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Anyone can volunteer. You do not need specialized training unless your
volunteer opportunity requires specific skills. Some volunteering
opportunities offer training and support, depending on what you will be
doing. If you need formal training your Center does not provide, the
Center will supply you with the information on other local organizations
that do.
Through volunteer service, people can strengthen and improve the quality
of life within their communities, and help themselves and others to live
happier, healthier and more productive lives.
Individual volunteering is beneficial because it helps build
self-esteem, passes on social values and instills the responsibility of
volunteering as a personal commitment by giving back to the community
through service.
1. One-time Events for those with limited time;
2. Ongoing Programs such as tutoring or mentoring;
3. Full-time Service such as Teach For America or programs through
AmeriCorps;
4. Volunteer Networks such as Points of Light or United Way agencies;
5. International service opportunities such as Peace Corps;
6. Volunteer opportunities you can do from your home or computer.
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.
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.
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.
4. Combine your goals. Look for volunteer opportunities that will
also help you achieve your other goals for your life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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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