How to Be a Volunteer

Being a volunteer is a rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to help others. Being a volunteer is also a responsibility. It is important to know how to be a volunteer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   To be a volunteer, it is important to determine in what areas you would like to volunteer your time and services. Decide your interests. Do you like working with kids? The elderly? Animals? It is helpful to have an idea of what you like so that you will be happy and therefore follow through on your commitment. For example: If you are allergic to cats and volunteer at an animal shelter, it may be difficult to complete your commitment to volunteer.

2. 

   To be a successful volunteer, you must be honest with your commitment. A volunteer must determine the amount of time they can commit to being a volunteer. If you only have the Christmas season to volunteer, try to find something specific to this limitation. Look at your schedule. It is important to know if you can only volunteer 5 hours 1 time a month or 3 hours weekly, etc.

3. 

   Next, determine where you would like to volunteer. Look at your church, village hall, the phone book for ideas on where you might be able to volunteer. Most popular places to volunteer are: Churches, hospitals, animal shelters, food pantry's, soup kitchens and schools.

4. 

   There are also specific events or holidays that promote the need for volunteers. Christmas is a huge holiday that has many charity events that require a large number of volunteers. Such events include "Make a Wish" and "Operation Christmas Child" during Christmas. Other events are: a race or marathon, a holiday parade, and school activities to name a few.

5. 

   To be a volunteer, call locations where you can volunteer to see if they have any openings. Many people assume that because they want to volunteer, the opportunity is available. Many times there are limited openings due to lack of ability to for agency to provide supervision to the volunteers. If the opportunity to volunteer is available, set appointment to interview.

6. 

   The most important part of being a volunteer is to remember to follow through on your commitment. Many people have good intentions on volunteering, but take a relaxed attitude, as they are doing this without pay. The place and people where you volunteer will be counting on you to follow through.

[evelopez]

on 6/18/2009 great advice on being a volunteer!

[derbyka]

on 11/11/2008 Volunteering is so rewarding. There are so many different things you can do so there is something for everybody.

[Butterfli]

on 11/11/2008 I so enjoy my volunteer work! When you see that you have helped make a difference in another person's live, that is so rewarding in itself! You will always receive back more joy in your own heart than even the ones you volunteer to help! 5 shiny*

[Glencap]

on 11/10/2008 I love the idea of volunteering. It's a great way to serve the world for the intrinsic value, and not be concerned about getting a paycheck. Thanks so much for reminding me of what's really important when it comes to giving.

[LilBlackDress]

on 11/10/2008 This is great info. Thank you!