Advice for Volunteers

Information on finding the right volunteer opportunity and making the most out of your volunteer activities can be crucial to making a real difference and having a rewarding experience. Many of these resources are written by internationally-recognized volunteerism and volunteer management expert Susan Ellis.

Why Volunteer?
Some reasons are obvious; some aren't.

Finding the Right Opportunity for You
Helpful guidelines for choosing volunteer activities.

Using the Internet to find online and offline opportunities
There are lots of options! This resource includes a comprehensive index of Internet resources to find online and offline opportunities.

Making a Match
Being sure that you have found the right volunteer activity for you will help make the experience the best it can be.

Volunteering with Your Family
Here's a unique idea that has many benefits: become a volunteer along with your family!

Volunteering for People Under 18
Suggestions for youth to find volunteering opportunities.

Volunteering as Wish Fulfillment
Volunteering can be a way to make your dreams come true.

Explore a Career
Volunteering is a marvelous way to explore possible career options.

Put Volunteer Work on Your Resume
Capture the interest of an employer by showing that you are an involved citizen.

Tax Credits for Volunteering Costs
Volunteers in the United States can receive tax deductions from the federal government on many costs associated with volunteering.

Ten Points of Advice for Volunteers
from the Hiroshima Volunteer Network in Japan
Encourages volunteers to set boundaries and develop clear expectations before engaging in service. The wording on these may not be totally in-line with Western verbage, but the spirit of each of these points is worth keeping in-mind for potential volunteers.

Virtual Volunteering
Many people search for opportunities they can complete via home or work computers, either because of time constraints, personal preference, or a disability that prevents them from volunteering onsite. These resources will help you determine if you are ready to take on an online committment, how to get the most out of your online volunteering experience, how to find a virtual volunteering opportunity, and tools you can use in your online volunteering experiences.

• Guide to Volunteering Outdoors in Parks and Wilderness Areas
  Love being outside? There are a variety of volunteering opportunities for those who love the outdoors. Most of these opportunities require the volunteer to pay for all travel costs. Some require the volunteer to hike and camp as well. Please read the volunteer requirements of each opportunity carefully before signing up to help.

   
  

• Seniors As Volunteers
  Links to national resources that can help you engage with other seniors in a variety of volunteering activities, from working with youth to improving our environment.

   
  

• International/Overseas Volunteer Opportunities
  This is an index of links to Web sites that provide information about service opportunities outside the United States. Opportunities may vary in length from one week to several years, depending on the program sponsor.