1. Connect Over the Internet

The internet
is filled with websites
that can help you find volunteer opportunities by either providing
recommendations or directly connecting you with organizations. For example,
VolunteerMatch allows you to search for ones close to your home and then click
on listings you are interested in to start getting involved. Job boards are another
place you can look, as is your local chamber of commerce. Nonprofits
occasionally post on job sites to search for volunteers. For example, by
visiting freelance job boards, you may be able to find volunteer work as a translator.

Social media sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook
are also excellent for finding volunteer opportunities. Post that you are
searching for volunteer opportunities and briefly outline your relevant skills,
and you will be surprised by the number of people who offer suggestions or
reach out to see if you are a good fit for their organization’s needs. 

If you don’t have the time or transportation means for
in-person volunteering, virtual volunteering is flexible. Among the available options are Crisis
Text Line, Project Gutenberg, Zooniverse, Librivox, and Cards for a Cause.
While some may have more stringent requirements, others ask nothing more of you
than making an account to get started. 

2. Contact Specific Organizations 

If you already have an organization in mind, initiating
direct contact may be the way to go. Write
an email or even send a physical letter to the main office. Contact staff
members through social media asking if they need volunteers or for the chance
to talk to them. Before doing so, do your research. Demonstrate that your
interest is genuine by knowing the facts, including what the company does and
its values.

3. Reach Out After Meeting 

Don’t get into contact once and never reach out again. In
the busy rush of life, individuals from charity organizations may forget you.
One of the best ways to avoid this is to reach out again and remind them of who
you are and your interest in volunteering for their company, whether that is through email, letter, social media, or phone. Maintain Relationships
with these people. 

Networking is vital to effective volunteering. Making use of
available internet resources, taking the initiative, and contacting
organizations and following up after initial contact can help you find the volunteer
opportunity that gives you the most fulfillment and enjoyment. 

A guest post from Dan Hall

Photo credit: Pexels.com 

Thanks Dan!