Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity in which an individual or group provides a service with no financial or social benefit "for the benefit of another person, group or organization".[ first] Volunteering is also well known for developing skills and often aims to promote kindness or improve people's quality of life. Volunteering can have positive benefits for volunteers as well as for the people or communities they serve.[2] This action is also intended to link with others to find possible jobs. Many volunteers receive special training in the areas they work in, such as health, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an "as-needed" basis, such as in response to a natural disaster.

In a military context a volunteer is someone who joins the armed forces voluntarily rather than enlisting, and is usually paid for.