Volunteer - Make A Difference For Yourself and Your Community
Volunteers are people who are committed to be responsible for and serve others without reward. There are many reasons to volunteer... to help build a stronger community, to learn new skills, to meet new people, to try something different, to explore new challenges, or just to have fun. But you should also remember that it's also OK to want some benefits for yourself from volunteering.
Some people are uncomfortable with the notion that a volunteer "benefits" from doing volunteer work. There is a long tradition of seeing volunteering as a form of charity, based on altruism and selflessness. The best volunteering does involve the desire to serve others, but this does not exclude other motivations as well. Instead of considering volunteering as something you do for people who are not as fortunate yourself, begin to think of it as an exchange.
Consider that most people find themselves in need at some point in their lives. So today you may be the person with the ability to help, but tomorrow you may be the recipient of someone else's volunteer effort. Even now you might be on both sides of the service cycle: maybe you are a tutor for someone who can't read, while last month the volunteer ambulance corps rushed you to the emergency room.
Volunteering also includes "self-help." So if you are active in your neighborhood crime watch, your home is protected while you protect your neighbors' homes, too. Adding your effort to the work of others makes everyone's lives better.
When you call an organization to do ongoing volunteer work, there are usually several steps that are required before you can begin. These steps are not always done in the same order or the same way, but usually all will occur during the process:
- You may need to complete an application form and provide references--particularly if you will be working one-on-one with a vulnerable population, like children.
- You may be asked to go for a personal interview. This is to determine if your skills are a good match for the organization. It's also a chance for you to interview the agency.
- You also may be asked to attend an orientation to familiarize you with the organization and the population with whom, or for whom, you will be working.
Sometimes, one of the hardest parts of volunteering can be finding a volunteering opportunity that fits your personality. There are several things to consider before making a decision as to what area of volunteering will work best for you.
Research the causes or issues important to you. You might already be giving money to one of these organizations and that might be a good place to begin your volunteering experience.
Consider what skills you have to offer. Many positions require a volunteer who has previous familiarity with certain equipment, like computers, or who possesses certain skills, such as athletics or communications. If you enjoy outdoor work, have a knack for teaching, or just enjoy interacting with people, you may want to look for volunteer work which would incorporate these aspects of your personality. 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.
Don't over-commit. 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.
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 which 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. You can find out more information on virtual volunteering by visiting http://www.volunteermatch.org.
Combine your goals. Look for volunteer opportunities that will 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.
You get out of your volunteer experience what you put into it. Volunteering requires no special degree or prior experience; it's simply a willingness to help. Remember... your interest, skills, enthusiasm, willingness, and commitment are wonderful assets to any organization!
Top 10 Ideas for Volunteer Locations
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Click on the following links for more information on volunteering:
http://www.seniorcorps.org/joining/rsvp/