How to Find the Ideal Volunteer Assignment for You

Whether you’re searching for volunteer opportunities near you or are looking for a specific volunteer assignment that aligns your goals with a mission-driven organization, there are some great online resources to help you make efficient use of your time and talents! Once you’ve identified your motivation and interests, have a clear idea of the time you can commit (or whether you need flexibility), and if you’d entertain in-person and/or virtual opportunities, read on to find a treasure trove of resources to effectively find your next great volunteer opportunity!

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a one-stop-shop for all things volunteer? Well, it’s your lucky day because there is such a place and it’s called volunteermatch.org. It’s like online dating, but here you’ll find nonprofits with their volunteer needs and volunteer prospects coming together to connect. In fact, many new volunteers come to Neighborly/Meals on Wheels through this site. This innovative online format provides would-be volunteers with a simple method for searching by keyword (or area of interest) or zip code so you’re sure to find a volunteer opportunity near you that matches your motivation. To most efficiently narrow your search each opportunity lists an overview of the assignment, the time commitment, and any other requirements such as minimum age, trainings, or background checks that are required. Brilliant! No more calling countless nonprofits to ask all these questions over and over! Volunteermatch.org isn’t the only game in town when it comes to finding a rewarding volunteer opportunity close to home. These additional online sources provide a wealth of additional opportunities to consider:

• VolunteerFlorida – here you’ll find opportunities exclusive to organizations in need of volunteers in Florida.
• UnitedWay Suncoast – This resource specifically focuses on opportunities spanning the DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota county region. If you live elsewhere, contact your local United Way to see if they have an online resource for your area.
• JustServe – A service provided by the Church of Latter Day Saints, Justserve includes all types of volunteer opportunities, not just those with a religious mission.
• Idealist.org – This resource has been the go-to for those looking for jobs in nonprofits and NGOs for years, but it also offers visitors to its site a wealth of volunteer opportunities as well.
• Volunteer.gov – Here’s your chance to serve your country’s numerous agencies in the great outdoors, ranging from US Parks to the Fish and Wildlife Service, to the Army Corps of Engineers.
• AARP’s createthegood.org web site posts volunteer opportunities at many nonprofits for people of all ages.

One of these seven online resources is certain to point you in the right direction for a rewarding and impactful service opportunity. If you prefer, you can also search for “volunteer opportunities near me” in your favorite search engine.

As mentioned in a prior blog post, volunteering is one sure-fire way to improve your physical and mental health, and studies show volunteers live longer than their non-volunteering peers. And the best part? All it takes is about two hours a week (just about 100 hours a year). Cheers to volunteers!

At Neighborly, Caring is at the Center of All We Do.