5. Volunteer on Vacation
Give back to a place you’ve visited, meet travelers like yourself, or just do something you like to do anyway. Instead of just seeing the coral reefs in the Caribbean—help protect them! Books such as Volunteer: A Traveler’s Guide to Making a Difference Around the World (Lonely Planet General Reference) will get you focused.
6. Volunteer on Company Time
Increasingly companies are giving back and recruiting their employees to donate time—all on the company’s dime. Make a Difference Day takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October in the U.S. (though several multinational corporations as well as the U.S. military stationed overseas volunteer time as well). Volunteers who are noticed for outstanding work receive awards, charitable donations, and media coverage in USA WEEKEND Magazine during National Volunteer Week in April. Employees of Banco Popular have participated in Make a Difference Day for the past six years. In central Florida, employees worked with the Central Florida Miracle League: youth baseball for children with disabilities. During the game, each child is assigned a volunteer (or buddy) to get to know.
7. Keep It Simple
There is a young man in my town who volunteers his time finding old bikes and repairing them for area nonprofits, community centers, foster homes, and after-school programs. He then throws a party once a year at a local bar to raise money for needy children.
8. Make an Impact When You Truly Can
So many of us have unpredictable schedules and think it’s just not possible to commit any time at all. But Charity Guide recognizes this and offers what they call a Volunteer on Demand approach. You can choose your project based on how much time you have to give. Fifteen minutes? One hour? They have a job for you. Their site is chock full of creative ideas for those truly strapped for time.
9. Volunteer to Meet More People
For many of us, it’s not all about going to heaven. You might not have a lot of extra time, but you do want to socialize. Volunteering is one way to meet new friends, date, or network. One Brick recognizes that some volunteers prefer a more social and flexible volunteer environment. Events are usually three to four hours, and afterward volunteers meet up at restaurants or cafes where they get to know other volunteers.
10. Give Advice from Your Armchair
Virtual volunteering has taken off. If you can’t be there, be virtually there. Many organizations look for those with experience in social entrepreneurship; research, writing, fundraising, or marketing; mentoring youth and sharing wisdom online; and promoting legislation. They also look for professionals in law, journalism, public health, and medicine. Organizations such as Naburr.com, Ashoka.org, icouldbe.org, Operation Hope, Lawyers Without Borders, and Red Cross Virtual Journalists Program, are just the tip of the virtual volunteering iceberg.
Related Story: Through You, I Am a Gem
Updated August 26, 2008
