How to Write an Application Letter for Community Work
Community work can be a rewarding experience -- helping to improve the community provides a deep sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction that we contributed to a cause we believe in. Although many community organizations accept a range of volunteers, some organizations are more discerning about who can volunteer, especially if volunteers work with children or the elderly or require a specific skill set. Applying for community work can be similar to applying for a job, where you must showcase your experience and skills specific to the role you would like as well as your interest in the organization in an application letter.
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Instructions
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Select an Organization
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Choose a community organization, such as one that raises funds for worthy causes or collects clothing, food and other necessities to give those in need. Other organizations work with children, the elderly and others with special needs or provide medical aid or education to the disadvantaged. Some organizations are affiliated with a community institution such as a school, hospital or church. Selecting the right organization that matches your own interests will make your volunteer experience more enjoyable and satisfying. Depending on your time, you may decide to volunteer with more than one organization.
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Examine your experiences and skill set. Consider how you can best contribute to the organization of your choosing. For example, if you are a great project manager, you can help organize a fundraising event. If you are an accountant, you can offer to manage donations. Or, if you enjoy working with children, you can volunteer to lead a playgroup.
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Contact the organization to let organizers know you are eager to volunteer your time. They may be able to provide a list of tasks or projects that are in need of volunteers. Try to get as much information as possible about the role, the organization and the people involved. The more information you have, the more closely you can cater your application letter to meet the organization's needs. Make sure to ask about the application process as well.
Write Your Application Letter
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Write an introduction. Introduce yourself, and explain why you would like to work for the organization. Based on your knowledge about the organization, cater your introduction to address the specific cause and why it interests you. Convey your passion for the cause and for the volunteer work.
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Explain why you are qualified for the volunteer position. Clearly outline your relevant experiences and skills. If possible, give specific examples of similar roles you have done in the past, and relate them to the role for which you are applying. Tell the organization why you are the ideal candidate.
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Communicate your availability. Some volunteer roles require specific time commitments from volunteers while other roles are more flexible. Letting the organization know your availability during the application process will allow them to accurately find roles that meet your specific schedule.
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Summarize your letter. Reiterate the volunteer role you are most interested in, and briefly summarize why you are the ideal candidate.
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Wrap up your application letter by providing references. References are an essential part of a convincing application -- they can help soothe concerns community organizations may have regarding your experiences and your character. The references you provide should be relevant to the role. Also, make sure to ask your references for their permission before you add them in your application letter.
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Tips & Warnings
Applying for volunteer work is similar to applying for employment -- it's important to convey your commitment to the organization and your competence for the role.
References
- Photo Credit a hand dropping a coin into a smiling piggy bank image by T.Tulic from Fotolia.com
