There are many things to consider when deciding to volunteer your time. One of the first things to reflect on is how to you want to volunteer, as an individual, family, or business. Each have their benefits consider the benefits of volunteering below.

Business

Employee volunteering is a terrific way to connect your business and employees with the community.
Employee volunteering:

• Builds employee morale
• Improves teamwork
• Develops leadership skills
• Demonstrates that your business “gives back” to the community

Family

Instilling values in our children is one of the most time consuming projects we tackle as community. Volunteering is a unique opportunity for children to learn the value of helping others in the greatest of need.
Children serving as volunteers:

• Promotes a healthy lifestyle and choices
• Enhances development
• Teaches life skills
• Improves the Community
• Encourages a lifelong service ethic

Individual

Gandhi so eloquently stated, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Volunteering is one way to make an impact in your community and be part of the change.
Individual volunteering:

• Can help the community and others
• Increases self-esteem
• Opens doors to new friends and opportunities
• Allows persons to develop new skills

What do you like to do? Are you more an administrative type who likes to help organize projects, or are you more hands-on, preferring to work directly with individuals and families in our area?

The second question is who do you want to serve? Children? The elderly? Teens? There are opportunities to help people at every stage of their lives. Not a people person? There are still plenty of organizations to engage in. Consider working with animals, in the local community garden, or painting a mural.

Which of the three vital focus areas that United Way addresses is the most interesting to you? Where is your passion? Is it in the area of Education, Income or Health?

What time do you have available? An hour a week, a few hours a month, or a short term during the year that is perfect for a volunteer project.

No matter what your desires are or time available there is an opportunity for you.

Once you have identified an opportunity you want to explore further, select the agency volunteer contact information. You will likely meet to discuss the organization, its structure and its mission. The volunteer coordinator will want to know more about you too. You will probably discuss your skills, interests and how much time you can commit to volunteering.

If it's not a good fit, don't worry. You’ll find one. If you and the organization are a good fit, you and your volunteer coordinator will work on a schedule, a time for orientation and to introduce you to those with whom you will be working.

It is important to note that some volunteer assignments require a long-term commitment because of the need for specialized training or meeting other requirements.

• Learn as much as you can about the mission and goals of the organization.
• When on your assignment, do your best to make an impact. That's why you wanted to be there.
• Remember that teamwork is important on any assignment. Support the success of the entire team.
• Remember it's okay to ask questions, and solicit feedback.
• Use this opportunity to demonstrate your current skills and build new ones.
• Have fun!

This may be the assignment of a lifetime for you, but it is more likely that over time your interests will change. That's okay. There are plenty of other people and places waiting for the unique talents you bring. If it is time for you to go, it is customary to give notice just as you would a paid assignment. Give your supervisor as much notice as possible. Two weeks or more is customary.