How to Have a Meaningful Volunteer Experience

Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding actions you can take in life. By helping others, you help yourself. Whether it's a philanthropic, arts or other non-profit organization, all are looking for dedicated individuals to give their time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make sure you have the energy and the time. Volunteering requires a commitment, and no one wants someone with superior skills who never shows up.
2. In some cases, be prepared for a lengthy application process. Many organizations, such as the American Red Cross, require filing an online application, orientation classes and interviews. This may seem like a lot for a job in which you don't get paid, but it separates the wheat from the chaff.
3. Bring something of yourself to the experience. While some companies just want bodies, the maj
4. If there are certain areas in which you are interested, notify your contact at the organization. An unhappy volunteer will soon be an absent volunteer. Though it may not always be possible, most organizations will do their best to match your desires with their needs.
5. Make the best of any situation. The majority of volunteer jobs aren't necessarily glamorous. But if you maintain an open mind and an open heart, the benefits you reap mentally and physically pay rewarding dividends that can last a lifetime, including greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.