Community Service as a Lifestyle: Why I Choose to Serve and Resources for Those Considering It

First, I will talk about my journey to self-improvement through volunteering. Volunteering keeps me balanced, with the hectic world of reality, volunteering allows me to do what I love. I thought the best way to do this would be to help others. Unfortunately, I did not know the first place to look. At the time the Internet was not as popular as it is today. I volunteered were I spent the most time. My first volunteer project was with the Public Library and I have gone on to do perform many others. While in college I helped out disability services, later joined Junior Achievement, History Museum as well as participated in Earth Day. Serving others has become a way of life. I continuously look for new opportunities to gain skills, meet new people, and give back. While volunteering I have improved my oral communication, writing, and interpersonal skills. I promote community service whenever possible. My goal is to show people how easy it is to get involved and make the world better place for everyone.

If volunteering for an organization is not an option for you, participate in everyday acts of kindness. Some examples of everyday acts of kindness, open the door for someone, say thank you (it goes a long way). Smile or give someone a hug. Chat with a neighbor. Give someone a card to show your appreciation. Donate clothing. If you want more duties, volunteer with an organization.

Before volunteering with an organization find out what you love to do (what would you do if you had no bills to pay). Determine if you want a minimum role or demanding leadership role. Research the organization and if it looks like a fit, then schedule an interview with the volunteer coordinator to discuss opportunities. The interview will determine if the organization is a good fit for you. Asked to be placed on their mailing list (so you can keep up to date information about the organization). Conduct yourself the same way you would as if you were on a job interview (you may not be getting paid but professionalism goes a long way). If you want

If you want an more demanding position try seeking a Board of Directors position, so you can have more of a say in the direction the organization is going. find out everything came about the organization. Contact the organization. Want to learn more Board of Directors duties check out these links: http://beginnersinvest.about.com/cs//a/aa2203a.htm
http://www.managementhelp.org/boards/brdjobs.htm#anchor331312
http://www.idealist.org/npofaq/03/02.html

Reasons to volunteer, you can gain some valuable experience that can help you acquire a job. Performing volunteering projects can help you with make new contacts. Volunteering takes you out of your comfort zone(s). Helping out your community will help you appreciate your neighborhood. You can meet like-minded people. Volunteering does not take any money only time. Good luck on your journey to self-improvement.

Here is a list of volunteer websites to get you started on your journey to self-improvement:
www.volunteermatch.org
www.idealist.org
www.craigslist.com
www.dosomething.org
www.1-800-volunteer.org
Local Library
Local School
Local Museum

Sources:
http://beginnersinvest.about.com/cs//a/aa2203a.htm
http://www.managementhelp.org/boards/brdjobs.htm#anchor331312
www.volunteermatch.org
www.idealist.org
www.craigslist.com
www.dosomething.org
www.1-800-volunteer.org