Being a first time volunteer is a special commitment made by a special person. Who can be that special person? Anybody with a passion! However, being a volunteer does not designate HOW or WHERE you volunteer or WHAT you do to volunteer. But you take the first step and that is to decide how and where you want to start. Then begin making inquiries about who to contact and what first time volunteer opportunities are available.
How to become a First Time Volunteer
First, sign up when people are looking for volunteers. This way you will get to know others who are compelled to pay it forward by giving back to the community as well. When a person volunteers for one thing, chances are this is a person who volunteers for other events or projects. Most likely, it is a regular volunteer on a monthly or weekly, possibly daily basis.
Next, look around your community and be aware of areas appearing to need attention. Perhaps a run-down recreation center could use volunteers to clean up a playground or remove graffiti from a wall. When you see a section of town filled with homeless population, volunteer to distribute personal items such as toothbrush and toothpaste.
Here are some additional ideas:
- Check with your local church – These opportunities are typically unique circumstances and may be temporary or something on a regular basis another member of the church is not finding outside resources.
- Stop by the humane society or other animal shelter – walking dogs, petting cats, etc.
- Make a call to the Veterans Home – Be a listening partner for their stories
- Inquire with the nursing homes or other assisted living facilities – Brushing hair, reading stories, singing or entertaining residents. Playing card games, and more.
- Check the homeless and emergency family shelters – Checking in overnight guests, providing resource assistance, serving meals
- The local foodbanks and thrift stores may need your help – Assist with sorting, organizing, separating and distribution.
- Ask your area Parks and Recreation Departments – Monitor park activity; clean up littered areas.
- Get involved with a Support Group – For example, a cancer support group or an Alzheimer’s support group. You could offer respite care on a volunteer basis.
- Watch for community volunteer activities such as Paint the Town. Senior and disabled residences with homes in dire need of a paint job. They apply for this program and once a year volunteers gather and spread out across the city in teams painting homes for these selected applicants.
These are recognized as traditional volunteer opportunities. But the essence of volunteering is to help your community. Make your community stronger and better with forward progress. And that is where it is with “Pay It Forward”!
Volunteer AND Earn an Income in One
In this instance, I can offer you a first time volunteer role within the Performance Blogging community. There are steps you need to take first though.
You need to invest in your own PBS (Performance Blogging System) to start. Follow through the training exactly as directed. Then as you develop your PBS skills you will also be learning how to replicate your work through teaching others. In fact, all the instructors for PBS are volunteers. It is a very strong and supportive AND ENCOURAGING volunteer community. Our motto is “We are only as successful as our students”.
Other Articles
Caregiver Series Article: Everyone Has A Full Plate #1
Who Cares for the Caregiver #3
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