It is possible to give back by volunteering in your community.A local organization will benefit from you volunteering, as you will feel a sense of pride.If you want to get started volunteering, you need to find an organization that's a good fit for you, and then decide what you have to offer.If you apply to volunteer at that organization, you can get started in your new position.
Step 1: The causes you feel strongly about should be the focus.
You may want to check out the first volunteer opportunity you come across when you decide to volunteer.You're likely to be happier at an organization that supports a cause you care about.If you want to volunteer at an organization thatriles your passions, try to pick one that does.If you're passionate about animal welfare, you might want to volunteer at an animal shelter.Maybe you would like to volunteer at a library or school.
Step 2: Look for more than just the "standard" volunteer organizations.
soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or food banks are some of the organizations that may be on your mind when you think about volunteering.You may find other opportunities that are better suited to your personality or skill set, ones that you may not think of immediately, but that still need help.For example, volunteering with your local parks, at a prison, with youth organizations, or even for disaster relief may be more to your liking.
Step 3: A good match can be found on a volunteer site.
You can use volunteer sites like Volunteer Match or Serve.gov to find volunteer opportunities in your area.You can search for volunteer openings on the organization's website, just like you would job listings.
Step 4: Talk to people you care about.
Ask people you know where they volunteer if you can't narrow down where you want to volunteer.It can be easier to volunteer with someone you know the first time if you find one of them has the perfect opportunity for you.It's more enjoyable to volunteer with friends because you can have fun with them.
Step 5: An organization that teaches you something new is a good choice.
Helping an organization is the first goal of volunteering.Volunteer opportunities can benefit you.They can give you career experience you don't have.Training and career development can be offered by some organizations.Consider how volunteering may benefit you in the future.The healthcare system, community programs, literacy initiatives, and library organization can be taught by volunteering at a clinic or library.You will learn about park management if you volunteer with the park system.If you already have skills, you could choose an organization that develops them.You could offer your skills as a translator to community organizations if you are partially fluent in another language.
Step 6: You can volunteer overseas.
While you'll find plenty of opportunities to volunteer in your own community, volunteering overseas is also an option.You can help at a pop-up health clinic in a remote village, assist scientists on a biological expedition, or build schools in an impoverished area if you volunteer overseas.You can join an organization like the Peace Corps for a long-term experience, where you can volunteer in fields like agriculture, education, health, and economic development.
Step 7: Make a list of your skills.
It's important to consider your skill set when deciding where to volunteer.Regardless of your skill set, you should be able to find a place where you can use those skills.You need to identify those skills.If you have stellar people skills, you would do well at a place where you interact with people often, such as a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.If writing is more your style, look into opportunities that can put that skill to use.Maybe you could write a brochure for local nonprofits.
Step 8: Take a look at your weekly schedule.
You don't want to say that you can volunteer five times a week only to leave after a month.You have to be realistic about how much time you can give to an organization.Don't overcommit yourself.You're more likely to give up if you try to do too much.
Step 9: Determine the amount of time you'd like to volunteer.
Maybe you only want to volunteer for a month.Maybe you want to volunteer for a long time.You need to be upfront with the organization about what you want.It is possible to choose an organization and type of volunteering by knowing the length of time you want to commit to.If you only want a short-term commitment, you might want to help organize an educational talk at the local art museum.If you want a long-term commitment, you could become a docent at the museum.One-time volunteer opportunities include volunteering at a pet adoption event, helping at the library's annual sale, or joining a group park Cleanup.
Step 10: You can volunteer online or in person.
Some people have the time to volunteer in person.If that's you, good.Volunteer by doing work online if it's not.Many organizations are looking for people who can help with things like writing and PR work, which can be done online.There are many ways to volunteer.You can run a marathon to raise money for an organization, work as a big brother or big sister, or organize food at a food bank.You need to find the right organization if you want to volunteer online.They will probably still want to meet you in person at least once, so you could send emails to them and offer your writing or design skills.You could tutor kids on the internet who need help with homework.
Step 11: The application needs to be treated like a job.
Some volunteer opportunities will be relatively low-key when it comes to the application process, but others will want many of the same things an employer would want.Many will require you to fill out an application.They will want to talk with you and check your references.Be professional and courteous during these interactions.Preparing for an interview is similar to preparing for a job interview.You should be prepared to talk about yourself, your background, and what you can offer the organization.The interview is a good time to assess whether the organization is the right fit for you.Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Step 12: Ask what the volunteers are expected to do.
Some of the objectives that organizations will have for their volunteers.Some people need to work a certain number of hours per week.Some volunteers have a rigid schedule, while others are more flexible.You know what you're getting into before the event.Volunteers at a clinic will be expected to maintain certain privacy standards, while volunteers at the museum will have to learn parts of the galleries to give tours.If you're helping with a 5K charity run, you may be expected to help at water stations, sign people in, or organize the crowd.
Step 13: Any needed training must be completed.
Training will be minimal for some organizations.You might need to attend an orientation.It may be more extensive in other organizations.One suicide crisis organization requires its volunteers to take a training course and get certification that costs $250, though you may be able to get assistance with the cost.
Step 14: Slowly start volunteering.
You don't want to commit to volunteering three times a week for a year because you hate your volunteer position.It's better to commit to just a small amount of time to see if you like volunteering at the organization.You can commit to a longer period of time once you've volunteered for a short time.
Step 15: If needed, move organizations.
.You should not stay in a volunteer position.If you're unhappy, ask how your work could be shifted.If that doesn't work, look for another chance.