Volunteers can do anything. It’s one of the best ways to try new things. Every single business or organization can utilize volunteers. You’ll never be turned away. It’s a great way to learn the ropes of a new job, see if you’re interested in future employment, build your resume, and keep your schedule flexible.
You can volunteer anywhere for any amount of time. It’s the best.
Be sure to check our pages on outdoor volunteering and government volunteer job opportunities.
Many people hear the word volunteer and don’t want anything to do with the opportunity. That is ridiculous. Volunteering is a great way to be involved in the world. It’s something that anyone of any age can do. And you only have to volunteer for what you want to do – nothing more. Let’s say you really love the state park behind your neighborhood, and you really want to fix up the trails so you can go mountain biking. The state park would love an extra hand to help with trail repair. You’re in. You’ll do a little work, you’ll get a little resume building, and you’ll get to go mountain biking.
Now the big thing with volunteering is that you don’t get paid. Well at least you won’t be making a paycheck. You’re working from the goodness of your own heart doing something that you really care about. It may be working in a medical clinic, walking your neighbor’s dog, giving nature walks in national forests, fixing trails for a environmental organization, working for wildlife conservation, helping on archaeological digs, fighting forest fires, learning the ins and outs of a business or anything else that you might fancy.
The other really cool thing about volunteering is that you only need to work when you want. That means if you’re taking summer school or have full time job, you can volunteer in the evenings, weekends, or any time you have free. It also means that if you really want to take a week long road trip to Moab, it’s no big deal. You’re a volunteer and your schedule is as flexible as you want it to be. Volunteering is a beautiful thing that way.
Volunteering helps open up doors for you. Any employer is going to be excited to have you on board – free of charge. You’ll show your enthusiasm for their company and that you’re a hard worker with a drive to help out. That’s exactly what employers want. Volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door and your efforts often lead to future employment or at least a future letter of recommendation.
If you choose to volunteer, be sure you volunteer to do something that you really enjoy. If you love what you’re doing, you’ll be stoked to help out. So if you want a sweet summer that isn’t wasted on your couch, volunteer somewhere. It’ll keep you busy and you’ll feel pretty good every time that you can help out.