Volunteering.

 Volunteering: Giving Back to Your Community

Whether through time, skills, or donations, volunteers play an essential role in improving their communities, supporting local governments, and helping nonprofits large and small.

Volunteering is closely tied to good manners—it shows care and respect for others, especially those in need. Your time and skills can make a big impact: from helping a struggling student, to delivering meals to seniors, to offering companionship to someone with no family.

People volunteer for many reasons: to give back, share knowledge, learn new skills, meet people, or even explore a potential career path. Volunteering can teach you how to lead, organize events, or use new tools and technology. It may also help you build your résumé or strengthen a college application. Whatever your motivation, it's important to choose a volunteer opportunity that fits your interests and schedule—and to treat the role with the same commitment as a paid job. If you say “yes,” be ready to follow through.

Finding the Right Volunteer Role

There’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities, but finding the right one takes a little thought. Organizations want volunteers to feel engaged and satisfied in their roles, especially since there’s no paycheck involved. Here’s how to find a good fit:

• Know what matters to you. Start by thinking about causes you care about—animals, the environment, education, health, etc. Look for organizations that support those causes.

• Consider your skills and personality. Think about what you’re good at and what kind of environment suits you. For example, if you prefer one-on-one interactions, you might enjoy mentoring. If you love your job, you can volunteer by using those same skills—like helping seniors with taxes if you’re an accountant.

• Be realistic about your time. It's better to commit to a small amount of time consistently than to overpromise and underdeliver. One or two hours a month is fine if that’s all you can manage.

Getting Started

Once you’ve found a few options, visit the organizations in person or online. Make sure you agree with their mission and values, and are genuinely interested in their work—whether it’s gardening, fundraising, reading aloud, or preparing meals.

If it seems like a good fit, fill out an application or meet with a volunteer coordinator. Treat this as you would a job interview: dress professionally, be punctual, and clearly explain your goals.

Doing the Job Well

Whether you're helping at a food pantry, working at a school, or volunteering for a museum or nonprofit, some basic expectations apply:

• Show up on time, or even a little early.

• Notify someone if you're going to be late or absent.

• Dress appropriately for your task—whether it's physical work, public interaction, or helping kids.

• Attend training sessions or orientations.

• Follow the organization’s rules and procedures.

• Be dependable and complete your tasks responsibly.

• Respect people’s privacy. Never share personal details about those you help.

Working with a Supervisor

You’ll usually report to a paid staff member—like a teacher, coordinator, or manager. It's important to build a good relationship with them. Be respectful of their time, come prepared with questions, and keep communication clear and professional.

If you have ideas for improvement, share them thoughtfully and with realistic suggestions. Many new volunteers are enthusiastic and want to help make big changes—but it’s important to understand the organization’s limitations and focus on offering support, not criticism.

Internships

Internships—whether paid or unpaid—are a great way to gain work experience while you’re in school. Treat your internship as a real job:

• Dress appropriately for interviews and show appreciation with a thank-you note.

• Once you start, follow the workplace rules, be on time, and dress according to company standards.

• Your tasks may be basic at first, but show initiative if you want to learn more. For example, ask to sit in on a meeting if it relates to your interests.

• When your internship ends, thank your supervisor and stay in touch if you’d like to use them as a reference.

Serving on a Volunteer Board

Nonprofits such as schools, hospitals, and charities are often governed by boards made up of staff and volunteers. You typically don’t apply to join a board—you’re invited. But if you’re interested, let someone involved know and they can recommend you.

Boards look for people who’ve shown commitment, have relevant expertise (like law, finance, or fundraising), or can support the organization financially. Some boards expect large donations, while smaller ones may just need your skills.

As a board member, you hold a leadership position. It’s important to:

• Prioritize board meetings and always attend.

• Be on time and dress appropriately.

• Participate respectfully and come prepared.

• Take on tasks seriously and follow through.

• Be aware of the organization’s needs and look for ways to help.

• Support public events or fundraisers—and represent the organization positively at all times.