This week is National Volunteer Week in Australia. Hopefully you know this already - as a country we’re up there in terms of how much volunteering we do.

I volunteer at Dress for Success Sydney and this week attended their volunteer’s conference in Sydney. It was such a great event – amazing speakers and so wonderful to catch up with so many of the great women that also volunteer with this incredible organisation.

I feel like they’re my people. My tribe. Where’s yours?

I know life is busy and of course not everyone has the option of taking time out of work. And it can be tricky finding time after hours.

But here’s the thing – giving back will give to you. Your life will improve. People who volunteer are happier. Purpose makes you live longer. Your life could be immeasurably richer. Research backs this up although I’m hoping you’ll take my word for it.

For me there is one caveat though – you should enjoy it.

Find something you care about and do something you love. Whether that’s bush regeneration, coaching the kids soccer team, volunteering abroad or being on a board. When it comes to volunteering, no one wants a martyr. They want you if you want to be there.

Where do you volunteer? And why do you do it? Feel free to share in comments.