Budget cuts have produced the growing need for volunteers while at the same time have produced a surplus of volunteers to meet the growing need.
The glamorous fields of film, medicine, and broadcasting typically are overflowing with volunteers seeking experience to put on a resume. While the competition isn’t as tough, volunteer workers also flock to the soup lines, house-building and tree-planting projects, and clerical jobs like collating papers and stuffing envelopes. Although a wide range of motives prompt people to volunteer their time and effort, most volunteer coordinators are just happy to get the help.
One of the hardest challenges facing volunteer coordinators is juggling the schedules of a team of volunteers, many of whom work at other jobs, take care of families, and donate their time to other causes as well. In addition to students, volunteer coordinators have noticed an increase in professionals, those seeking challenges outside the realm of their everyday work place and those who need to stay mentally alert between jobs. Some community projects are purposely scheduled for weekends and evenings or even just once a month in order to attract working professionals who want to participate.
How to Find Volunteer Work
It’s easy to find out about opportunities. Positions are advertised through the newspaper, local magazines, on television and radio public service announcements, posted on corporate volunteer bulletin boards, in college volunteer and employment offices, and on company websites. If you haven’t seen a request for help that interests you, flip through the telephone book and call the a local volunteer center or a few companies regarding their available opportunities.
When considering volunteer opportunities, think about specific work and organizations that would provide the appropriate intellectual and emotional satisfaction. Companies frequently in need of volunteers include hospitals, churches, synagogues, libraries, museums, public radio and television stations, theater groups, animal shelters, scouting organizations, literacy programs, support groups, men’s and women’s clubs, political groups, societies for diseases/medical conditions, community centers, homeless shelters, schools, nursing homes, orphanages, festivals, special events, and many more. Remember, however, that with each exciting opportunity also comes a downside to volunteering.
Questions to Consider Before Accepting a Position
Before you commit yourself to any volunteer project, find out the answers to these important questions to ensure that your volunteer work will profit you, not cost you (in terms of physical health, emotional well being, and financial strain).
- Will you have a job title and written job description (to be used later on your resume)?
- Will you need your car for work-related activities? If so, will you be reimbursed?
- How flexible are your working hours? How long is your commitment?
- Will your volunteer work hinder your paying job (either currently or in near future)?
- Will you be reimbursed for additional out-of-pocket expenses?
- Will you receive special training or additional education? If so, who will pay for it?
For more information about careers, read Ace Your Job Interview.
