Tips for Volunteering

Be selective

Think about what matters to you, and be selective about where you spend your time. Choosing opportunities that make you feel good while helping others builds stronger communities, and enriches your own life at the same time.

Choose carefully

United Way works with volunteers and local nonprofits to develop the best opportunities for youth, busy working adults and seniors to serve. When you work with United Way of Central West Virginia and VolunteerWV, you can feel confident about the quality of the opportunity you choose and about the organization you donate your time to support.

Research causes that are important to you

Whether it's helping children achieve their potential, helping families become financially stable, or improving people's health, find out what cause is closest to your heart and make a difference.

Consider the skills you have to offer

Would you like to write an agency's newsletter? Or would you rather build a house? Find something you enjoy doing and enhance your skills through volunteering.

Learn something new

Volunteering can also teach you valuable new skills that you can use in other parts of your life. For example, learning how to handle crisis calls may help you communicate better.

Don't over-commit your schedule

Stick to a volunteering schedule that makes sense for you and leaves you time to enjoy the activity.

Consider volunteering as a family

Group volunteering is a wonderful way to bond with your family or co-workers. Not only will you create lasting memories, but you will help someone in need. See also: Volunteering as a Family.

Volunteering as a Family

Today, families are finding new ways to spend time together, and volunteering is one way to do just that. There are many benefits for families that volunteer. Research has shown that volunteering as a family:

• Helps families learn about social issues
• Provides positive role models and passes on family values to children
• Provides new learning experiences and development of new skills for both children and adults
• Provides quality time for the family to spend together
• Increases interpersonal communication and the problem-solving abilities of family members

Planning

There are a variety of issues for your family to consider before making the commitment to volunteer together.

Your family may want to start slowly. Consider a one-time or short-term volunteer activity before making a long-term commitment.

Consider doing your volunteer activity with other family groups (PTAs, religious organizations, neighbors or workplace groups).

Consider everyone's busy schedule when volunteering as a family. You may decide to volunteer individually at different times.

If volunteering with children, ask about any issues related to their needs or safety concerns.

During and after the volunteer project

• Take responsibility for supervising your children. Their experience and that of anyone working with you will be more positive if everyone is focused on the work to be done.
• Talk openly about your experiences on the drive home, during meals or whenever your family has time together. Both adults and children will benefit from the opportunity to discuss everyone's reactions to the volunteer activities.
• Let your volunteer coordinator know if your family has any special concerns or problems, and discuss how you can work together for a satisfactory solution. Share your positive experiences, too!
• Keep a journal with photos and stories of your family's volunteer activities. Share the journal with relatives, co-workers and friends. Have fun! It is not only allowed, but it should be a requirement!
• Be proud of what your family has accomplished. Your family's self-esteem will continue to climb as you move on to future projects.