Serving your community and investing in a purposeful cause might end up at the bottom of your to-do list but once you participate in volunteer opportunities, you realize their importance. Lending a hand to others can give you a sense of fulfillment that you're missing in life.
With plenty of charities, non-profits and needy areas, there are many options that deserve your attention and time. These opportunities can also make you more appealing in the future to employers and coworkers.
Discover a place to devote yourself for a few hours for a satisfying and beneficial experience. Here are seven places you can find the volunteer opportunities you can enjoy in 2019.
1. Retirement facilities
Elderly folks can feel neglected in nursing homes and assisted living facilities but when young people come by to interact with them, they can gain new energy and warmth.
While providing some much-needed companionship, you can listen to the stories of their past and learn from their experience. Seniors often enjoy listening to singing or playing board games with volunteers, too.
Facilities for retirees often have programs already set up for volunteers but if you have a different skill to offer, you can create a useful program to entertain or inform the residents. Instruct the elderly on basic computer skills or help them build Facebook profiles to get them caught up on modern day communication.
2. Animal shelters
If you'd prefer spending time with furry friends, you can swing by an animal shelter to care for dogs and cats. While your dorm may not allow pets, you can get your animal fix and contribute to a worthwhile cause. In-shelter tasks include taking dogs on walks, cleaning kennels, socializing animals and making treats.
Find your local humane society to show compassion to animals.
Front desk help and greeting volunteer positions can develop your people skills as you assist those who come into the shelter. You can also do offsite support in the form of fundraiser events like bake sales and garage sales to raise funds for the shelter.
3. Poverty support organizations
Stopping the cycle of poverty can start right where you live by joining an organization geared toward poverty support. Many organizations are dedicated to aiding the underprivileged through training and education. Moneythink, a nonprofit in Chicago, teaches personal finance lessons to low-income youth to reduce poverty.
Right Here at Home, another nonprofit focused on Americans in poverty, uses volunteers to instruct people on financial management and technology through online support. Without leaving your house, you can teach those less fortunate on practical subjects that can lift them out of their circumstances.
4. Job fairs
As graduation nears, career opportunities aren't the only thing you can discover at job fairs. Recruiters and nonprofits can set up their booths as well because their opportunities can still add to your future career.
Rather than diving straight into the workforce, you can participate in hands-on projects that you're passionate about.
Connecting with volunteer organizations at a job fair can bolster your application of resume after college. Some volunteer programs can even forgive part of your student loans like the Peace Corps and SponsorChange, too.
5. Soup kitchens and food pantries
Food-based charities meet some of the most basic needs that people have and stepping in to cook or serve meals can make a significant impact for people. If your college has a food pantry for its students, then leftover food may go to the surrounding area. You can sort cans, pack boxes and distribute food for the food pantry.
At soup kitchens, you can fix and serve the food or you may end up behind the scenes washing dishes. Make sure to sit down with those you serve afterward to enrich your volunteer effort and build relationships.
6. On-campus church groups
Church clubs and organizations for college students reach out to the community in a variety of ways. Frequently they perform independent projects for shut-ins and hospitalized people but other times they partner with existing nonprofits. For faith-inclined students, this work can have an added dimension.
Depending on the values of the group, the frequency of their volunteer outings can differ. Many church organizations serve their own campus with foods, beverages and supports.
7. Crisis or emotional support lines
You may not be a licensed therapist but you can listen and direct people to help with a crisis or emotional support lines and chats. Practice empathy by becoming a volunteer counselor for Crisis Text Line, which provides free service to those in the U.S. Perfect for college students who stay up late, you can respond to texts from people in extreme circumstances.
Playing the role of a listener, you can join 7 Cups, an emotional support chat service. Act as an anonymous ear for people to express themselves and share their emotions.
Contribute to your community through volunteer work!
Extending a helping hand to nonprofits can provide a meaningful and enjoyable time for both you and your community. Your time, effort and skills can be a substantial relief to those in need. Set aside a weekend to focus on others and do fulfilling work.
