April Is National Volunteer Month

Melissa N. Osika, MBA

April is National Volunteer Month! The occasion began in 1974 as National Volunteer Week with a presidential proclamation meant to promote volunteering and to show appreciation for the many dedicated volunteers serving throughout America. It has since evolved to encompass an entire month where we honor all of our volunteers and encourage participation in our communities.¹

In celebration of National Volunteer Month, let's look at some fun and unique ways you can get involved in your community.

The Benefits of Volunteering

Being a volunteer improves the lives of many and can provide many benefits:

• It's good for your mental health.
• It helps prevent isolation.
• It gives you a feeling of purpose.
• It's a chance to make new friends.
• It's a way to connect with loved ones.
• It increases your physical activity.
• It helps you learn new skills.²

It's clear that giving back to others and making a positive impact is satisfying, and the rewards go both ways. Now, let's look at some tips to help you find the perfect volunteering opportunity!

Tips for Volunteering

Finding the right volunteering opportunity starts with a few simple tips. Here are some that can help:

Start Local

You likely don't have to look far to find a great volunteering opportunity. Check out your local newspaper, community forum, or Facebook group to see if there are ways to get involved.

Choose Something You're Passionate About

Look for a volunteering opportunity you are genuinely interested in and a cause you care about. If you're an animal lover, animal shelters always need dog walkers, kennel assistants, and office help. Environmentalists might volunteer on a permaculture farm or help an environmental conservation nonprofit. Book lovers can find volunteer positions at town libraries.

Be Conscious Of Your Time

Your time is valuable, so be honest about how much of it you can spend on a volunteer project. Begin with a limited commitment, and then you can scale up if you want.

Talk to Friends and Family

If an opportunity looks promising, do your research by talking to other volunteers to see if it is a good fit for you. You can also talk to friends and family to see if they have any recommendations for volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Ready to get started on your next volunteering adventure for National Volunteer Month? Here are some places to start!

• Community homeless shelters
• Centers for the developmentally challenged
• Retirement homes or hospice centers
• Hospitals
• Animal shelters
• Environmental conservation organizations
• Local libraries
• Local schools
• Community races or sporting events
• Local newspapers
• Volunteer firefighting organizations
• Volunteer community patrol organizations

Of course, these are just a few of the many ways to get involved. Your local community will have its own needs and opportunities and now you know where to check!

This is the perfect time to think about how you can use your skills and interests to enrich your life and the lives of others.