Sometimes the hardest part of volunteer work is finding the right opportunity for you. Choose an area of interest and identify an organization you believe is meaningful.
United Way Worldwide — a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories — offers these tips for starting out on a volunteer path.
Search For Existing Opportunities
Depending on your available time, skill set and interests, there are many different kinds of volunteer opportunities to consider. United Way makes it easy for you to find volunteer reading, tutoring or mentoring opportunities directly from its website.
Just start by entering your zip code.
You’ll likely have to fill out a volunteer application, go through a short interview and submit to a background check, depending on the population you want to help serve.
Create Your Own Opportunity
Can’t find an option that works for you? You can still take action and make a difference in your area of interest.
United Way Worldwide suggests options such as:
- Volunteer to start a school clean-up and beautification campaign to create a positive learning environment for students;
- Spend time as a reader at a local childcare center;
- School attendance is a good predictor of a child's success. Start an attendance incentive campaign in your neighborhood; or
- Host a regular book drive for children and youth.
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