- Ask around: Word of mouth is the best way to learn about opportunities. If you find an
organization that interests you, call and get information on what you can do to serve. If
you're not sure where to begin, ask a parent, teacher, or community leader to help you to get
started.
- Get your friends involved and meet new people too! Volunteering provides a great atmosphere to meet people with similar interests.
- Ask your school about group opportunities. Sometimes classes will get a chance to serve
together, or there might be clubs at school that you could join and serve with. This can be a great
way to get to know your classmates better, and can be a great way to make new friends at your
school.
- If you play a sport, or take dance classes, or are involved in any other kinds of activities, talk to
your coach or instructor and see if your team or class might be able to do something together.
- Utilize your skills. Whatever you are good at - computers, working with youth, environmental
work - can be put to good use with nonprofits and local agencies. It can also be a way to hone
those skills into something marketable for future employers.
- Talk with your parents, friends, teachers, and other adults about your volunteer activities. Not
only will you be encouraging them to serve, you will have the chance to reflect upon how your
activities change you and your community.
- Volunteer with your family. Get your family involved in something that you can all do together, like painting murals or cleaning your neighborhood park.
- Use volunteer time as an opportunity to explore career options, and gain training and
professional development. Volunteering is a great way to experience first-hand what a potential
position in a particular career field could be like.
- Contact different organizations to see about one-time events happening every so often.
Participating in an event of that sort will provide you with an introduction to the organization and
also to opportunities available for volunteering in the future.
- If you're in college, work with your local Student Services office to find opportunities on campus. Your college or university always has events happening that need volunteers, from concert security to game day
ticket-taking. You can also serve with your campus clubs, fraternities, or sororities.
- Take an Alternative Spring Break. Volunteer in a place with special needs, such as the
hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast, or in some part of the country or world you've never been. Help
out while learning about the local economy, local needs, and cultural differences. Contact your
Student Service Office for more opportunities.
- Check scholarship listings to see if any scholarships are available for volunteers. There are a
number of awards for students who show a great deal of commitment to their community.
- If you don't find the opportunity that fits your needs and interests, start your own project!
High school and college are the time to try new things, so figure out what you can do - and then do it!
