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Five Tips for Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunity

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This year has been full of challenges, but luckily there are many resources to help students and educators through it. We have compiled a list of 13 sites and smartphone applications that can help with organizing, editing, and studying.

By Hope C.

There is no doubt that giving back is important, but it can be difficult when deciding how to do so. There are countless volunteer opportunities in every community, so it may feel overwhelming to try and find the right cause for you. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you find the best fit when it comes to volunteering opportunities!

1. Find Your Passion

While all volunteer work is good, your experience will be immensely better if you choose a cause that you are genuinely interested in. You shouldn’t choose a specific organization just because you think it will look impressive or is the most popular. Volunteering is about a lot more than checking off a box on your resume or trying to stand out in the college application process. It will be more beneficial for both you and the organization that you are working with if you truly care about the cause. Ask yourself what it is that you are passionate about. For example, if your passion is teaching others, you could try out tutoring or volunteering at a museum. If you’re passionate about physically building things, try working with an organization such as Habitat for Humanity. If you love animals, try a pet shelter. The options are limitless when it comes to worthy organizations, so look for a cause that is important to you!

2. Know Your Time Commitment

Make sure that you are realistic about how much time you have to give. Depending on the organization that you choose, there will be differing levels of commitment expected. Pull out your calendar and check your availability. Keep this in mind when considering volunteer opportunities and the positions within them. It’s okay to start small!

3. Identify Your Skills

When choosing a cause to volunteer for, it is important that you consider what you have to offer. What will you bring to the team or organization that you are volunteering for? Some nonprofits have specific areas where they are looking for help. Look for some that apply to you! These can include skills such as marketing, fundraising, planning, building, or public relations. These may sound like daunting tasks but organizations are also looking for people who have connections in the community, are good at working with kids, enjoy outdoor projects, and so on. Similar to finding your passion, identifying your skills will help you and your cause! Once you know what you’re looking for, it may be easier to narrow down your top choices.

4. Do Research

Make sure to do research and try out different places! You can research in many different ways; you can look around your community for local charities, talk to friends or family, and search on the internet. Many sites such as volunteermatch.org allow you to type in your interests and generate organizations where you can volunteer. Directories in your local community centers, school bulletins, and counseling offices also have similar resources. Take your time so that you pick the cause where you will be the most impactful! 

5. Start Small

It’s okay to start with baby steps rather than quickly jumping into a huge commitment. Many organizations will even let you try helping at smaller events to find out if you are a good fit! Try it out and see what you enjoy before making a decision. Even after you have decided on the cause where you will be volunteering, there is no need to overload yourself too quickly. It’s best to get to know your organization and become comfortable with what you are doing. This way, you’ll also help avoid the dreaded volunteer burnout. As you feel more confident with your tasks, you can step it up and begin to work on bigger projects! Work with your level of comfort and the timeline that is best for you and your organization.

It can be challenging to decide where you are going to volunteer. These are some things to consider so that you can help make a change in the best way possible. Remember that no act of service is too small, and you have already taken the first steps towards making a difference! Rather than choosing the first opportunity that you come across, make an informed decision and find the right fit. Don’t forget to have fun in the process!

How To Be Of Service During COVID-19

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By Hope C.

COVID-19 has created an unusual atmosphere for everyone. Many of our usual activities aren’t safe to participate in right now, but social distancing does not have to stop us from giving back to our communities! Whether you’re just looking for a productive way to kill time, want to do good in the world, or need service hours for your college applications, virtual volunteering will be perfect for you.

Work Around Your Schedule

In typical times, it can be hard to find the time to volunteer while being busy with school, work, or other activities. The idea of adding yet another venture into your schedule can feel overwhelming. While in this pandemic, most people have been able to find more free time, making this the perfect opportunity for acts of service. Pull out your calendar and think about how much time you are able and willing to give. Are you planning to take lead on a brand new project or help others who have already started?

Reach Out to Senior Citizens

Quarantine and social distancing have resulted in feelings of isolation and loneliness for countless people. Some of those affected most by this are the eldest members of our communities. They are at a higher risk for COVID and are likely yearning for connection in these uncertain times. Make phone/facetime calls, send cards, or make small gifts/care packages to send to senior citizens. You could also reach out to a local care home or nursing facility and ask how you can help. It can be as simple as playing virtual chess, checkers, or bingo. These are all simple and take little effort, but can bring such joy to others

Cheer Up Essential Workers

Along with senior citizens, essential workers will be touched by your kindness. Many are making cards, signs, care packages, and posters to thank the health care workers who are working to keep us safe. Similarly to this, you can do these things for other essential workers. Think about the people in your community that are putting their health at risk while going to work each day. Choose any one, whether it is a firefighter, nurse, or grocery clerk.

Join a Service Organization

There are plenty of service groups that are still meeting virtually! Look into what you have near you. The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is an amazing youth group centering around leadership, service, and sisterhood. More information can be found at https://gocarainbow.org. There are other groups as well such as Girl Scouts, 4H, and church youth groups. See what is right for you and available in your community

Be a Tutor

Try out virtually tutoring younger students. Is there a class or subject that you excel at and enjoy? Chances are, there’s someone who would love your help with their learning. Schools are reopening and your academic skills could boost someone’s grades as well as their confidence. If you know younger students, you can reach out to them personally or go straight to local schools and teachers who can set you up with the students that will benefit from your help.

Make Blankets or Teddy Bears

Many hospitals and fire stations have the option to pick up teddy bears that are pre-sewn to be stuffed and donated. You can sew, crochet, or knit your own as well! Donate them and bring a smile to a child’s face. In addition, you could make blankets to donate. If you’re not great at needlework, there’s nothing to worry about. Tie blankets are just as comfy and they couldn’t be easier to make! You can donate these to somewhere local like a hospital, animal shelter, or to the homeless. You can also send them to organizations such as the Painted Turtle: a free camp for children with serious medical conditions. They even have easy to understand directions here: https://www.thepaintedturtle.org/sites/main/files/file-attachments/fleece_blanket_flyer.pdf?1556639876.

Donate Extra Items

With the extra time COVID has gifted to you, you can get organized while giving back! Clean out your closet and dresser drawers. You probably have plenty that you have outgrown or no longer wear. Throw them in the wash and donate them to someone in need! There are plenty of well-known options such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill, but there are also local nonprofits in every community. Do your research and donate your clothing, toys, books, etc. to whatever you see as the best fit.

Make A Change

Create or sign petitions for changes that you believe in. Take on issues that are global or local and use sites such as https://www.change.org. You can also make calls and send emails to communicate with mayors, governors, and other leaders. Spread the word and fight for what you believe in!

Acts of Service

People now are in need of service and kindness more than ever, and as simple as these things seem, you can truly make an impact on the world. This is just a small list including only a few of the numerous ways you can make a difference. Think outside of the box and don’t give yourself limits when it comes to acts of service. No matter the reason that you have decided to volunteer, you are about to make people’s lives a little brighter!