When you start to look for volunteer opportunities, think about what you want. You know a lot about yourself. Use this information to help you make a wise decision.
Take the first step in volunteering wisely. Learn more about what you want, think about each question.
Question 1: What is important to you in a volunteer activity?
What issues do you feel strongly about?
Are there problems you see that you want to work on solving?
Do you want to feed the hungry or clean the environment?
Question 2: What do you have to offer in a volunteer activity?
What skills and abilities do you have?
Do you have a knack for teaching?
Are you good at dealing with people?
Are you familiar with using certain equipment such as computers?
Do you have athletic abilities?
Can you work alone and stay on task?
Do you have a hobby that you enjoy?
Question 3: Would you like to learn something new from the volunteer activity?
Do you want to learn a new skill?
Do you want to learn more about a place of work such as a hospital?
Do you want to try physically active work?
Do you want to work outdoors or try working in an office?
Question 4: What time do you have in your busy schedule to do volunteer work?
When will the volunteer hours fit into your schedule?
Do you still have time for your school work, activities, family, and friends?
Do you want a long-term assignment or something that is a one-time event?
Can you commit time each week such as listening to second-graders read?
Or would you prefer to work several hours on one day.
Question 5: Do you want to volunteer alone or with a group?
Is it okay to work with people you do not know?
Can you arrange with family members to volunteer together?
Do you prefer to do an activity with friends or classmates?
Are you comfortable working alone on an activity?
