Student Volunteerism: Get Started Now

Volunteering your time as a college student is great for all involved, but how to you make sure that you’ll be working in an area that’s good for you? Start by asking yourself a few simple questions. How much time do you have left after classes and studying? Do I have any specific interests or talents? Would I prefer to work alone or closely with others? Do I want flexibility with my schedule or a regularly-scheduled assignment? Once you know the answers to these, here are some good places to start your search:

1. Start close to home. There are likely causes in your own community that could benefit from your assistance. Spend some time with your phone book and see what ideas you can come up with. Next, go online and look up your city’s website or chamber of commerce. Pick up the phone and start asking what organizations in town could use the help of a young volunteer.

2. Community colleges, libraries, hospitals, churches and synagogues are likely to know of several families or organizations in immediate need of an extra pair of hands.

3. Contact the United Way chapter that’s closest to you. There’s also the Red Cross, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and humane societies in most US cities that are always in need of help.

4. Health challenges provide opportunities. Think about the people you know who have had struggles with their health. Would you consider registering for the National Bone Marrow Donor Program or even offering your help in raising awareness?

5. Volunteer without borders. If you’re ready for a break from your studies in order to give 100% of yourself to people in other countries who need help, contact the Peace Corps via their web site.

Now that you’ve gotten the ball rolling, chances are you have plenty of places to start.