There are a variety of reasons people like to volunteer their time. Helping charitable organizations, giving back to the community, mentoring, social interactions and passion for a cause, hobby or activity are some examples of why people volunteer their time.
You don’t want your volunteering efforts to feel like a chore so take your time and find an opportunity that matches you. Think about why you want to volunteer and what you want to gain from the experience. Think about what you are passionate about and using your strengths.
Why do I want to volunteer?
-passionate about a cause
-social interaction
-learn something
-teach something
-contributing to the community
Is the organization reputable?
Investigate the organization. You want to align yourself with a cause you believe in and that has the same values you do. If you have doubts about their legitimacy or ethics keep looking for opportunities elsewhere.
How can I find a place to volunteer?
Start within your own circles. Think of all the places you already have a connection with such as work, places of worship, sports leagues, arts communities, health foundations and hobby groups. They may already have links to causes or charitable work that may be of interest to you. If you already donate monetarily to a particular cause, check whether they are in need of volunteers.
What helps make an opportunity a match for me?
You may be passionate about an organization or cause but apprehensive about what you will be doing. Ask if they are in need of any particular skills that are your strength and that you enjoy doing. Examples of skills could be artistic, photography, event planning, logistics, graphic design, writing, physical labour, carpentry and painting to name a few. There are many different ways you can contribute your time.
What are some ideas for volunteering?
Charities
Causes (health, crisis, disability, human rights, environmental etc)
Virtual Volunteering
Schools
Sports Programs and Associations
Music Programs and Associations
Dance Programs and Associations
Arts Programs and Associations
Municipalities through events or community centres.
Libraries
Museums
Film Festivals
Music Festivals
Conferences (technology, video game, arts, industry, business etc)
Special Interests (science, cultural, hobby etc)
Volunteering Tips
Don’t volunteer more than you can give.
Try a one time opportunity first.
Use your strengths.
Be passionate or interested in the cause.
Share the same values and ethics of the organization.
