Top 5 Volunteer Tips

Much Difference is about making a difference in the world whether it be within your community, outside the state, or even in a different country! I want to start things off with a couple things to keep in mind when looking into volunteer opportunities on your own.

Source: Travel Tips

1. Find something that actually interests you.  Most places you volunteer for may ask for a commitment or agreement for a set period like a month or more so they have someone to rely on for a set period instead of a one and done. Find something you are willing to commit more of your time to so why not make it something that interests you or benefits you for your future.

2. Do your research. There are many places that post that they need volunteers without it actually being a real business or someone scamming to a real place. Check their websites, contact the number on their page, verify via Google, and check with others to see if they know the business. Not only should you do research on to verify that its the real deal, you should also know more about the volunteer opportunity and the company itself. Keep yourself educated on who you will be working with just like you would for a job interview. 

3. Set yourself goals. The goals can be as simple as learning more about your community or the area you are volunteering in or it can be more personal such as you want to lose weight so do an activity that keeps you active and on your feet. Your goals can be new skills you can learn on the volunteer or expand more on a skill that you already know. Set yourself up for success within volunteering and it starts with setting goals. 

4. Do not over book yourself. If you have time in your schedule to have time for yourself, work, and volunteering more than once or twice a month: that is okay! Do not over schedule yourself to a point that you are burnt out, stressed out, and do not have a day to relax and unwind. Start off small and build your way up to more time if your schedule always it.

5. Have fun with it. Go with a group of friends or family members so you feel more comfortable. Make the experience worth your time and have fun with it. You are participating on your own free time and you would not want to have it be not worth it. Going back to the first point, do something that interests you so you can make the most out of it, make memories, have fun, and make a difference! 

References - 10 Tips on Volunteering Wisely and 5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Volunteer Experience

Contact Dee Muchowicz for more information on tips about volunteering or check out Much Difference website for upcoming events and opportunities!