Getting Started

Finding the Right Volunteer Opportunity for You

Volunteering can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. It can lead to new relationships, new careers, and intense personal satisfaction. Explore your personal goals, know your time limitations, inventory your interests, research your options, contribute to your community, make a difference, and have fun.

Your time and talents are valuable, so you want to be sure that your volunteer activity is beneficial to both you and your community. There are several factors you may want to consider before selecting a volunteer option.

What do you hope to gain from your volunteer experience?

Think about the key reasons why you want to volunteer. Are you only interested in the improvement of your community or is your own personal or professional development also a consideration? Don’t worry if you want both – many volunteer opportunities can accomplish multiple objectives. Asking yourself the following questions may assist in clarifying your goals.

• Do I want a volunteer position that will help me gain or enhance skills related to my work?
• Am I hoping to make a significant impact on my entire community or in the life of one child?
• Do I want to gain new professional or personal contacts?
• Am I looking to learn more about a specific issue or concern?
• Do I want to gain more balance in my life that will result in me becoming a more complete individual?

How much time do you have to contribute?

Time is the most frequent barrier that prevents people from volunteering. Consider how your volunteer activity will fit into your normal routine. Start by reviewing your current schedule and time commitments. Will you be able to make a regular, ongoing commitment to an organization, or is your schedule better suited to the occasional special project?

There are volunteer opportunities to fit every schedule and lifestyle for all ages– from one hour a day to one hour a year, from preschoolers to senior citizens. Consider volunteering with a group of friends or your family to accomplish your service, social, and recreation goals all at the same time. It’s always better to start off slow and underestimate your availability – you can always increase your level of participation as you become more involved. The bottom line is that most organizations will do their best to accommodate your needs in combination with their programming goals – just ask.

For a single day of volunteering, check out Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Make A Difference Day.

What are your interests?

Your volunteer experience will be more rewarding if you connect it to an area of personal interest. What causes ignite your passions? Are there specific populations that you enjoy working with, such as children, the elderly, or animals? Do you want to learn more about specific societal issues or concerns impacting your community?

Once you have defined your interests, the key is to find the organization that matches those interests and has the volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and schedule. If there is a Volunteer Center that serves your area, then most of the work has been done for you. With a simple phone call, a professional staff person will be able to direct you to a local organization that fits your needs. However, if there is no Volunteer Center in you area, you may have to do more of the research on your own. A good place to start is your telephone directory – think about your interests and contact those organizations that most closely match. Consider the following list or contact some Volunteer Centers .

Don’t be afraid to try something out by participating in a one-time project or special event with an organization. That’s a great way to see if it truly matches your interests and needs. Shop around – interview the organizations – be selective.

What you can expect from the organization

Once you have selected an organization, many things may happen before you actually initiate your volunteer activity. You will probably be asked to complete an application with references and other paperwork by the organization’s volunteer administrator or another staff person. Then an interview will be scheduled to discuss the volunteer assignment(s) within the organization and how they may complement your personal goals. Depending upon the type of volunteer assignment and the population with which you may interact, a criminal background check and/or fingerprint analysis may be required. Volunteer positions involving vulnerable populations (such as the elderly or young children) in isolated situations (such as home visits or mentoring) usually require this type of documentation.

Upon completing the application and screening process, the organization should provide you with comprehensive orientation and training as related to your volunteer assignment. The extent of such training will vary depending upon the complexity of your assignment; it may also be ongoing if you are in a position that is impacted by new information or procedural changes. It is important that you feel comfortable and qualified to perform the duties assigned to you, never hesitate to ask for additional guidance or training if you feel it is needed.

Documenting your volunteer experience

Most organizations will construct a record of your volunteer experience. Your file may include such elements as your original application, documentation of reference and background checks as necessary, time records illustrating your volunteer hours, and evaluations of your performance. You should be permitted to review your file upon request.

It is also a good idea to create your own documentation of your volunteer experience. Keep a log of the hours you volunteer and the type of activities you perform. Document the training you receive and the skills you gain – they may be transferable to your current work or help you land a new position. Ask for letters of reference or recommendation from the organization that could assist you in an employment search or entrance into a higher education institution. Many colleges and universities have initiated preferential admittance policies and/or financial aid benefits for individuals who have performed volunteer service.