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Volunteer!
Ten Tips for Volunteering Wisely
from USA Freedom Corps
1. Research the causes or issues important to you.
Look for a group that works with issues about which you feel strongly. You might
already be giving money to one of these organizations, and that might be a good
place to begin your volunteer experience. If you can't find such an
organization, here's a challenging and intriguing thought: why not start one
yourself? You can rally your neighbors to clean up that vacant lot on the
corner, patrol the neighborhood, paint an elderly neighbor's house, take turns
keeping an eye on the ailing person down the street, or form a group to advocate
for a remedy to that dangerous intersection in your neighborhood. There is no
end to the creative avenues for volunteering, just as there is no end to the
need for volunteers.
2. Consider the skills you have to offer.
If you enjoy outdoor work, have a knack for teaching, or just enjoy interacting
with people, you may want to look for volunteer work that would incorporate
these aspects of your personality. Many positions require a volunteer who has
previous familiarity with certain equipment, such as computers, or who possesses
certain skills, such as ability in athletics or communications. For one of these
positions you might decide to do something comparable to what you do on the job
during your workday, or something that you already enjoy as a hobby. This sort
of position allows you to jump right into the work without having to take
training to prepare for the assignment.
3. Would you like to learn something new?
Perhaps you would like to learn a new skill or gain exposure to a new situation.
Consider seeking a volunteer opportunity where you'll learn something new. For
example, volunteering to work on the newsletter for the local animal shelter
will improve your writing and editing abilities - skills that may help you in
your career. Or, volunteering can simply offer a change from your daily routine.
For example, if your full-time job is in an office, you may decide to take on a
more active volunteer assignment, such as leading tours at an art museum or
building a playground. Many nonprofits seek out people who are willing to learn.
Realize beforehand, however, that such work might require a time commitment for
training before the actual volunteer assignment begins.
4. Combine your goals.
Look for volunteer opportunities that will also help you achieve your other
goals for your life. For example, if you want to lose a few extra pounds, pick
an active volunteer opportunity, such as cleaning a park or working with kids.
Or, if you've been meaning to take a cooking class, try volunteering at a food
bank that teaches cooking skills.
5. Don't over-commit your schedule.
Make sure the volunteer hours you want to give fit into your hectic life, so
that you don't frustrate your family, exhaust yourself, shortchange the
organization you're trying to help or neglect your job. Do you want a long-term
assignment or something temporary? If you are unsure about your availability, or
want to see how the work suits you before making an extensive commitment, see
whether the organization will start you out on a limited number of hours until
you get the feel of things. Better to start out slowly than to commit yourself
to a schedule you can't or don't want to fulfill.
6. Nonprofits may have questions, too.
While most nonprofits are eager to find volunteer help, they have to be careful
when accepting the services you offer. If you contact an organization with an
offer to volunteer your time, you may be asked to come in for an interview, fill
out a volunteer application, or describe your qualifications and your background
just as you would at an interview for a paying job. It is in the organization's
interest and more beneficial to the people it serves to make certain you have
the skills needed, that you are truly committed to doing the work, and that your
interests match those of the nonprofit. Furthermore, in volunteer work involving
children or other at-risk populations, there are legal ramifications for the
organization to consider.
7. Consider volunteering as a family.
Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity suitable for parents and
children to do together, or for a husband and wife to take on as a team. When a
family volunteers to work together at a nonprofit organization, the experience
can bring them closer together, teach young children the value of giving their
time and effort, introduce everyone in the family to skills and experiences
never before encountered, and give the entire family a shared experience as a
wonderful family memory.
8. Virtual volunteering?
Yes, there is such a thing! If you have computer access and the necessary
skills, some organizations now offer the opportunity to do volunteer work over
the computer. This might take the form of giving free legal advice, typing a
college term paper for a person with a disability, or simply keeping in contact
with a shut-in who has e-mail. This sort of volunteering might be well suited to
you if you have limited time, no transportation, or a physical disability that
precludes you from getting about freely. Virtual volunteering can also be a way
for you to give time if you simply enjoy computers and want to employ your
computer skills in your volunteer work.
9. I never thought of that!
Many community groups are looking for volunteers, and some may not have occurred
to you. Most of us know that hospitals, libraries, and churches use volunteers
for a great deal of their work, but here are some volunteer opportunities that
may not have crossed your mind:
- Day care centers, Neighborhood Watch, Public Schools and Colleges
- Halfway houses, Community Theaters, Drug Rehabilitation Centers, Fraternal
Organizations and Civic Clubs
- Retirement Centers and Homes for the Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Church or
Community-Sponsored Soup Kitchens or Food Pantries
- Museums, Art Galleries, and Monuments
- Community Choirs, Bands and Orchestras
- Prisons, Neighborhood Parks, Youth Organizations, Sports Teams, and after-school
programs, Shelters for Battered Women and Children
- Historical Restorations, Battlefields and National Parks
10. Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering!
Bring your heart and your sense of humor to your volunteer service, along with
your enthusiastic spirit, which in itself is a priceless gift. What you'll get
back will be immeasurable!
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