“Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.” ~Gillian Anderson
I am a volunteer. I feel happiest and most myself when I am helping someone in need, or devoting my time to a worthwhile cause or organization.
Getting started as a volunteer can be daunting If you don’t know where to start. The truth is as people, we are all uniquely equipped to help others. Altruism runs through our veins. Everyone both young and old has a skill they can contribute whether it is their cooking skills, running a seminar, participating in a fundraising 5k, reading to someone, or just being a listening ear.
I would like to spread the seed of giving by providing you with some helpful resources to hopefully get you started if you’re new to volunteering.
- justgive.org can help give you ideas on what kind of volunteer work you can do, as well as descriptions of what the work is generally like. It also lists other ways to give such as donations, and a comprehensive nonprofit registry.
- volunteermatch.org will help you find nonprofits in your area that need volunteers, and caters to your skills and interests. Individual events are available, as well as long term volunteering opportunities.
- parents.com has a useful Children’s Volunteering Resource Guide if you have kids and want to teach them the values and rewards of helping others.
There are so many other resources available to you, but these are a good starting point for people who have never volunteered but want to get involved, as well as for those who love to give their time but wanted to broaden their horizons on how to do more.
melaniebarcant.com 