Volunteering is something my mom has installed in me for a long time. Ever since 3rd grade, I've been volunteered. I have volunteered with Girl Scouts, school and by myself. By myself, I've volunteered at the SPCA and a local kids museum.
- Giving back to the community is important
- You can possibly find your new passion
- You can meet new people
- You can have a new activity to do
- Possible networking opportunities
- Looks good on college apps
Places to look at for volunteering:
- Libraries: tasks* may include sorting and shelving books | great for: if you want a bit of peace and quiet, you love to organize, you want to check out what books to read, you want to become close knit with your library. Tip: Some libraries allow you to listen to music (with headphones) while shelving books... ask! The time will fly by while you're listening to your favorite album.
- YMCA / Kid's Museums: tasks* may include playing with kids, set up and clean up | great for: if you love being with kids, considering being a teacher/working with kids in the future, love to have fun, if you need a lot of hours- time flies by! Tip: Don't be afraid to ask for advice! The staff have lots of experience working with kids and can teach you a lot. Listen and ask questions. "How can I stop two kids from arguing over a toy?" Most places with volunteers have information sessions where they'll explain the basics and you can ask all your questions. Don't be afraid to ask and speak up! Always ask for help when needed.
- Animal Shelters / Zoos / Aquariums: tasks* may include cleaning the animals' habitats and rooms, exercising the animals, learning about the animals' personalities to "advertise" them to potential owners, prepping the animals' food, laundry | great for: animal lovers, those interested in working with animals in the future, those interested in learning more about animals and how to care for them. Tip: Always ask for help. If you're ever in a situation with an animal where you don't feel comfortable, ask for help! Pay close attention to animals with special needs: dietary, behavior, exercise.
- Hospitals: tasks* may include paperwork, running errands | great for: those interested in perusing a career in the medical field, those who want to make connections with doctors (future internship?), being in a medical environment. Tip:
- Food Banks / Pantries: tasks* may include sorting food, serving food, prepping food | great for: those who want to help out the less fortunate directly, don't have a particular interest in anything specific, want to try something new. Tip: Food banks typically let you volunteer with friends. Talk to your local food bank about volunteering with a friend. Volunteering with a friend makes the time fly by!
- Habitat for Humanity: tasks* may include building houses | great for: people who want to get a work-out while volunteering, those who love being outdoors, those who want to learn more about woodworking, architecture and housing. Tip: Don't like building houses? What about taking apart houses? Habitat for Humanity has other volunteer opportunities if you're not up for the task of building a house.
- Museums: tasks* may include cleaning habitats, working the information desk, giving visitors directions and answering their questions, working the galleries, and helping out with events | great for: those who love the museum's subject (whether it be art, history, science, etc.), interested in learning about the "behind the scenes" of the museum, wanting to learn more about the museum's subject, love helping others and answering questions. Tip: Always be enthusiastic and friendly when volunteering. The people you're helping are the museum's visitors and the museum needs visitors to function!
- Tutoring: tasks* may include helping kids with their homework, helping them study for tests, understand tricky concepts | great for: future teachers, those who love to help others and kids, the "smart kids" who are typically providing help to their peers anyways. Tip: Always be positive. Don't stress out about the kid's progress, the kid is probably already stressed. As a tutor, you need to provide positive reinforcement and constructive criticism when needed. If you're struggling with a kid, talk to whoever's in charge.
- How far away is the place? Is the commute going to be an issue? Who's going to be driving you; will there be any issues for them?
- What is the time commitment? Are you expected to volunteer a certain numbers of hours a week/month/year? Are you expected to continue volunteering for the next month/year? Can you commit to the time commitment?
- What is essential for volunteers at this place? Do you have these traits?
- Is this something you're genuinely interested in?
- What exactly will you be doing? There's nothing worse than signing up to volunteer at a kids' museum expecting to play with kids, when in reality you're just cleaning up after they leave.
- How do you sign up for events? Do you sign up for events?
- Who do I need to communicate with if I'm unable to make it to my volunteer shift? How do I communicate with them? (Phone call, email?)
- What is the dress code, if there is one?
- What are my benefits, if any? (Not always the best question to ask when you're meeting for the first time... but listen up when they explain your benefits! Take advantage of your discounts, etc.)
- How long are the shifts? (If not already explained)
- How can I prepare myself for this position?
- What are my responsibilities?
- How will I be contacted about upcoming volunteering opportunities? (If not already set)
- How will I record my hours? (Do I need to clock in/out? Do I need to sign in?)
- Always be friendly. You might have to work with the same person again, or every time! You might even be talking to the CEO... Who knows?
- Listen. These people will give lots of advice and just want to help you do better. They are typically the experts in this field.
- Never be afraid to ask "Do you need help with anything?"
- Don't volunteer everywhere. While it's great to try out different volunteering opportunities, once you find one you like, stick to it! You can advance and become good friends with the staff. It'll lead to more opportunities. (Like in my scenario... a job! When I first started volunteering, I just wanted a place to volunteer at. 4 years later and I'm working there now!) Similar to clubs, it's better to stick with one place than go to every place to volunteer at.
- Don't volunteer just for hours for a club or school. Volunteer for fun and as another activity out of school. Doing it just for school/club's hours loses the purpose of volunteering... which is helping out the less fortunate and those who need it.
- Make friends with the other volunteers. It's just like clubs, forming friendships with people who have the same interests as you! I met some really great friends through volunteering, and I got really excited when I saw that they were signed up for the same event as me.
- Don't volunteer somewhere you're not needed. Some of my friends have volunteered at places where they ended up doing nothing for the time they were there. That was time you wasted doing something else, or volunteering at an organization that truly needs volunteers' help.
- Do communicate with your volunteer coordinator. If there's ever an issue, let them know. If you need something (another badge, etc.), let them know. Similar to college professors, they might not know you well unless you're an active volunteer who's communicating with them.
- Have fun! If you're not having fun while volunteering, consider looking for another volunteer opportunity that you'll enjoy.
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