10 tips on Volunteering Wisely
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
o Day care centers, Neighborhood Watch, Public Schools and Colleges
o Halfway houses, Community Theaters, Drug Rehabilitation Centers, Fraternal
Organizations and Civic Clubs
o Retirement Centers and Homes for the Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Church or
Community-Sponsored Soup Kitchens or Food Pantries
o Museums, Art Galleries, and Monuments
o Community Choirs, Bands and Orchestras
o Prisons, Neighborhood Parks, Youth Organizations, Sports Teams, and
after-school programs Shelters for Battered Women and Children
o Historical Restorations, Battlefields and National Parks
- 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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