Perhaps you’re just looking for a way to spend your spare time or you’re looking to make a real difference in the world around you. Any of these reasons is a good one to become a volunteer. If you’re looking to be a volunteer, there are so many places to start. If you’re already affiliated with a local community group, such as a church, PTA, or a fraternity or sorority, chances are you already know what it takes to be a volunteer.
Organizations like this volunteer on a regular basis, conducting clothing drives, sponsoring bake sales, and everything in between. Most people volunteer because they feel passionate about the cause they are giving to and want to make a positive impact in the world at large. Besides these reasons, there are lots of motives for volunteering, and many ways to make your contributions personal and significant.
First, find an organization or charity that is of interest to you. If you enjoy working with children, you may want to volunteer at a preschool, or become a Big Brother or Sister. If you want to work to save the environment, inquire about your neighborhood’s parks and recreational areas—you can help to maintain or restore these places. There are also homeless shelters in just about every city in the U.S. these days. You can give to these charities by volunteering your time, energy, and resources to these centers, which may include mentoring or educational tutoring.
If you want to contribute to what you think is a good cause, but have trouble finding a physical center to drive to in order to volunteer your time, you may want to check online for charities in your area of interest. There are always ways to donate funds to international charities, or organizations that promote medical awareness. The campaigns for the treatment of breast cancer, smoking prevention, and other diseases are always looking for different ways to raise funds to further research on how to find a cure. The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross are always sponsoring blood drives, runs or walks, or other local events to inform the community of how they can volunteer.
You can also donate old clothes and items to a local Salvation Army or Goodwill, or similar charities. There may also be opportunities for you to volunteer time at these charities, as some locations will have a small shop or certain days when they distribute clothing to less fortunate communities.
But, you don’t always have to think of something ‘big’ to do to be an effective volunteer. Helping a child learn to read, teaching a class at your local church, or serving on your neighborhood council to make your surroundings safer are all wonderful ways to volunteer. You can also volunteer to pitch in at events your friends or family members may be involved in, such as sports or theater. Coaches and directors are always looking for a parent or family member to volunteer to help with a fundraiser, transportation or spreading the word about an event.
Don’t ever think that what you have to offer is too small or insignificant. You can always make a difference if you volunteer. You never know whose life you may change or who you could be influencing by becoming a volunteer. Not only will you help someone today; someone may follow in your footsteps tomorrow.
By Tamiya King