Volunteer!
How Do I Begin?
You can start by logging onto Volunteer Solutions and registering as a volunteer. This is where you will get connected to one of our Information Specialists who can help you find the right opportunity.
Explore your motivations. Identify your personal goals. Knowing your motivations will help you better choose a volunteer position that's right for you. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to volunteer? What are my goals? Do I want to make a difference in my career, my social life, my community, or something else?" Your goals will direct your search.
Make a few calls to explore possibilities. Ask some initial questions. You might want to request that an agency send you information about their services, so that you can review it to see if it meets your needs.
Ask for a written description of the volunteer position. This will help you decide if the position is an appropriate fit for you, and it provides a set of standards or expectations when you do volunteer. You don't want to set aside time to work at an agency only to arrive and find there's nothing to do.
Be realistic and clear about the amount of time you can commit. It may be easier to start small and increase your commitment than to have to back out because your schedule is too overwhelming.
Visit the organization you are interested in volunteering for before committing yourself. Get a sense of the staff and clients you will be working with and a feel for the overall environment.
Find out about the agency's purpose and how your role as a volunteer fits into that mission. Sometimes what may seem an insignificant contribution to you makes all the difference to the people or to the program that you are assisting.
Enthusiasm is key. If you are not excited about the program, the chances are that you are not going to be thrilled with giving up time in your day to go there.
Have fun!