7 Ways to Get the Most out of Volunteering

Got volunteer shares how to get the most out of volunteering:
1. Decide what problem or issue you want to volunteer for.

Do you feel strongly about a particular problem or issue? Just to think, "Oh, well, volunteering would be a nice thing to do," isn't really enough. You might start, but will you stick with it? If you feel strongly

about something, such as animals, homelessness, women's rights, poverty in your city, or helping children, then that is a very good sign and the start of a great volunteer experience.

2. Think about how much time you have to devote to volunteering.

Do you want something that is short and infrequent? Or could you donate a certain amount of time each week or month? This is something you'll want to share with the nonprofits you talk with. There are volunteer opportunities that can fit any time commitment, from being a Girl Scout leader for a school year to registering attendees at a charity event for a few hours. Nonprofits have become quite adept at tailoring volunteer opportunities to fit our modern lifestyles.

3. Contact those nonprofits that involve those issues you want to volunteer for.

Look up the organizations in your locale that deal with the issues you care about. Contact them and ask if they have any volunteer opportunities. You can also get an idea of what volunteer opportunities are out there by visiting the many online volunteer matching services.

Contact one to three organizations and then visit them in person. Ideally, you'll meet with a volunteer coordinator and get a good idea of how the nonprofit works, the kinds of volunteer opportunities that are available, and how good a fit it is for your goals. More Info

4. Look for a volunteer opportunity that will be fulfilling for you.

Volunteer work should not be entirely selfless. It is important that you enjoy what you are doing so that you will continue doing it. Think about what you like to do. Are you a "take charge" kind of person? If so, you won't be happy knocking on doors or stuffing envelopes. Look for leadership opportunities at nonprofits, such as serving on a board of directors, helping with fundraising, or organizing an event.

On the other hand, you might not want something intellectually challenging. Perhaps you have enough of that in your own career and would like to so something simple but meaningful. Maybe you would enjoy cleaning up a vacant lot or planting a garden or signing people up for a charity run.

5. Match your skills with the volunteer opportunity.

Make a list of the things you are good at so that you can share them with the volunteer coordinators that you talk with. People who are sophisticated with computers, for instance, are in high demand at nonprofits. But your skills might be a facility with people, ability to do detailed work such as keeping meticulous records, hands-on ability such as carpentery or sewing, a talent with the written word, or public speaking.

6. Be prepared for the challenges of volunteering.

Boredom and impatience with the process are the biggest threats to a fulfilling volunteer experience. Some nonprofits will be disorganized and ill prepared for volunteers. Don't stay with that kind of situation. If they deserve you, they will be ready to use you effectively.

If you work for a high-powered corporation, you may get impatient with the way things are done at a nonprofit. Try to refrain from telling them how to do their job. If you work with things instead of people, you may have to rethink how you operate. Working with people and their problems takes a different and more patient mindset.

7. Be open to the changes, especially in yourself, that volunteering will bring.

You may be challenged by having to deal with people who are less educated than yourself, from different backgrounds, and who are a different color. For sure, your stereotypes will crumble as you witness the dignity of all people no matter their circumstances.