How to be an Effective Volunteer

You have the time. You have the energy. You want to make a difference. There are so many volunteer opportunities to choose from. Knowing which one is right for you is a snap if you follow a few simple guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Assess yourself. Grab a pencil and a piece of paper. Make a list of the causes that you find the most important. For example, maybe you're concerned with animal rights, women's issues or caring for abused children.
2. Inventory your strengths. Perhaps you're a skilled writer, a talented artist or a compassionate listener. Maybe you're good at fund raising, planning events or organizing things. Include any technical skills you might possess such as as typing, computer programs, photography or mechanical abilities.
3. Gather your opportunities. Make a list of the reputable agencies, organizations or shelters in your area. These can be found in the Yellow Pages, on the Internet and by contacting your local chamber of commerce.
4. Contact the places that match with your interests. Discuss their current needs. If any of these match with your skills, set up a time to visit them in person.
5. When you visit a place where you might like to volunteer, take in your surroundings. Can you handle the atmosphere? Shelters can be very depressing. Political organizations might be stressful--especially during elections. It's important to make a difference, but it's more important that it invigorates you and doesn't wear you down.
6. After you've chosen a place where you'd like to volunteer, make sure your skills will be utilized. Make sure you're doing something you enjoy. Above all, make sure you feel like you're making a difference. If you do, you'll give 100 percent. If you don't, you won't be effective.

Tips & Warnings

• Love what you're doing. If it's not important to you, you're wasting your time.
• Don't over-commit yourself. Doing so will only lead to exhaustion, and nobody can perform their best when tired.