VOLUNTEERING FOR BEGINNERS: HOW TO GET STARTED AND KEEP THE PASSION ALIVE ?

December 02, 2024

How to Start Volunteering?

Have you ever thought that even a small action or just a little bit of your time could help change someone’s life? If you want to help, contribute, and make a positive difference in the world, now is the perfect time to begin your volunteering journey. Volunteering not only helps those in need but also brings many personal benefits. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1.Identify the Field of Your Interest/Passion.

The first step in starting to volunteer is discovering what interests or excites you. If you’re unsure about what you like or care about, there are several ways to find out. You could start by recalling past experiences—what were the activities or causes that you felt passionate about in the past? When you have a clear goal, it will be easier to focus your efforts and stay motivated. For example, if you care about the environment, you could join a local group focused on recycling or cleaning up parks. If you love working with children, you can volunteer at orphanages or schools to teach, play, or help with activities. Additionally, you could set up food banks to deliver food to the homeless or create an advertisement board to encourage people to build a charity fund to help those in need.

recycling or cleaning up parks

set up food banks

2. Search for Suitable Volunteer Organizations/Clubs Nearby

Once you’ve decided on your area of interest, the next step is to research local organizations that need volunteers. Many groups and charities are always looking for help. You can find these opportunities online, through social media, or by talking to people in your community. Don’t hesitate to ask how you can get involved. Even if you only have a few hours each week, every bit of help counts.

3. Organize Your Schedule

Volunteering requires a commitment of time and energy. Therefore, organizing your schedule is an essential step in starting. Think about how much time you can realistically dedicate to volunteering. Are you available on weekends, after school, or during holidays? Make sure to balance your volunteering schedule with your schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal time. For example, if you are a student, you might want to volunteer during your summer break or after school. Planning first will help ensure you remain consistent with your volunteer work without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Prepare Your Skills and Mindset

Before you start, it’s important to prepare both your skills and your mentality for volunteering. Depending on the type of volunteering you choose, you may need specific skills. For instance, if you are volunteering as a tutor, you might need to strengthen your communication and teaching abilities. If you’re helping at an animal shelter, it’s important to know how to handle animals carefully and compassionately.

In addition to skills, you should also prepare mentally for the challenges that may come with volunteering. Volunteering can be emotionally and physically demanding at times, especially if you’re working with vulnerable populations or in challenging environments. Maintaining a positive, open-minded, and patient attitude will help you make the most of the experience.

For example, if you are volunteering at a homeless shelter, you might face difficult situations or hear heartbreaking stories. It’s important to be emotionally resilient and approach the work with empathy and respect.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering offers more than just helping others. One of the biggest benefits is the chance to witness the struggles and challenges that many people face. By seeing their difficult circumstances, you’ll often feel more grateful for what you have, and this can motivate you to work harder and help even more. Volunteering teaches you empathy and compassion, as you get to understand the feelings and needs of others. These experiences can make you more open-minded and give you a sense of purpose, knowing that you’re making a positive impact in the world.

Lastly, volunteering is not just about helping others; it’s also about taking action. A small action can play a big role in building a better community. Don’t wait for “someday” or think that you need to be an expert. Start small, and the more you do, the more you’ll grow. Volunteering can become one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, leading to lifelong friendships and important life lessons.