6 Tips For Finding The Right Volunteer Role
Publié le 13 November 2023
Learn new skills, gain unique experiences and support your community with 6 tips for finding the right volunteer role.
From helping a global charity to giving up some of your spare time to work for a local non-profit, there are many benefits to volunteering.
But besides the obvious advantages to the community, volunteering can also expand your professional network. This is, in fact, one of the best ways to meet influential people and gain access to decision-making at a higher level than your current position allows.
If you’re unsure if volunteering is the best step for you, then you’re in the right place. Whether you’re an undergrad, recent graduate, or seasoned professional, volunteering can transform your professional network. We’ll explore some of the main volunteer work benefits and dive into 6 tips for finding the right volunteer role.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering has the potential to change the world we live in for the better. Research has shown that over 23% of people volunteered with at least one organization between 2020 and 2021.
Image created by the author. Data sourced from americorps.gov
However, it can be challenging to find time and motivation to volunteer in today’s fast-paced society. This is especially true for new graduates looking to start careers after their studies.
But the payoff for your time spent volunteering can be substantial. Although you will be helping those in need and contributing to a good cause by volunteering, you may find that you gain even more from the experience itself. The right fit can open doors to new social circles, professional opportunities, and personal growth.
Your mental and physical well-being can benefit from helping others, too. One of the best volunteer work benefits is its positive effects on mental and physical health, including stress relief, depression prevention, mental fitness, and increased personal fulfillment. Volunteering does not have to be time-consuming or require a long-term commitment. Giving, even in small ways, can improve your health and happiness and help others.
How to find the right volunteer role
There are many opportunities for people to volunteer their time. Instead of jumping into any volunteer role, it’s important that you take a moment to consider what you can do well and enjoy doing. These questions can get you started:
- Do you want to work with kids, adults, animals, or from home?
- Do you like working alone or with others?
- Are you more comfortable in the background or in the spotlight?
- What is your time commitment?
- What volunteer skills do you have?
- Which causes are you passionate about?
Now, you should have a clearer vision of what volunteering should look like for you. But how can you reap the most volunteer work benefits by finding the right role for you?
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
1. Identify your interests
The first of the 6 tips for finding the right volunteer role, consider your skills and interests before looking for volunteer opportunities. Do you like art, animals, or sports? Do you have experience with writing, instructing, or leading?
It’s much easier to find meaningful volunteer work when you have a clear idea of your strengths and interests. To find volunteer work that fits your interests and schedule, you can conduct targeted searches online to find local organizations and groups that line up with your personality.
2. Consider your volunteering goals
Consider your interests, skills, and personality traits when deciding on a volunteer opportunity. Is there anything in particular you hope to accomplish through your volunteer work?
For instance, your volunteer role goal could be to:
- Beautify your neighborhood
- Meet new people with different perspectives and experiences
- Do something different
- Fill your free time with a productive activity
- Learn about new cultures and customs by visiting exotic locations
- Get some experience in a different field that you might enjoy doing full-time
- Develop your passions and interests further
- Expand your professional network by connecting with like-minded people and organizations
Do not restrict your options to just one company or field. While some opportunities may seem fantastic on paper, they may turn out to be less than ideal in practice. It’s a good idea to check out a few different places to see if you like the atmosphere and the people who work or volunteer there.
3. Pick an organization or cause you care about
Volunteering for a cause you care about is another way to meet like-minded people. A nonprofit or community group likely addresses your environmental, human rights, or health concerns.
Find out what the organizations you’re interested in are trying to do, what their vision is, and what their values are, and see if they match yours. You can also research and learn about their culture and activities by looking at their social media, website, or newsletters.
Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
4. Have a welcoming attitude
Assuming you have located a volunteer role position that interests you, communicate openly and amiably with the organization’s personnel, other volunteers, and the people you will be helping. Talk to them, tell them your stories, and ask them questions. Being approachable and friendly will increase the likelihood that the people you meet will want to get to know you better.
5. Always check in and keep in touch
It’s important to follow up with the people you met during your volunteer work and maintain contact with them after the whole experience is over. Express your gratitude and appreciation with a handwritten note, email, or text. Ask them to come along with you for a walk, a cup of coffee, or some other kind of volunteer work.
Keep in touch by following them on social media, liking or commenting on their posts, or joining their online communities. Connecting with people who share your interests and values can be a great source of support and growth in your personal and professional life.
6. Find role models and mentors
Volunteering can also introduce you to mentors and role models who can help you grow personally and professionally. Search online coaching platforms for people with skills, experience, or qualities you admire.
Get their input on your plans and progress, or ask for career advice. You could offer to assist them with any of their upcoming activities, tasks, or events. It’s important to find role models and mentors who can guide your development and help you reach your full potential.
Other considerations
Where to look for volunteer work
- Museums, monuments, and community theaters
- Senior centers or libraries
- Groups that perform community service, such as Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs
- Wildlife sanctuaries, animal shelters, and local rescue groups
- Groups for young people, such as sports teams and extracurricular activities
- Conservation groups, national parks, and historical reconstructions
- Religious associations.
What is the ideal volunteer’s time commitment?
Volunteering doesn’t have to be a major time commitment to be beneficial. In fact, studies show that a weekly commitment of two to three hours can have a positive impact on both you and the cause you’re supporting.
Image created by the author. Data sourced from helpguide.org
The most important thing is to volunteer only as much time as you’re comfortable with. Volunteering should be a fun and rewarding experience, not a chore.
The perfect volunteering role for you is out there
With so many volunteering opportunities available, you might find it challenging to select one that truly suits your needs, interests, and schedule. By following the 6 tips for finding the right volunteer role outlined in our guide, you’ll be ready to identify the type of volunteering that’s best for you.
In turn, this will not only help you enjoy your experience a lot more, but it will also ensure that your contribution to the cause you pick is as effective and successful as possible.
