HOW TO VOLUNTEER…AND ENJOY IT!

THINK ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU
It's important that you find deep satisfaction in your volunteer work: if you don't, you'll have a hard time keeping up with it, and you'll be cheating yourself out of a great experience.

UNDERSTAND YOUR SKILLS AND INTERESTS
Do you want to donate your career skills? Your hobby abilities? Or just your time, while having fun doing it?

RESEARCH THE GROUPS THAT MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU
Once you know what you'd like to do, find groups looking for your services.

DON'T OVER COMMIT
Think about how often you can or want to volunteer. Know that you are doing a wonderful service even if you volunteer only once a month.

BE OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS
If you can be open to the needs of the organization, two wonderful things can happen for you: you will know that you are truly giving what is needed, and you may be surprised by how much you like learning a new skill or serving in a different way.

CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING AS A FAMILY
By doing so, you can share important time together - and you'll teach your family an incredible lesson.

BE WILLING TO DO YOUR HOMEWORK
If your group wants you to do some training, know that it's for your own good and for the good of the people you are going to help. No good nonprofit wants to needlessly spend money on training.

GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT
When you find the right organization and the right schedule, go into your new volunteer job with an open mind and a willingness to have fun.