Finding the Right Opportunity

Pick an issue you really care about. What are some community problems that concern you? If your choices include broad issues like "health" or "environment," you may want to narrow it to specific parts of the problem (e.g., HIV/AIDS or clean water).

Ask your friends. Over 80% of all volunteers who volunteer do so because they were asked.

Look at immediate needs. Organizations submit immediate needs to Hands On Twin Cities. Review them and get some ideas of the possibilities. Check out the Project Calendar, On-going Opportunities or sign-up for the E-newsletter.

Think about your skills. Are there skills that you have that you'd like to use, or skills you would like to enhance, through a volunteer opportunity?

Be Aware Of Your Needs: One of the most important considerations you should think about before volunteering are your needs.

• Motivation: What do you want to gain from volunteering? This answer varies from person to person and no answer is wrong. From a chance to "make a difference" to using a skill or talent; from gaining professional experience to expressing your religious faith; from a chance to meet new people to achieving personal growth; gaining a more balanced life to giving something back. There are lots of reasons people volunteer. Be aware of yours.
• Age: If you are under 18 you will need to complete the online Youth Waiver. To find a volunteer opportunity or project that is appropriate for youth, please enter your age into the appropriate search field.
• Time: For many people the biggest barrier to volunteering is a busy schedule. However, most of us really can fit volunteering into our lives. Look for opportunities in your schedule to combine volunteering with other important activities like family time, or combine it with a hobby (e.g. photography, playing the piano, etc.).
• Location: Remember to pick a convenient location…sticking with a volunteer opportunity will be hard if getting there is part of the problem.