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HOW TO VOLUTEER
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:
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
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!
