Do you volunteer? If so, congratulations! Volunteerism is one of the most cherished of American values. You are one of the nearly 62.8 million Americans who volunteer every year, and the worth of your volunteer time has reached $21.36 per hour.
If you are looking for a way to volunteer or do more of it, here are some tips for finding that perfect volunteer spot.
1. Decide what problem or issue you want to volunteer for.
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Do you feel strongly about a particular problem or issue? Just to think, "Oh, well, volunteering would be a nice thing to do," isn't really enough. You might start, but will you stick with it? If you feel strongly about something, such as animals, homelessness, women's rights, world poverty, or helping children, then that is a very good sign and the start of a great volunteer experience.
2. Think about how much time you have to devote to volunteering.
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Nonprofits have become quite adept at tailoring volunteer opportunities to fit our modern lifestyles. Sparked, a website that helps people engage in "microvolunteering," matches volunteers who just want to devote snatches of time to their causes with nonprofits that have suitable projects.
3. Contact those nonprofits that involve those issues you want to volunteer for.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Contact one to three organizations and then visit them in person. Ideally, you'll meet with a volunteer coordinator and get a good idea of how the nonprofit works, the kinds of volunteer opportunities that are available, and how good a fit it is for your goals.
4. Look for a volunteer opportunity that will be fulfilling for you.
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Volunteer work should not be entirely selfless. It is important that you enjoy what you are doing so that you will continue doing it. Think about what you like to do. Are you a "take charge" kind of person? If so, you won't be happy knocking on doors or stuffing envelopes. Look for leadership opportunities at nonprofits, such as serving on a board of directors, helping with fundraising, or organizing an event.
On the other hand, you might not want something intellectually challenging. Perhaps you have enough of that in your own career and would like to so something simple but meaningful. Maybe you would enjoy cleaning up a vacant lot or planting a garden or signing people up for a charity run.
5. Match your skills with the volunteer opportunity.
Dan Marino Foundation
6. Be prepared for the challenges of volunteering.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Boredom and impatience with the process are the biggest threats to a fulfilling volunteer experience. Some nonprofits will be disorganized and ill prepared for volunteers. Don't stay with that kind of situation. If they deserve you, they will be ready to use you effectively.
If you work for a high-powered corporation, you may get impatient with the way things are done at a nonprofit. Try to refrain from telling them how to do their job.
If you work with things instead of people, you may have to rethink how you operate. Working with people and their problems takes a different and more patient mindset.
7. Be open to the changes, especially in yourself, that volunteering will bring.
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You may be challenged by having to deal with people who are less educated than yourself, from different backgrounds, and who are a different color. For sure, your stereotypes will crumble as you witness the dignity of all people no matter their circumstances.
These challenges are healthy ones and will result in your own personal growth if you persevere rather than run away at your first glimpse of life as others live it.
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