Volunteering is at the heart of military life. For military spouses, it’s more than just a way to pass the time—it’s a way to find purpose, build connections, and make a real impact. Every time you volunteer, you strengthen the community by supporting us all. While this article explores the joy volunteering can bring, it’s equally important to remember your value and not perform what should be paid work for free. Know your worth and set boundaries!
Why volunteering matters so much
Volunteering is an integral part of military life. It’s a great way to build friendships and create a sense of home, no matter where we are. When you choose volunteer opportunities that genuinely empower you, it becomes more than just service—it becomes a source of personal fulfillment and growth.
Discovering what empowers you
The most fulfilling volunteer roles are the ones that align with your passions and strengths. It’s not about filling a spot. It’s about finding what excites you and where you can make the most meaningful impact. Take the time to explore different opportunities and find the one that truly empowers you.
- Creative Arts and Crafts Workshops: If you have a creative streak, organizations like the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) offer opportunities for military spouses to lead or participate in creative workshops. ASAP provides community-based art classes, performances, and workshops that foster self-expression and help military families connect through creativity.
- Community Garden Projects: Do you love gardening? Many military bases have community garden initiatives. For example, the GreenCare for Troops program by Project Evergreen connects military families with volunteer gardeners and landscapers. It’s a fulfilling way to support sustainable practices while connecting with others who share a love for the environment.
- Wellness and Fitness Initiatives: If fitness is your passion, you can get involved with organizations like Wear Blue: Run to Remember, a national nonprofit that organizes running events to honor the service and sacrifice of the military. Spouses can lead local run groups or volunteer at events, promoting wellness and building camaraderie.
Broadening your impact beyond the base
Your volunteer work doesn’t have to stay confined to the base, and it doesn’t have to be a full-time commitment. Many military spouses find deeper fulfillment by getting involved in broader military-related or local community organizations, even if it’s just for a few hours a week.
- Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups: If you’re an animal lover, volunteering with organizations like Dogs on Deployment can be incredibly rewarding. This nonprofit helps military members find temporary homes for their pets during deployments. As a volunteer, you can assist with fostering, event planning, or community outreach.
- Local Libraries and Literacy Programs: Libraries often need volunteers for reading programs, book clubs, or community events. Programs like United Through Reading offer military families the chance to read and record stories for their children, bridging the gap during deployments and TDYs. Volunteering here helps keep families connected through the love of reading.
- Environmental Conservation Efforts: If protecting the environment is important to you, organizations like the Sierra Club’s Military Outdoors program offer opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts. Whether it’s organizing outdoor adventures, participating in clean-up initiatives, or advocating for environmental protection, your efforts can have a lasting impact.
Growing personally through volunteer work
Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s also about finding what empowers you and growing personally. The skills and confidence you gain through volunteerism can translate to every part of your life.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Organizing events, leading teams, or managing projects in volunteer roles sharpen your leadership skills. These experiences can boost your confidence and prepare you for future challenges.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Volunteering often means stepping into new roles and facing unexpected situations. These experiences build resilience and adaptability, which are essential in the ever-changing military lifestyle.
- Career Development: Many volunteer opportunities offer experiences that directly translate to career skills. Whether it’s public speaking, project management, or networking, your volunteer work can open doors to new career paths within the military community and beyond.
Building a legacy through volunteering
When you volunteer, you’re doing more than just helping out. You’re building a legacy. Your efforts create a supportive, welcoming environment for other spouses, and you’re setting an example for future generations of military spouses.
Think about the spouse you inspired to find their passion. Or the community event you helped organize, which became a cherished tradition. These are the lasting impacts of your work, and they’re a crucial part of what makes the military community so strong.
Embrace the volunteer spirit
Whether leading a creative workshop, supporting an animal shelter, or promoting wellness, your contributions matter. They matter to the people you help, the community you strengthen, and the legacy you build.
In the end, volunteering is about embracing the spirit of the military community. It’s where we all come together to support one another, no matter where the journey takes us. Find what empowers you, volunteer today, and see how your efforts can transform both your life and the lives of those around you.