Why Volunteer?
Volunteer work gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to your community and the organization for which you volunteer. Volunteering also allows you to observe and try out various professions. Although volunteers are not normally paid, it's important to keep your commitments, to call in advance when you are unable to meet a commitment, and, while on the job, to take your volunteer work as seriously as you would a paid job. Acting professionally and demonstrating your dedication will lead others to think highly of you, and will allow you to leave the position on favorable terms.
What You Can Learn
Volunteer service allows you to discover aspects about yourself of which you may be unaware. You will interact with different types of people, in different settings from those to which you're accustomed and you are given the opportunity to hone skills you have and learn new skills. You will observe and participate in different types of work and find out whether you are interested in pursuing a career in this type of work without the pressure and obligation of a paying job. If your work performance is good, you will leave with a strong recommendation and a good letter of reference, both of which are very useful assets in a job hunt.
Volunteering is also an excellent opportunity to network, including more than just the people with whom you volunteer. Volunteer work adds a huge plus to your resume. Your experience may provide a conversation starter as well as help you assess a future employer.
Finding Volunteer Work That Is Right for You
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I care about?
- What problems have I seen that cause me to say, "Somebody should do something"?
- What touches my heart?
- What skills and talents do I possess?
- What skills do I want to gain or improve upon?
Everyone can find a way to be of service. Something as basic as the fact that you read and write indcate that you can teach other people to read and write, or that you can read aloud — for example, to the vision impaired or at a children's story hour. You can be of service by serving food or sorting clothes in a homeless shelter. Virtually any organization can use you to answer phones and help with mailings. Any special talents such as playing an instrument or computer skills can be put to good use. The important thing is to offer assistance to others.
Volunteering Resources
- Online
www.americaspromise.org
www.volunteermatch.org
www.idealist.org
- Contacts
Depending on where you live, you can use the organization listed below as an initial contact list. Tell someone there that you would like to volunteer and they will provide you with names and numbers of organizations that can help you find a good match.
-Chamber of Commerce
-Volunteer Center
-YMCA
-YWCA
-Library