Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, contribute to the well-being of others and even find a new career path. It can be very rewarding, not only for the people you serve, but for you yourself. To find a really good volunteer opportunity, there are a few things to think about as you start your search.
What Do You Really Care About?
What moves you emotionally? There are ways to serve everything from abandoned pets to victims of human trafficking. What do you see as wrong in the world that you want to help? What is good in the world that you want to support?
Once you know what things move you to action or make your heart sing, there are many volunteer placement organizations for serving domestically and abroad, long and short term. Or you cant try just Googling your interest and where you want to serve, such as “volunteer with Pets Chicago”. You might also call your favorite organizations, your kids’ schools or your church and ask if they have any volunteer opportunities that might be a good fit.
What Do You Have to Offer?
There are many ways to volunteer and they are not all created equal. Volunteering is much more satisfying if it works to your strengths and gifts. If it costs too much in time, money or energy, you wont want to keep at it. Think about the real answer to the following when evaluating each volunteer opportunity
Does it require talents or gifts I have
If you are a talented accountant and love what you do, you might be able to apply those talents to a volunteer opportunity. However, be sure that if you volunteer to do the same thing as you do in your normal work life that it wont get to be too much.
If it will teach you things you want to learn anyway, it might be a great way to learn something new and your interest level will be high. However, be sure they are OK that you are currently a novice. (They are not in business to be a school, but some placements don’t mind that you don’t already know how to so something. I was actually introduced to computers and taught my first programs in a volunteering opportunity. That’s where and how I fell in love with them. They actually paid someone to teach me!
Be sure it wont be too physically demanding (or sedentary) for you. If you don’t like children, don’t work with children. Same is true for animals.
How much people contact is there
If you are a people person and need to have a lot of people contact, or if you are volunteering to spend more time with people, be sure the volunteer opportunity gives you that.
If you prefer tasks over interaction, be sure your opportunity gives you what you need.
What are the time and other commitments
Volunteering takes time, but keep in mind, people are counting on you. If you say you are going to be there, you need to be there, on time. So it’s a good idea to evaluate the days and time the opportunity requires, as well as the time it will take you to get there and home. If you cant be there, let the organization know with as much notice as possible, to give them a chance to fill your spot or make other arrangements.
What about financial expectations? Is it expected that you will contribute goods or money as well as time? If you are volunteering services, it is clear whether the expectation is hours on the project or project completion?
What Do You Want to Get From It?
Be real. What do you hope to get from it? You may want to be with people, or interact with those you are serving. Maybe you really want to do a task and be alone, just knowing your are serving. But be clear on your expectations- at least with yourself, and with the person placing you in the volunteer opportunity. The happier you are, the more likely you are to continue serving in the role and the more you will bring to it.
I advocate for contributing to whatever group of which you are a part, whether its your school, community, country or humanity in general. Volunteering is the best way to do that. Find a great volunteer opportunity and enjoy being a part of the solution!
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