TIPS ON BECOMING A "CLASS A" VOLUNTEER!
1. Research the causes or issues that are important to you. Look for a group that deals with issues about which you feel strongly.
2. 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.
3. Consider what you have to offer. If you enjoy outdoor work, or have a knack for teaching, you may want to lok for a volunteer opportunity in which your special skills can be utilized. Similarly, you may want to think about your specific personality and how your organization skills or communitication syle might fit with different organizations or activities.
4. Commit to a project, but don't over-commit yourself. Make sure you come through as a dependable volunteer; organizations can serve as great references for potenital full time employers.
5. There's no need to wait to be asked! There are many way sto find organizations that are looking for volunteers. Ask your friends or colleagues about their own volunteering activities. (The University of Arizona has a great online tool to help you find the perfect fit for you: arizona.volunteermatch.org)
6. Take an Alternative Spring Break! Help out while learning about the local economy, local needs, and cultural differences.
7. Meet new people! Volunteering provides a great atomsphere to meet people with similar interests.
8. Ask our friends to help. Studies show that the number one reason that people volunteer is becuase they were asked. So go ask someone to volunteer with you and make a difference together!
9. 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 somehting marketable for future employers.
10. Look into courses which include a service component. You can learn a great deal, earn college credit, and serve the community all at the same time! If there is not a class with service as a component that is in line with your interests, sometimes it is also possible to create an independent study course for yourself based on your service activities.
11. Ask professors and academic counselors about opportunities that are specific to your field of study and your academic interests. If you are thinking about going on to graduate study, getting involved in your field as a volunteer is a great step towards becoming an expert!
12. Check scholarhsip listings to see if any scholarships are avilable for volunteers. There are a number of awards for students who show a great deal of commitment to students who work to create positive change. Some programs may even offer education awards for service, for instance, AmericCorps offers an education award of $4,725 in exchange for a year of service.
13. Talk to your professors, counselors, or campus groups about Learn and Serve America. Learn and Serve provides grants to fun high quality service learning projects on higher education campuses.
14. If you dont' find the opporutnity that fits your needs and interests, start your own project! College is a time to try new things, so figure out what you can do. amd do it!
Adapted from the Corporation for National and Community Service, 2013, Tips for Volunteering.