How to Join the USA Freedom Corps

The USA Freedom Corps was founded to publicize volunteer opportunities across the country. This program offers a range of educational, community and faith-based programs for citizens to join.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Head to the USA Freedom Corps' official Web site (see Resources below). Review the organization's goals, and then link to current volunteer opportunities in your state, region or city.

2. Pick an area of interest, such as drug awareness or homeland security. Enter it in the "Keyword Search" field on the "Find a Volunteer Opportunity" page (see Resources below). You also can browse the suggested options.

3. Enter your zip code or state and gather search results by clicking the "Find Opportunities Now" button.

4. Click on the link to the specific posting for a detailed description of the volunteer opportunity and the qualifications necessary to participate in it.

5. Choose a volunteer opportunity to participate in. Bear in mind that you can refine your search criteria to narrow your search to specific fields. You can find tips for refining your search directly on the USA Freedom Corps Web site.

6. On the opportunity information page, follow the link to the charitable organization offering the position and directly apply.

7. Remember there are many international volunteer opportunities you can join if you are a U.S. citizen living abroad. Learn more about these by clicking the "Volunteering Internationally" tab on the USA Freedom Corps homepage.

Tips & Warnings

• Volunteer programs that work primarily with children and other at-risk demographic groups may require volunteers to pass extensive background checks. These may include drug screening, audits, criminal background checks and other inquiries. You are under no obligation to submit to these checks if you decide to withdraw your application.