Community Service — The selfish case for giving

Volunteering benefits the volunteer. Research documents lower anxiety, stronger social connections, and better career prospects for people who volunteer. Altruism is not a zero-sum exchange. The person who gives also gains. The mechanism is social: helping builds networks, skills, and a reputation for reliability.

• Colleges, scholarships, and employers increasingly value community service as evidence of initiative and teamwork.
• Start small. One hour a week at a local library, animal shelter, or community clean-up. The habit matters more than the scale.