Women Build: Five Reasons to Volunteer

Why should you get involved with Women Build at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity this year? Bestselling author and activist Marianne Williamson sums it well in her book A Return to Love:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do…As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Need more concrete reasons? Here are five.

1. Volunteering with Women Build is fun!

You can do things you might have never thought possible—like master power tools—in a safe, supportive environment. The women who supervise Women Build sites are great teachers and experts at finding tasks that fit everyone’s comfort level.

2. You will impact families in our community for generations

The houses built and repaired by Women Build volunteers provide safe, affordable places for local families to call home for decades. Habitat homeowners in Minnesota overwhelmingly say their kids are doing better in school, their families are healthier, and they feel more connected to the community. The very first woman to buy a Women Build home from Twin Cities Habitat did so in 1991. She raised four children there. They’ve all grown up and moved out, but now she gets to have her five grandchildren over to visit on a regular basis.

3. You can make great connections

Women Build volunteers are passionate about improving our community. They are the kind of people it’s good to know. Meeting other highly-motivated women can help you build your network whether you’re looking for a new job or just a new adventure. And if construction really isn’t your thing, there are lots of non-construction volunteer opportunities at Twin Cities Habitat.

4. You can get healthier

You probably get that volunteering is a great way to stay active and physically fit, but research shows the health benefits go beyond just the exercise component. The Atlantic magazine compiled a bunch of the research—one biggie, volunteers spend an average of 38% fewer nights in the hospital.

5. You will see our world through new eyes

Working alongside a Habitat client can offer you a great deal of perspective. You’ll understand the challenges lower-income households face, but also see all the things you have in common with the people you’re volunteering with. Nothing breaks down barriers faster than doing something meaningful, in partnership, with someone who has had a different life experience than you.

The 2017 Women Build season kicked off at Twin Cities Habitat on May 10 as volunteers helped repair the St. Paul home of a woman who recently lost her husband, but is still caring for children and grandchildren in her house.

Nationwide, thousands of Habitat volunteers in 300 communities are building and repairing homes during the 10th annual National Women Build Week sponsored by Lowe’s (May 6-14).  

Women Build volunteers will next be helping build an entire home in North Minneapolis this summer. Please come out and join the fun.