Student Volunteerism: Get Started Now
Posted by
patrick
If you've decided that your life as a college student still allows you time and energy to take on some volunteering, you'll need to know how to get started. First, determine how much time you can spare and if there is any particular area in which you'd like to work. Are you a loner or would you like to do your good works as a group? Is this a one-time deal or are you able to commit to a regular time every week to help out? After you figure these things out, the next step is to find the work that would be a good fit for you:
1. Start close to home. Find that old phonebook that you never use anymore and spend some time leafing through the pages for ideas. There are vets, hospitals, senior homes and pre-schools that are likely looking for help of some kind. Go online and find the web site for your city, or that of the chamber of commerce.
2. Synagogues, church groups, colleges and city school systems are in touch with many families every day who are going through hard times and need help.
3. National programs have local chapters. Have you always been impressed when the Red Cross is on hand for emergencies? How about The United Way? Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs can be found in most major metropolitan areas.
4. Think about people in your family who have been struck down by a disease. For example, if your grandfather had heart disease, contact the American Heart Association and offer your help.
5. Think outside the country. The Peace Corps has been sending help around the globe to people in need for nearly fifty years. If you are looking for a life-altering experience that you can completely focus on, the Peace Corps might be perfect for you.
Once you get started, you'll realize just how easy it is to find out who needs you, what's more, what is a good fit for you and your schedule.
1. Start close to home. Find that old phonebook that you never use anymore and spend some time leafing through the pages for ideas. There are vets, hospitals, senior homes and pre-schools that are likely looking for help of some kind. Go online and find the web site for your city, or that of the chamber of commerce.
2. Synagogues, church groups, colleges and city school systems are in touch with many families every day who are going through hard times and need help.
3. National programs have local chapters. Have you always been impressed when the Red Cross is on hand for emergencies? How about The United Way? Big Brothers and Big Sisters programs can be found in most major metropolitan areas.
4. Think about people in your family who have been struck down by a disease. For example, if your grandfather had heart disease, contact the American Heart Association and offer your help.
5. Think outside the country. The Peace Corps has been sending help around the globe to people in need for nearly fifty years. If you are looking for a life-altering experience that you can completely focus on, the Peace Corps might be perfect for you.
Once you get started, you'll realize just how easy it is to find out who needs you, what's more, what is a good fit for you and your schedule.
About the Author:
Eileen Brand is the Dean of Students at a small liberal arts college who writes on higher education topics which include adult education, online colleges, unusual college degree programs, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges.
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