TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERS

   CHOOSE A JOB THAT INTERESTS YOU

What do you like to do?  What do you want to major in during college?  Think about these things when trying to decide what you can do to volunteer. 

  BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR TIME

Many of us would love to spend as much time as we can volunteering especially if you found a job that you really enjoy.  But between school, homework, sports, plays, and a part-time job, sometimes we don’t always have the time.  Figure out how much time you can spend a day, a week, and a month volunteering.  Remember: Some of the best volunteer jobs happen only once a year.  Don’t push yourself so much that you wear yourself out, and you have too much to handle. 

  CONSIDER TRANSPORTATION

If you have a car and are allowed to drive whenever you want to, wherever you want to, this tip you can skip.  But if you aren’t 16 yet or you are 16 but you don’t have your own car, these are things to think about before committing to a volunteer activity.  Talk to your parents and siblings about their schedules.  See when they can get you to where you need to be and also make sure they can pick you up.  If it’s a group volunteer effort, make sure that there are enough seats in the cars for all participants.  You don’t want to get left out or left behind.

  EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

That’s what places such as Volunteer Memphis are for.  We can help put you in touch with the right agency for you based upon your skills and preferences.    For example, you decide you want to volunteer by helping children.  You call places like children’s hospitals, but you want to see what else is out there.  Remember that there are also many smaller agencies that aren't as well known that do just as much for the community.  We can tell you all of your options, both big and small, so that you can make a more informed decision before committing.  There are many different agencies around the Memphis area that need help.  See what’s out there before making a final choice.

  CALL SOME ORGANIZATIONS

If you aren’t sure how to get involved, call around.  You will find that the more places you call, the more volunteer opportunities and different opportunities you will find.  Agencies always have a need for volunteers but don't always have enough.  See what agencies have to offer and make sure to check the age limits.  The agency you first think of may not be the right one for you.

  CHECK THINGS OUT FIRST

If you don’t know much about an agency that you think you want to volunteer at, see when would be a good time to come by for a visit.  How do you know if what is being offered is something you will enjoy?  Go by and check out the agency before committing to the volunteer position.  By checking things out first, you also learn what is expected of you as a volunteer.  Some places just want volunteers to do office work, but others need volunteers to take care of a young child or even an elderly person. 

  MAKE A DECISION

Look back at all the different volunteer opportunities, which you have found.  What do you want to do?  What fits into your schedule?  Can you get there and home safely?  What is the organization all about, and what will you be doing?  Now you are ready to make a decision.  Call the agency that you decided on and talk to the Volunteer Coordinator.  If it’s a big group project, make a list of certain dates that the group is available and talk to the volunteer coordinator to figure out the best date available. 

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