At some point, many of us decide that we want to volunteer more. We might start by volunteering at a local food drive or participating in a company’s volunteer day. These are the initial moments that inspire us to do more. However, once we decide that we want to do more, then what do we do?
Know How You Want to Contribute
It’s a common mistake for volunteers to say that they just want to get involved. However, this is not the way to approach volunteering. Are you passionate about helping organizations improve their communications, or are you good at writing? Consider contributing your talents in this way.
Take a look at your unique talents and begin pitching them to nonprofits. This can be a way to get in touch with your inner entrepreneur and feel like you’re contributing to a good cause. Before you commit to volunteering, it’s important that you know what you want to get involved in. This will allow you to determine if the opportunity will be a good fit.
Do Some Research On Opportunities Available
One of the best ways to find an opportunity is by simply looking around. You can also look through various websites like Catchafire or Idealist.org to see what’s available. These sites can help you find volunteer opportunities that are both relevant and interesting.
Define What You Want Out of the Experience
Although volunteering is usually focused on giving, many people also want to get something out of their experience. For instance, volunteering may allow you to connect with new people and learn more about a cause.
You might also want to get a taste of a new field or a different type of organization. For instance, you might be interested in learning more about fundraising or strategic planning. These experiences can help you develop a deeper understanding of a cause.
Know How Much Time You Can Offer
Before you commit to volunteering, make sure that you’re honest with yourself about how long you can commit. This will allow you to make an informed decision and avoid over-commitment.
If you’ve never volunteered before, it might be too much for you to commit to a project that lasts for several months. In addition to planning and preparing, other factors such as travel can also affect the amount of time that you spend volunteering.