How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity |

How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity

Posted on December 5, 2014

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“Our legacy is not found in all the ‘stuff’ we’ve accumulated on our life’s journey. It’s written in the memories of those whose lives we’ve touched along the way.” – Justin Young

A new couple from New York who had recently retired moved into our neighborhood. They have only been living here for a year, but know much more about the community than I do. They are on a number of boards, volunteering to teach and are always inviting us to fun local events. It seems that in retirement both get to do what they love and they have really embraced that opportunity fully.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities available. The key is to find a volunteer position that you would enjoy and are capable of doing. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the organization’s needs. The following questions can help you narrow your options:

Would you like to work with adults, children, or animals, or remotely from home?
Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
Are you better behind the scenes or do you prefer to take a more visible role?
How much time are you willing to commit?
How much responsibility are you ready to take on?
What skills can you bring a volunteer job?
What causes are important to you?

Consider several volunteer possibilities

In your search for the right volunteer opportunity, don’t limit yourself to just one organization or one specific type of job. Sometimes an opportunity looks great on paper, but the reality is quite different. Try to visit different organizations and get a feel for what they are like and if you click with other staff and volunteers. The more satisfaction you have as a volunteer, the better your contributions and the more likely you’ll continue.

Where do I find volunteer opportunities?

Community theaters, museums, and monuments
Libraries or senior centers
Service organizations such as Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs
Local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife centers
Youth organizations, sports teams, and after-school programs
Historical restorations, national parks, and conservation organizations
Places of worship such as churches or synagogues
Online databases such as those contained in Resources section below can help you decide how to proceed.

Getting the most out of volunteering

You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your volunteering. It’s important to make sure that your volunteer position is a good fit and to communicate with the people you’re working with in the volunteer organization.

Ask questions. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. If you have any questions, be sure to speak up. Sample questions to your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if there’s any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience.
Make sure you know what’s expected. Before starting, make sure you are comfortable with the organization, know what is expected, and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed.
Don’t be afraid to make a change. Speak up if your experience isn’t what you expected. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit. Talk to the organization about changing your focus or consider looking for another match.

Enjoy yourself. Most importantly, make sure you’re having fun! The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why. Is it the tasks you’re performing? The people you’re working with? Or are you uncomfortable simply because the situation is new and familiar? Pinpointing what’s bothering

Don’t forget to take my quick weekly quiz and claim your reward. Act now before they are all gone!

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