Inspire volunteers with these 25 quotes about volunteerism

Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. The nonprofit industry as a whole is very inspiring and organizations worldwide are making a difference in the lives of many people and the communities in which they serve. Most nonprofits would not be successful in pursuing their mission without the support of volunteers. Your nonprofit needs to inspire volunteers to motivate them to continue to give.

In 2015, over 62 million people provided nonprofits their time in the form of volunteerism. These volunteers provided just short of 8 billion hours of service. Remarkable! There is something truly special about being able to contribute to the greater good. Volunteerism has been shown to improve a volunteer’s mood, decrease stress, and increase strength. The benefits of volunteerism are full circle for volunteers and the communities they serve.

We wanted to compile a list of our top 25 favorite volunteerism quotes. These quotes truly speak about the importance of volunteerism and how each of us can make a difference in the world.

Make sure you share these quotes and inspire volunteers to continue to give.

Prefer visual content? Download our 12 quote infographic to share with your team and inspire volunteers.

Here are our top 25 picks:

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Gandhi

“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

“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.” – Helen Dyer

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” – Herman Melville

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali

“I urge young people to consider public service, whether they do it now by volunteering in their community or prepare for public service as an adult.” – John Walters

“Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.” – William J. Clinton

“Every person can make a difference, and every person should try.” – John F. Kennedy

“The quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your contribution. When you work to improve the lives of others, your life improves automatically.” – Kurek Ashley

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe

“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.” – Jim Rohn

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” – Kahlil Gibran

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss

“Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs

“There is no better exercise for your heart than reaching down and helping to lift someone up.” – Bernard Meltzer

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson

Volunteerism is one of the most selfless acts that we can become involved in. Nonprofits around the world need more volunteers to carry out their missions and make the biggest difference possible. Engage your volunteers and remember to demonstrate that their contributions make a big difference.

Looking for ways to engage and inspire volunteers?

Download our whitepaper “7 Tips for Reviewing Your Volunteer Program” by completing the form below.

The whitepaper offers helpful tips for streamlining volunteer programs and keeping your existing volunteers engaged.