Summer
brings to mind sunny days, baseball, picnics, and vacations. Why not consider
engaging in your community during the summer months through volunteerism? Think
about connecting with a local non-profit agency and giving of yourself. Here
are some ways to define how you might go about perfecting the ideal volunteer
opportunity:
Think about your interests. Consider looking for a group
focused on issues you feel strongly about. This is a good place to begin your
volunteer experience. If you’re not connected with such an organization,
contact the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley for assistance in making a match.
There is no end to the creative avenues for volunteering, just as there is no
end to the need for volunteers.
Consider your skills. If you enjoy being outside,
spending time with children, or enjoy interacting with people you may want to
look for volunteer work that incorporates these characteristics of your
personality. Many positions require a volunteer who has previous experience
with certain equipment, or possesses specific skills, such as an ability in
athletics or communications. For one of those positions, you may wish to do
something similar to what you do on the job during your workday, or something
that you already enjoy as a hobby. This sort of volunteer opportunity allows
you to get involved immediately without having to train for the opportunity.
Try something new.
Perhaps you would like to learn a new skill or gain experience in a new
situation. Consider a volunteer opportunity where you'll learn something new.
Volunteering to work on the newsletter for the local nonprofit will improve
your writing and editing abilities-skills that may help you in your career. Or
volunteering can simply offer a change from your daily routine. For example, if
your full-time job is in an office, you may decide to take on a more active
volunteer assignment such as gardening or building a playground. Many
nonprofits look for people who are willing to learn and embrace new activities.
Combine goals. Perhaps your personal goal is to
lose weight. Consider volunteering in a setting where you will be physically
active. If you’re interested in learning about plants, consider volunteering
for a local arboretum.
Don't
over-commit. Make sure the volunteer hours you want to give fit
into your life. You don’t want to exhaust yourself, frustrate your family,
shortchange the organization you're trying to help, or neglect your job. Do you
want a long-term assignment or a one-time opportunity? If you are unsure about
your availability or want to see how the work suits you, find out if the
organization will allow you to start volunteering on a limited basis until you get the feel of things.
Volunteer virtually. 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.
Non-profits have
specific needs. Many non-profits have specific qualifications that
may need to be met. The volunteer opportunity may require a driver’s license,
use of your personal vehicle, insurance, specific training, a background check,
or previous experience.
Volunteer as a Family. Think about looking for a volunteer
opportunity appropriate for parents and children to do together, or for a
husband and wife to take on as a team. When a family volunteers together the
experience can build relationships and teach children the value of volunteering
their time.
Volunteer as a Business. Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity appropriate
for your business to take on as a group. Employee volunteers build a sense of
camaraderie and cooperation. It can also facilitate employee teamwork. The best service opportunities
are collaborative – working side-by-side with others in the community.
Humanitarian service opportunities should assist the poor and those in need of
a helping hand. Community service opportunities should enhance the quality of
life in the community. Projects should not directly involve volunteers in
fundraising, have a political focus, or be for-profit oriented.
Think outside the box. Volunteering takes many forms.
People often think of hospitals, schools, or churches. Keep an open mind.
Consider day care centers, public schools, halfway houses, community theaters,
drug rehabilitation centers, retirement centers, homes for the elderly, meals
on wheels, soup kitchens or food pantries, museums, art galleries, youth
organizations, sports teams, after-school programs, shelters for battered women
and children, historical societies, and parks.
Volunteer! Bring your sense of humor and your
willingness to help to your volunteer service. Volunteering is in itself an
invaluable gift but what you get back will be immeasurable!
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