Find the right volunteer opportunity isn’t as easy as walking down the street and heading into the first nonprofit you see. Instead, it is about finding somewhere that aligns with who you are and what you believe in. Many locations around the country want and need help. Don’t just choose the first one you see. Instead, take time to research who they are and what they do. Once you have a compiled a group of opportunities, that’s when the real work begins.
Take A Moment To Self-reflect
The first thing that you should do is write down your skills. What do you bring to the table when you volunteer? Are you a good communicator, planner, or are you good with children? If you enjoy telling or listening to stories, consider volunteering at a retirement home and work with the elderly. They have a wealth of knowledge that they can pass down to you and you likewise to them. Otherwise working at a museum or for a school would otherwise align with what you like.
It is also important to know what you do not enjoy doing. Those answers will help narrow down what volunteer opportunities to avoid. Would you prefer if you didn’t have to do manual labor or work with phones? Then you would want to avoid working with Habitat For Humanity or call centers.
Lastly, consider if you want to complete the work in person or online. As technology and services continue to advance, more nonprofits are looking to use online features such as social media. You don’t need to volunteer in person to make a difference.
Understand Your Commitment
Understand the amount of time you want to set aside to volunteer. Your volunteer options may be limited depending on how much availability you have. For example, it is not uncommon to find certain opportunities requiring a 6-month or even 1-year commitment. If you you want something that is a short commitment, don’t worry there. There are numerous events, fundraisers, or conferences that need one-day helpers.
Find Your Passion
To find an opportunity, look at what you are passionate about. This can range from animal safety to homelessness. Decide for yourself where you want to make an impact. Not only that, but you also want to look at where specifically you want to see your work impact. Would you prefer to help your community, or do you want to take the next step and volunteer with a nationwide group? The answer to that question will help narrow down the groups you can work with.
Finding the right volunteer location will take time. What matters though is that you discover the right one. When you do, you will see yourself enjoying the work that you do more and appreciating the impact you make. When you volunteer you make a difference for the people that you help.