OLMIS

Published Dec-9-2011

At first, being a volunteer might not have much appeal. After all, you give up your free time and have to work - sometimes very hard - and all without getting paid! But have you ever considered the benefits? There are many, and they can easily outweigh the drawbacks.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." (Winston Churchill)

Express Yourself

Show your community what you care about - whether that means cleaning up a local park, delivering meals to the homeless, taking care of stray animals at a local shelter, or something else that is important to you.

Learn New Stuff

Learn and improve basic skills like teamwork, communication, patience, and hard work. Volunteer projects can also teach specialized skills, such as home construction, gardening, and caring for people who are sick or disabled.

Looks Good on a Job Application

List volunteer experiences on job and scholarship applications to show employers your job-related skills and that you have a positive, dedicated attitude.

Change the World!

Volunteering might not change the whole world, but you can still make an impact in a way that is important to you.

Are you ready to head out and start helping? If so, the next step is to find a volunteer opportunity. And don't worry; it is much easier than getting a job. There are many people who can help with this, including your friends and family. You can also talk to a school counselor or a teacher. If you already know about organizations that need volunteer help, you can contact them directly¿but be prepared to answer a few questions. They might want to know why you're interested in volunteering and when you're available to help.