How to Volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club of America

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America has over 4,000 autonomous youth clubs that serve about 4.6 million children throughout the United States. The clubs employ over 47,000 staff members, and many local clubs supplement their staffing with community volunteers. Most program participants range in age from 6 to 18, while volunteers come in all ages.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Take your volunteer opportunity as seriously as you would a full-time job. Begin by preparing a resume of professional and volunteer experience. Be sure to highlight your personal character, talents and hobbies and personal references.
2. Use the resume to shape your thoughts about what you can offer a local club. Practice making a 60-second pitch that you might use in person or on the phone with club staff member.
3. Use the Boys and Girls Club of America Zip Code Locator to find clubs near you and to get contact information for a director, youth coordinator, or volunteer coordinator (see Resources below).
4. Contact the club and make a pitch that combines telling about what you offer with expressing your interest in volunteering. Ask if you can meet with the appropriate person to follow up. Bring your resume and references, just as you would for a paying job.
5. Explore whether there are upcoming events when volunteer help will be especially helpful. Be prepared to wait for such an event as an opportunity to audition your volunteer talents.
6. Take all volunteer assignments seriously. Be punctual and consistent with scheduled assignments, including training sessions. Show respect to the kids, adult staff, parents and other volunteers.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare to get trained! No matter how talented you are, an organization that works with youth must treat both children and volunteers as precious assets. Good volunteer programs like the Boys and Girls Club of America provide training to help you focus on the needs and culture of the children you'll work with and to ensure that you are a good fit.
• Don't be surprised if kids with whom you are volunteering pull at your heartstrings! Give careful thought, on the front end, to how you will cope with situations that disturb you or challenge the professional, caring approach that you wish to project.

Who Can Help: