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Step 1
Determine what causes are important to you. If you plan to volunteer your time along with a child, consider causes that mean something to the two of you. Narrow your list to a few choices so you can explore more than one opportunity.
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Step 2
Decide your volunteering location. If you are a first-time volunteer, you may wish to support a local organization rather than reaching out to a state wide, national or international cause. Your location influences the amount of time you wish to dedicate toward volunteering, so keep that in mind.
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Step 3
Research your interests via the Internet or in phone books to see what non-profits maintain chapters in the location where you plan to volunteer.
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Step 4
Visit your local Chamber of Commerce or government building to learn more about organizations that interest you.
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Step 5
Contact organizations that support the causes that interest you. For example, if disaster recovery is important to you, you may consider contacting your local chapter of the American Red Cross to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
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Step 6
Discuss your interests with family, friends or coworkers and ask about organizations that they may know more about. If you know someone who volunteers with an animal shelter and you are also interested in that cause, that person may be able to help arrange an opportunity for you.
