How to Volunteer This Summer

Volunteering during the summer is a great way to give back to your community and make a positive impact. When you do volunteer work, you not only are doing good things for others, you are also fostering a sense of accomplishment for yourself. There’s also a good chance that you will learn a new skill, make some new friends and even boost your self-confidence. So, what are you waiting for?

How To Volunteer This Summer

Keep reading for some tips to finding the perfect volunteer opportunities this summer:

Do what you love

When it comes to volunteer work, you should find causes that you are passionate about. I have heard people talk about volunteering as if it were a chore, saying things like “I have to go volunteer.” Sure, we may have had to nudge our kids to participate in activities that they may not have chosen on their own or maybe we worked on a corporate project that we didn’t select ourselves, however, with so many ways to volunteer, it should be easy to find something that you love. Think about the skills you have that might be useful in a volunteer role. Look for opportunities that align with your interests so that when you show up to work your willingness to stand behind what you believe in will shine through.

Keep it local

Some people think that to volunteer, they need to travel long distances or even go out of the country. That is not true. There are many local nonprofit organizations, community centers, schools, hospitals and animal shelters in your area, no matter where you live. Many of these organizations have volunteer programs already in place. Additionally, by volunteering locally, you can more easily define the areas in which you have the most interest. By “getting your feet wet” in your community you are building your skills for possibly doing something more formal in the future.

Do your homework

Once you have determined which area(s) you are interested, explore online platforms and websites that connect volunteers with organizations. Websites like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and All for Good allow you to search for volunteer opportunities based on your location and interests. These types of organizations can help match you with groups that need volunteers as well as provide help with company volunteer projects and learning center webinars. 

Reach out

If you have a specific organization in mind, you can always reach out to them directly. Remember that thing called the telephone? Try calling them to inquire about possible volunteer opportunities. Or, you can always check out their website.  Some organizations may have information online with volunteer application forms and/or specific procedures to follow.

Go to the fair

A volunteer fair, that is! Check to see if there are any local volunteer fairs or community events happening in your area. These events bring together multiple organizations and provide an excellent opportunity to learn about various volunteer options. In addition to volunteer opportunities, some organizations have information about internships and possible jobs within their company.

It’s virtually possible

The pandemic changed the way we live our lives. And it also altered the landscape of volunteerism in a positive way. Now you can find volunteer opportunities in a digital world. There are many people who lend a virtual hand from their computers and mobile devices. You can contribute remotely by offering your skills in areas like virtual tutoring, graphic design, social media management, or content creation. If you don’t already have an organization in mind, try these websites: World Volunteer Web or UNV Online Volunteering. To volunteer for any cause, from anywhere, at anytime check out DoSomething.org.

Got time?

Remember to plan how much time you can commit to volunteering. On average, people spend 50 hours a year donating their time. Be sure to let an organization know how much time you plan to spend with them. Some places may require a few hours a week while others may need a full-day commitment. Planning your availability ahead of time will ensure that you find the right balance between your personal time and your commitments as a volunteer. Also, while people of all ages can be volunteers, be sure to check with your specific organization for any possible age restrictions before applying.

Be a know it all

Sometimes, depending on the volunteer role, you may need to go through training or orientation. This could involve learning about the organization's mission, policies and specific tasks you'll be performing. Be prepared to invest time in training to ensure you can fulfill your responsibilities successfully.

Make an impact

Volunteering is a rewarding experience. It allows us to make a positive impact on our community while boosting our self-esteem, developing new skills and making new friends. Just remember to choose opportunities that align with your interests and availability. Enjoy your summer of service and go make a difference in your community!

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Photo courtesy Pixabay/Henning_W