Like we earlier stated helping others brings joy and happiness. It makes the heart merry to do good. Volunteering is something you do freely without coercion or victimization of any sought. When you do something for people that they won’t be able to have done for themselves due to circumstances, this will bring joy to them.

Indeed, there’s nothing more satisfying and joyful than this.

#14. Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing, because he could do only a little_ Edmund Burke

No matter how small or little your effort is, it still something. It doesn’t matter what little impact you make because making a little impact is better than doing nothing at all.

It is better to try than just fold your arms in self-doubt, you never know that thing you consider little might make a big difference, so never ever hold back.

#15. The only way you do great work is to love what you do_ Steve Jobs

It takes a loving, patient and enduring heart to do volunteer jobs. If you don’t love volunteering there’s no way you’ll make an impact. Not just volunteering jobs, any job you do but don’t love will get you discouraged. If you want to perform great work and bring a smile to people’s face, you must love what you do.

#16. I am a little pencil in the hands of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world_ Mother Theresa

Before anything else, we were created by God to help each other out, to look out for others. Just imagine a world with only one person in it, life is sure going to be tough for that person. We encourage, inspire and motivate one another.

You should be a medium of sending love to people in any way you can, always try to bring smiles to helpless people.

#17. There are two ways of spreading light, to be the candle or mirror that reflects it_ Edith Wharton

You can be the light that takes away the darkness and gloom in people’s lives, and you don’t need to be a superhuman to do this. Little efforts you make can go a long way in making others cheerful, you can be the mirror that reflects the joy and happiness that is lacking in some underprivileged peoples life.

Bringing happiness to them by volunteering is also a reflection of how you feel.

#18. Volunteers will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no volunteer_ Ken Wyman.

When you’re facing an emergency or going through hard times with no money, the only thing that’ll make you happy is when people actually come out to help. The amount of help you’ll receive from them cannot be compared to what money would have done. 

#19. From my early school days, I was brought up with the belief that we have the duty to use our talents, to volunteer and to make a contribution_ Michael Hintze

What is the use of your talents if you don’t use them to bring smiles to people’s faces. You don’t have to wait till you have money before you can volunteer.

For instance, a teacher who volunteers to go to an undeveloped country to impact knowledge on the less privileged children there. Use your talents or gifts to make a difference nothing is too small. 

#20. When the story of these times gets written, we want it to say that we did all we could, and it was more than anyone could have imagine_ Bono

This volunteering quote simply means that history will always remember. People never forget a good deed. They’ll keep remembering you and talking about you to others about how you changed their lives. Interestingly, you don’t need to be famous like Mother Theresa or Martin Luther King Jr. Even making a difference in your community matters. It is better to do little than do nothing at all.

#21. Here’s to all Volunteers those people who believe in all work and no pay_  Robert Orben.

Volunteers dedicate their time and energy to the greater good of humanity, without receiving any payment in return. Their only compensation is the satisfaction and smile they put on people’s faces.

It’s not always easy to do something without receiving any pay. So, here’s a little way of appreciating all volunteers out there, keep up the good work.

#22. I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another_ Thomas Jefferson.

The greatest joy you’ll ever get is from helping others out. The mind feels more contented and happy when you bring smiles to people’s faces.

Knowing that you made a positive impact on someone’s life makes you happy, so keep being inspired to do more.

#23. Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more but those giving more_ H. Jackson Brown Jr.

The kind of joy and happiness you get from volunteering can not be overemphasized. There’s no other way to kill depression than serving others.

It breeds a healthy state of mind. You have nothing to worry about doing good to others. The best way to achieve happiness is by doing good without expecting anything in return.

#24. It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die than to find those who are willing to endure pain with pleasure_ Julius Caesar. 

Martin Luther King Jr, for instance, fought for what he and other people wanted. He was willing to sacrifice his life for the greater good of others. It is better you fight for what you believe in than live in pain or fear of the unknown. 

#25. I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy, I woke and I saw life is all service, I served and I saw that service is joy_ Kahlil Gibran.

There’s nobody that has ever complained they hate volunteering. It won’t make sense to say you hate doing it especially something you willing decided to do.

Life is all about lending a helping hand whichever way you can. Like we said earlier, a life of service is filled with joy, contentment, and happiness. 

#26. Your life and mine should not be valued by what we take but by what we give_ Edgar Allen.

Nobody ever remembers someone that takes a lot. You only make an impact by what you give and the services you rendered. Throughout history, many people have been remembered for their good deeds. People are going to only value you by what you give, and not what you take.

#27. God and the angels don’t get paid even though theirs is some of  the most important work around. Ditto for volunteers_ Cherishe Arche

One of the best volunteers ever, God and his angels give a lot of dedicated service to humanity without getting any pay in return. One of the greatest service in the history of the world.

You can not do as much as them but you can at least do the little you can. It will go a long way in making a huge difference in the world.

#28. Research has shown that people who volunteer often live longer_ Allen Klein

This volunteering quote means that volunteering makes you healthy both physically and mentally. You don’t have much to think of dedicating your time to help others.

Helping humanity by volunteering gives you inner peace, which is good for the body. It keeps away worries which could lead to some health issues.

#29. There’s no better exercise than reaching down and helping to lift someone up_ Andrew Meltzer

Volunteering brings inner peace, it makes the heart merry to do good. It keeps you healthy and takes away every worry you might have. Besides seeing someone happy and knowing you’re the light behind the smile is enough to make you feel better and happier.

#30. A single act of kindness is like a drop of oil on a patch of dry skin, seeping, spreading and affecting more than the original need Richelle. E. Goodrich

Volunteering or dedicating your time to help others no matter how little goes a long way in making a difference. It doesn’t matter if you affect one person or a group of people, your kindness will go a long way in making them happy.

They’ll always have a smile on their faces and will also forget about any other problem in their lives. A smile is contagious and no one has ever rejected an offer of kindness.

#31. If compassion was the motivating factor behind all our decision,  would our world not be a completely different place_ Sheryl Crow.

Imagine a world filled with love, a world where there’s no hatred, devoid of envy, jealousy, anger etc. It would definitely be a better place, people helping each other up, putting smiles on faces without any negative energy.

Well, just because some people don’t do it, doesn’t mean you should give up. This volunteering quote is meant to keep you inspired to do more, even if it’s just you, at least you making the world better for someone.

#32. Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless but because they’re priceless_ Sherry Anderson

Volunteers are the most priceless gems on Earth, it is not easy to give your time to help others and receive no pay. That act alone is priceless, not everyone has the heart to do something without expecting something in return, it takes a very good heart to do so.

#33. Always have a willing hand to help someone, you might be the only one that does_ Roy. T. Bennett

Do not underestimate the extent to which your help could change the world. Whenever you meet someone in need or you’re in a position to volunteer to achieve a goal, don’t hold back, you might be the only one who can help at that moment.

#34. You have not lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you_ John Bunyan

The greatest form of sacrifice is doing something for someone who can never repay you. If you help someone who has the means to pay you back then that’s not volunteering. The real meaning of volunteering is doing something freely for people who will never be able to pay you back. Your only reward will be a smile and a place in there hearts.

#35. Not being able to do everything, is no excuse for not doing all you can_ Ashleigh Brilliant

Quite an awesome volunteering quote, you have to try your best at something before giving up, if you can’t do everything, you can do anything. Anything you can to impact the world, you help no matter how little will always be remembered and highly appreciated. No one is going to look down on you for doing nothing. Always do all you can before giving up.

#36. We have to do what we can where ever and whenever it is possible for us to help_ Jackie Chan. 

No matter where you are or your status in life, anytime you see an opportunity to volunteer seize it, don’t make excuses. If you wait for time, location or the best opportunity to render help, you might never come around to doing so. Anytime your help is needed, do not hesitate to give it.

#37. Only a life lived for others is worth living_ Albert Einstein

Dedicating your life to service and volunteering is the best sacrifice. Living a life without impacting others will never make a difference, the world will not be a better place but when you put a smile on people’s faces who feel helpless. You’re also making yourself happy, that is the only life worth living.

#38. If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we would need the engagement of volunteers more than ever before_ Kofi Annan

Just think of how the world will look like if we were all volunteers, peaceful right?

If we all decide that we want a better world, then the best people to teach us how to get it is the volunteers. The people with the best hearts out there, people who can devout their time to others without asking for anything in return. 

#39. No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted_ Aesop

No matter how little you can help, don’t hold back. An extra hand in putting out the fire is better than none at all, your impact can go a long way in achieving something that looks impossible. People will never stop you from lending your help, no one ever turns down an act of kindness, in fact they’ll appreciate you for it.

#40. Volunteers are the only human beings on Earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience and just plain loving one another_ Erma Bromberg

Volunteers are the best people ever, you hardly meet a volunteer who’s selfish, impatient or heartless. It takes love, human sympathy, a good heart, patience etc. to be a good volunteer, they just care and love a stranger without holding back and expecting nothing in return.

#41. There’s always room to volunteer, I think that’s a huge space to be involved with_ Halima Aden.

Volunteering is one job that never stops accepting more people. Everyone is unique in their own way, there’s always room for more people, you can always bring in your own ideas. You should never use the thought that volunteers are much to hold back from helping, you’re always welcomed to join this great set of selfless givers.

#42. Go out into the world and do good until there’s too much good in the world_ Larry .H. Miller

Everyone has their own part in the world to play, go out there do good, impact lives, help people out, never get tired. Keep doing good until the world is filled with and overflowing with so much love.

#43. Do what you can to show that you care about other people, and you’ll make the world a better place_ Rosalyn Carter

Volunteers don’t wait for people to tell them they need help before reaching out. Keep helping people in any little way you can, even without them requesting for it. No matter how bad the world is, making a change in one person’s life goes a long way in positively changing the world.

#44. Can I see another’s woe and not be in sorrow too? Can I see another’s grief and not seek for kind relief?_ William Blake

There’s no good-hearted person that will see another person suffering and not want to lend a helping hand. That’s what makes volunteers special people. They just can’t bear the thought of seeing people suffer without helping out. You should always try to make people happy no matter how small, it doesn’t really need to be a big impact. A little help saves the day.

#45. The most truly generous people are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward_ Carol Ryrie Brink

Volunteers do not expect any reward when they freely lend their time to making the world a better place. Not everyone can give without expecting something in return, it takes a truly great heart to give selflessly.

#46. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intentions_ Oscar Wilde

Your efforts no matter how small will always make a huge difference. It is better than nothing at all. An intention without action will not make a difference in the world. You have to act on that intention to make it worth it.

#47. To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own_ Abraham Lincoln

Helping others out makes you forget your own issues, it reduces stress and worry. Solving people’s problems especially hopeless people brings a smile to their faces and yours. With you happy, you easily forget all your worries.

#48. Being good is commendable but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful_ Stephen Kings

There’s no problem with being a good person but you have to reflect on this attribute. That is the only way people will know you’re good, act on it, don’t just show it. Follow it up with action that is the only way you’ll be maximizing your attribute.

#49. How beautiful a day can be when kindness touched it_ George Ellison

Giving hope to a hopeless person will make them happy and grateful for your presence in such a time. An act of kindness goes a long way in lightening up a person’s world. It makes their day brighter when you extend a helping hand.

#50. You may not have saved a lot of money in life but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other people, you’re a pretty rich man_ Seth Parker .

The richest life ever lived is a life of service. You don’t need to be wealthy to make others happy, They’ll always remember you for being with them when they were hopeless, you can wipe a lot of tears and bring a smile to gloomy faces through volunteering. This simple act will keep you in their minds forever.

#51. The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers _ Terri Guillemets.

Volunteers are always there to help out humanity by making the world a better place, they wipe tears, make people smile, and are always willing to go to the most underdeveloped parts of the world to help others out. They’re ever faithful and dedicated to their services.

#52. Service to a just cause rewards the worker with more real happiness and satisfaction than any other venture in life_ Carrie Chapman Catt.

Volunteers fight and dedicate their time to the betterment of humanity. Volunteering is the only job that brings more real satisfaction and happiness to the volunteers than any job. Making people happy and bringing smiles to faces is the greatest form of achieving satisfaction.

#53. Volunteering is so pervasive it’s invisible. We take for granted all the things that have been pioneered by concerned, active volunteers_ Susan . J. Ellis

Volunteers are not really appreciated for the sacrifices they make as much as they should. Most of the things done by volunteers take a lot of courage and a good heart. Not everyone can do it and yet the world doesn’t really notice.

Conclusion

Volunteers are one of the best set of good-hearted people on Earth. They’re the priceless gems of the world. It takes a lot of time and dedication to doing this job and they do so willingly, without expecting anything in return.

Most times it might get discouraging to keep being good and helping others, so as a way of saying thanks for all you do and to keep you inspired and motivated, here’s a list of the best volunteering quotes to keep you going.

Keep up the good work.

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