Want to help? Here’s how to choose

If you like environmental causes, you might want to join Project AWARE, one of the DNR's Keepers of the Land programs / Gazette archive photo

By Catherine Spencer
Iowa.com

We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” - Sir Winston Churchill

People volunteer to help others and to give back to the community; to learn new skills and make new friends. But how do you choose the path of service that’s right for you?

First, think about what interests you. Do you enjoy animals? You could donate time to an animal shelter or foster homeless pets. Do you like to be outdoors? Picking up trash along a trail at a nature center might be for you. The more the subject excites you, the more likely you are to enjoy your volunteer experience.

Once you have a few topics in mind, look around your community. A non-profit’s web page will likely describe volunteering options or offer contact information.

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service offers searchable lists of agencies as well as registration for opportunities that match your interests. The United Way posts opportunities on their various local web sites. If you are specifically interested in preserving Iowa lands, waters or skies, join the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Keepers of the Land program.

If you’re still not sure which organization to choose, ask friends where they volunteer or to whom they have donated items in the past. Consult local newspapers, bulletin boards and phone books. Some areas to consider include local day care centers, public schools or colleges; a neighborhood watch; a community theater; halfway houses or rehabilitation centers; civic clubs; retirement centers or Meals on Wheels programs; church or community-sponsored food pantries or soup kitchens; museums, art galleries or libraries; community music groups; after-school programs and youth organizations; prisons; shelters for battered women or the homeless; historical restorations; and local or national parks or ecological projects.

After choosing an organization which appeals to you, reflect on how you would like to volunteer. Do you want to work with people, or are you more comfortable behind the scenes? Would you rather teach a class on computers, or use one to write a monthly newsletter or input budget information?

Another important aspect to consider is what skills you have to offer. Are you a great gardener? Do you speak a foreign language? Think about how you could apply those skills in a volunteer position.

Finally, would you like to learn something new? Perhaps you have an interest in cooking, but no experience. Volunteering with an organization that prepares food for the elderly or homeless can teach you new skills.

There are many ways to help, with whatever time you have:

• If you have 5 minutes: You could call to check on an elderly shut-in. Try contacting your local Meals on Wheels program.
• If you have 1 hour: You could read to students at an elementary school. Check out Everybody Wins Iowa for one-on-one reading experience or volunteer at your local school during America Reads.
• If you have 5 hours: You could pull invasive weeds at a city park. Call your local park and recreation department.
• If you have 5 days: You could help build homes for those in need with Habitat for Humanity in Iowa.
• If you have 1 month: You could assistant coach a youth sports team. Find the nearest YMCA or Boys & Girls Club.
• If you have 1 year: You could join a noble non-profit cause or join a local community band or theater group. Look in a newspaper calendar section for events and groups.

Your Turn: Why do you volunteer? Share your thoughts by commenting on this page.