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1.
Research the causes or issues important to you.
Look for a group that deals with issues about which you feel strongly.
You might already be giving money to one of these organisations, and
that might be a good place to begin your volunteer experience. If you
can’t find such an organisation, here’s a challenging and intriguing
thought: why not start one yourself? You can rally your neighbours to
clean up that vacant lot on the corner, patrol the neighbourhood, paint
an elderly neighbour’s house, take turns keeping an eye on the ailing
person down the street, or form a group to advocate for a remedy to that
dangerous intersection in your neighbourhood. There is no end to the
creative avenues for volunteering, just as there is no end to the need
for volunteers.
2. Consider the skills you have to offer.
If you enjoy outdoor work, have a knack for teaching, or just enjoy
interacting with people, you may want to look for volunteer work, which
would incorporate these aspects of your personality. Many positions
require a volunteer who has previous familiarity with certain equipment,
such as computers, or who possesses certain skills, such as ability in
athletics or communications. For one of these positions you might decide
to do something comparable to what you do on the job during your
workday, or something that you already enjoy as a hobby. This sort of
position allows you to jump right into the work without having to take
training to prepare for the assignment.
3. Consider volunteering as a family.
Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity, which would be suitable
for parents and children to do together, or, for husband and wife to
take on as a team. When a family volunteers to work together at a
non-profit organisation, the experience can bring them closer together,
teach young children the value of giving their time and effort,
introduce everyone in the family to skills and experiences never before
encountered, and give the entire family a shared experience as a
wonderful family memory.
4. Would you like to learn something new?
Perhaps you would like to move into areas that will provide you with
novelty or change. Then seek a volunteer opportunity involving training
in an unfamiliar skill. Many nonprofits seek out people who are willing
to learn, especially if the needs they serve are specialised or unique.
Many nonprofits have a demonstrated need, but few volunteers skilled in
what it takes to fill that need. Realize beforehand, however, that such
work might require much more of an effort or a time commitment for
training before the actual volunteer assignment begins. Make sure you
are willing to commit to the necessary responsibilities.
5. Don’t over-commit your schedule.
Make sure the volunteer hours you want to give fit into your hectic
life, so that you don’t frustrate your family, exhaust yourself,
short-change the organisation you’re trying to help or neglect your day
job. Do you want a long-term assignment or something temporary? If you
are unsure about your availability, or want to see how the work suits
you before making an extensive commitment, see if the organisation will
start you out on a limited number of hours until you get the feel of
things. Better to start out slowly than to commit yourself to a schedule
you can’t—or don’t want to—fulfil.
6. Nonprofits may have questions, too.
While most nonprofits are eager to find volunteer help, they have to be
careful when accepting the services you offer. If you contact an
organisation with an offer to donate your time, you may be asked to come
in for an interview, fill out a volunteer application, describe your
qualifications and your background—just as you would at an interview for
a paying job. It is in the organisation’s interest to make certain you
have the skills they need, that you are truly committed to doing the
work, and that your interests match those of the non-profit.
Furthermore, in volunteer work involving children or other at-risk
populations, there are legal ramifications for the organisation to
consider.
7. I never thought of that!
Many community groups which are looking for volunteers may not have
occurred to you. Most of us know that hospitals, libraries, and churches
involve volunteers for a great deal of their work, but here are some
volunteer opportunities which may not have crossed your mind:
• day care centres
• Neighbourhood Watch
• public schools and colleges
• halfway houses
• community theatres
• drug rehabilitation centres
• retirement centres and homes for the elderly
• Meals on Wheels
• church or community-sponsored soup kitchens
• museums, art galleries, and monuments
• community choirs, bands and orchestras
• prisons
• neighbourhood parks
• youth organisations, sports teams, and after school programs
• shelters for battered women and children
• historical restorations, battlefields and national parks
8. Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering!
Bring your heart and your sense of humour to your volunteer service,
along with the enthusiastic spirit that is, in itself, a priceless gift.
What you’ll get back will be immeasurable!
9. Virtual volunteering?
Yes, there is such a thing! If you have computer access and the
necessary skills, some organisations now offer the opportunity to do
volunteer work over the computer. This might take the form of giving
free legal advice, typing a college term paper for a person with a
disability, or simply keeping in contact with a shut-in who has e-mail.
This sort of volunteering might be well-suited to you if you have
limited time, no transportation, or a physical disability which
precludes you from getting about freely. Virtual volunteering can also
be a way for you to give time if you simply enjoy computers and want to
employ your computer skills in your volunteer work.
10. Be a year-round volunteer!
We all tend to think more of those in need during the holidays; but
volunteering is welcome and necessary all year. The need for compassion
doesn’t stop with the New Year, and warm spring weather doesn’t fill
empty stomachs or decrease the litter in the public parks. We all need
to be aware that making our communities, our nation and our world better
is a 365-day-a-year responsibility—and there is always something we
could be doing to help!
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ian
O’Flynn, Westmeath Volunteer Coordinator at 044-9348571 or
ioflynn@westcd.ie
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