Each year, many Aussies consider volunteering, but are either too stretched for time or have no idea where to start. But what if we told you there are ways to help others on your bus ride to work? Or that you can make a real difference by cuddling a puppy for 20 minutes a week, whenever you want? It might be time to give volunteering another thought.
Where to start
Before you begin the search, it helps to know exactly what cause you want to be involved in.
“Choose something close to your heart,” says Tess Cosgrove from the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. “You will find the role more rewarding and therefore be keen to stay for longer.”
Like job hunting, be prepared to attend an interview or provide a CV to demonstrate you are a suitable fit for the role.
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Once you have narrowed it down to one or two fields (for example, health and animal welfare), then you can target your search using the following websites:
GoVolunteer works like a job search engine, with hundreds of vacancies to choose from.
Good Company links skilled professionals with community groups. It also provides assistance to volunteers during projects.
The Centre for Volunteering is a NSW-based referral service that matches volunteers to available projects.
Other avenues
Respond to a state emergency appeal. More than 62,000 volunteers have put their hands up to help with the aftermath of the Queensland floods.
Speak to a friend who already volunteers.
Find out more about your employer’s corporate volunteer policies.
Got a minute?
For those who are busy juggling full-time work and family commitments, why not give “micro-volunteering” a go? Sparked.com, for example, has revolutionised the concept of volunteerism for time-poor professionals. Got 15 minutes to spare and wouldn’t mind translating a Spanish memo into English? Want to use your eye for detail to critique a new charity site?
With micro-volunteering, you can donate as much or as little time you like by responding to bite-sized tasks or “challenges” posted on a virtual noticeboard by not-for-profit organisations. You can also download a free smartphone application called The Extraordinaries and make a difference in the time it takes to wait for your morning latte.
Animal lovers
Many pet shelters depend on volunteer support to keep their operations running. Animal lovers can register their interest as temporary foster owners or even drop by for a 30-minute walk with a rescued dog in their spare time.
Doggie Rescue, for example, advertises a list of jobs on their website that ranges from feeding, grooming to “doggy cuddling”.
Training is provided for most jobs and all volunteers are covered by public liability insurance. You can also contact your local RSPCA to find out how you can help.
Connecting with others
There’s nothing quite as rewarding as knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Studies have found that volunteers often experience “helper’s high” (a sense of wellbeing similar to the result of exercise or meditation) especially in cases that involve direct contact with other people.
Become a youth mentor through organisations such as Plan-it Youth, reach out to the homeless through Wesley Mission, or help brighten the lives of sick children with Starlight Foundation.
Search for more community services opportunities near you on GoVolunteer.
Related: Volunteer army help flood clean-up
Other ideas
Take a sabbatical. Volunteer abroad and help rebuild communities in need with organisations such as Projects Abroad or Australian Volunteers international.
Become a surf lifesaver. Find out how to get fit and help others at www.lifesavingonline.com.au.
Outdoor concerts. Volunteer at the on National Folk Festival (April 21 to 25) and enjoy a free season pass.
Help the environment. Get involved in conservation projects through Conservation Volunteers Australia.
Your say: Are you a volunteer? How do you find the time for it? Do you think it is worthwhile?
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