The Power of Volunteering: Stories of Change

Volunteering is often seen as an act of giving, but what’s less talked about is how much volunteers themselves gain from the experience. Whether it’s a few hours of community service or months spent in a foreign country, volunteering has the power to change lives—both for those receiving help and those offering it. In this blog, I want to share some inspiring stories of change I’ve witnessed during my time as an ESC volunteer in Rzeszów, Poland, with the organisation INPRO.

Empowering Youth Through Storytelling

One of the most memorable projects I’ve been part of in Rzeszów is organising workshops for young people. These workshops cover a variety of topics, from cultural exchange to personal development. One workshop, in particular, focused on storytelling—how we can use our personal experiences to inspire and motivate others. We worked with teenagers from different backgrounds, many of whom were hesitant to share their stories at first.

Over time, something incredible happened. As the group began to open up, they discovered the power in their own voices. One participant, who had been shy and reserved, shared a deeply personal story about overcoming adversity in her family. This moment of vulnerability turned into strength, as others in the group began to share their own experiences. By the end of the workshop, these young people not only felt more confident but also empowered to use their stories to inspire others in their communities. Seeing this transformation reinforced the idea that sometimes, all people need is a platform to express themselves and be heard.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Volunteering in a foreign country can be both exciting and daunting, but it has also given me the opportunity to witness the sense of belonging that volunteering fosters. At INPRO, we regularly host events like the Open Cafe, where people from different cultures come together to discuss various topics in a safe and welcoming environment. I vividly remember a young refugee who attended one of these sessions for the first time. He had just arrived in Poland, barely spoke Polish or English, and was visibly uncomfortable.

As the evening progressed, I watched him gradually engage in the conversations, supported by patient facilitators and encouraging attendees. By the end of the night, he was smiling, laughing, and sharing his own thoughts on the topic we were discussing. The Open Cafe had become a space where he felt safe, accepted, and part of a community. It was a small but powerful example of how inclusive spaces can help individuals who feel isolated find a sense of belonging. That one evening may not have changed the world, but for him, it was a first step toward feeling at home in a new country.

Fostering Global Awareness

One of the core goals of volunteering with ESC is to promote global solidarity, and my experience with INPRO has shown me the importance of fostering awareness of different cultures and global issues. We organised cultural exchange events where volunteers from various countries shared their traditions, languages, and personal experiences with the local community. During one of these events, a young girl approached me after my presentation about Armenia and told me how she had never heard of the country before.

This moment struck me—how many people in the world are unaware of each other’s cultures, histories, and challenges? From that day on, I made it a personal mission to share more about Armenia and other underrepresented countries during our events. The ripple effect of this awareness is immeasurable. When people learn about different cultures, they become more empathetic and open-minded, which can lead to stronger communities and a more united world.

A Personal Transformation

Finally, I can’t talk about the power of volunteering without mentioning the changes I’ve experienced personally. When I first arrived in Poland, I was eager but uncertain about what to expect. Over the months, I’ve developed new skills—whether it’s photography, organising events, or leading workshops—and learned more about myself than I ever imagined. Volunteering has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Through every challenge, I’ve grown stronger and more confident. Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is that the power of volunteering doesn’t lie solely in the big, visible changes but in the small, everyday moments of connection and kindness.

Final Thoughts

Volunteering is much more than a selfless act; it’s a powerful tool for change. It changes communities, builds bridges between cultures and generations, and transforms individuals. The stories I’ve shared are just a few examples of how volunteering can create ripples of impact that go far beyond what we can immediately see.

As I continue my journey with INPRO and the European Solidarity Corps, I am reminded daily that every volunteer has the potential to spark change—both in the world and within themselves.