12 answers
chadrack
Student
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
1
Question
Asked
1196 views
When can start volunteering?
I am very great person believing that everything is possible if you put on mind into, i feel good when i help somebody and bring joy to people face .#Technology
Login to comment
12 answers
Giovanni Palermo
Project Analyst 1
18
Answers
Germantown, Maryland
Updated
Giovanni’s Answer
Hello Chadrack,
It is never too late to start volunteering in helping others. Whether you country has a stay at home order and or social distancing order due to the COVID-19 pandemic there is many things you can do. You can do the following activities in order to volunteer during this pandemic:
1. Write thank you letters to the all the medical staff that work in your local hospital and or national hospital. These professionals or as we should consider them HEROS, are working extra hours. They are sacrificing their time, energy, and physical and mental health. Their sacrifices will flatten the curve. A simple word of encouragement can make their day.
2. Write a letter to any elder home community and or elder person you know. Most of these individuals live on their own, away from their families. Due to the pandemic they can depend on the visits of their family members. This can have an emotional impact on them. With some kind words, you can brighten their day.
3. Gather non-perishable foods and take them to a local food donation facility. There are a lot of people in need of food during these rough times. Those in need of food can be those who are homeless, those who may have lost their job and now cannot support their families, and elder folks who can't even go to the grocery store due to their health. You can even call these individuals.
4. Reach out to other students and offer your help in providing assistance in any project, teach something to someone who wants to learn something, and or help a classmate and or other individual learn something they're stuck in.
These are some of the activities I've been doing and I feel grate doing this. I hope the same can be accomplished by you. Thank you.
It is never too late to start volunteering in helping others. Whether you country has a stay at home order and or social distancing order due to the COVID-19 pandemic there is many things you can do. You can do the following activities in order to volunteer during this pandemic:
1. Write thank you letters to the all the medical staff that work in your local hospital and or national hospital. These professionals or as we should consider them HEROS, are working extra hours. They are sacrificing their time, energy, and physical and mental health. Their sacrifices will flatten the curve. A simple word of encouragement can make their day.
2. Write a letter to any elder home community and or elder person you know. Most of these individuals live on their own, away from their families. Due to the pandemic they can depend on the visits of their family members. This can have an emotional impact on them. With some kind words, you can brighten their day.
3. Gather non-perishable foods and take them to a local food donation facility. There are a lot of people in need of food during these rough times. Those in need of food can be those who are homeless, those who may have lost their job and now cannot support their families, and elder folks who can't even go to the grocery store due to their health. You can even call these individuals.
4. Reach out to other students and offer your help in providing assistance in any project, teach something to someone who wants to learn something, and or help a classmate and or other individual learn something they're stuck in.
These are some of the activities I've been doing and I feel grate doing this. I hope the same can be accomplished by you. Thank you.
Great suggestions Giovanni and you're right. Volunteering doesn't have to stop with a pandemic! There are many ways we can still help others from where we are.
Melisa Cameron
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
it is never too early to start volunteering. Some organizations will allow you to help as young as 12. I like the physical volunteer so I go where I can be in touch with people in need. In my area, there are several food banks that can always use some help. You can also check on virtual volunteer activities, such as this web site to help others with your knowledge. If you are focused on technology, I would consider organizations where you can mentor people on the use of technology. Giving the gift of knowledge is one of the best things that you can do for someone. You may want to consider organizations that you may already engage with like civic or religious organizations. I would challenge you to volunteer in an area that you may not know anything about just to expand your own knowledge.
Sucharitha Venkataramana Reddy
Network Engineer
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sucharitha’s Answer
Hi Chadrack,
There is no specific time to begin volunteering. You are good to go when you feel you are ready to volunteer.
Let me share my experience in this regard. I was around 11 years old and I went to volunteer a personality development camp for a week. The volunteering involved helping the participants get ready for the classes, serve food and many other activities. The participants were my age or above then. It was not the best experience but I learnt a lot, became stronger, independent and made friends while I stayed away from home for a week then.
Currently, I volunteer for tech causes. I educate people with technical skills whenever I can.
My Advice : When you are ready to give a part of yourself for a cause you believe, you should find a channel and give back to the world through volunteering !
There is no specific time to begin volunteering. You are good to go when you feel you are ready to volunteer.
Let me share my experience in this regard. I was around 11 years old and I went to volunteer a personality development camp for a week. The volunteering involved helping the participants get ready for the classes, serve food and many other activities. The participants were my age or above then. It was not the best experience but I learnt a lot, became stronger, independent and made friends while I stayed away from home for a week then.
Currently, I volunteer for tech causes. I educate people with technical skills whenever I can.
My Advice : When you are ready to give a part of yourself for a cause you believe, you should find a channel and give back to the world through volunteering !
Natacha Purvis
Human Resources
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Natacha’s Answer
Hi Chadrack,
I'm so glad you have a passion for volunteering. Volunteering can start at an early age. I would recommend checking with the organization that you're interested in volunteering to see what their age requirements are. My daughter started volunteering in a church pantry and watching younger children when she moved into Middle school. She also helped tutor middle school students after she moved into high school. Also, volunteering doesn't necessarily have to be done with an organization. For example, my children and I picked up trash at a beach park. If you don't have a park near you, you could also pick up trash in the neighborhood. There are also opportunities to write letters or send inspirational cards to your local hospitals. I hope this helps and good luck to you!
I'm so glad you have a passion for volunteering. Volunteering can start at an early age. I would recommend checking with the organization that you're interested in volunteering to see what their age requirements are. My daughter started volunteering in a church pantry and watching younger children when she moved into Middle school. She also helped tutor middle school students after she moved into high school. Also, volunteering doesn't necessarily have to be done with an organization. For example, my children and I picked up trash at a beach park. If you don't have a park near you, you could also pick up trash in the neighborhood. There are also opportunities to write letters or send inspirational cards to your local hospitals. I hope this helps and good luck to you!
Keith Treadaway, PMP
Director, Americas Fulfillment / Operations/Engineering
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Hi Chadrack,
As many have said, you can volunteer at anytime. In today's environment there are a lot of opportunities that allow you to give back. Starting now give you a better understanding of the importance to give back and the impact it can have on others. I recommend selecting a charity/organization you are passionate about or that may have positively impacted you or a family member in the past. This is a great way to return what you may have received. Best of luck!
As many have said, you can volunteer at anytime. In today's environment there are a lot of opportunities that allow you to give back. Starting now give you a better understanding of the importance to give back and the impact it can have on others. I recommend selecting a charity/organization you are passionate about or that may have positively impacted you or a family member in the past. This is a great way to return what you may have received. Best of luck!
Rohit Khubnani
Network Consultant
22
Answers
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Updated
Rohit’s Answer
How do I start volunteering, and who should I volunteer for?
Crowdfunding resource that actually works.
It depends who you are, what your interests are, and where you live. The most successful volunteer projects are something that you are passionate about because they will hold your interest for longer. If you are part of a church or in school, you can start with asking about volunteer options there. If not, consider going to your local library or community center or simple doing a google search with your location and volunteers needed. Usually many options come up, from working with kids to fixing bicycles to helping the homeless.
Both small organizations and large, national organizations have their perks. Larger organizations generally have more resources and you get to do more. Small organizations tend to be more family-like so you get a sense of belonging and community within them.
I started with working at a girl scout camp (not quite volunteering) which lead me to working at a conservation corps (almost volunteering) and then becoming an AmeriCorps vista at the same conservation corps (totally volunteering) to becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. All of these were because of my interest in the outdoors and community building.
So, my advice is to figure out what you are interested in and then find an organization that accepts volunteers in that area. When in doubt, AmeriCorps is a good resource to start with.
Crowdfunding resource that actually works.
It depends who you are, what your interests are, and where you live. The most successful volunteer projects are something that you are passionate about because they will hold your interest for longer. If you are part of a church or in school, you can start with asking about volunteer options there. If not, consider going to your local library or community center or simple doing a google search with your location and volunteers needed. Usually many options come up, from working with kids to fixing bicycles to helping the homeless.
Both small organizations and large, national organizations have their perks. Larger organizations generally have more resources and you get to do more. Small organizations tend to be more family-like so you get a sense of belonging and community within them.
I started with working at a girl scout camp (not quite volunteering) which lead me to working at a conservation corps (almost volunteering) and then becoming an AmeriCorps vista at the same conservation corps (totally volunteering) to becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer. All of these were because of my interest in the outdoors and community building.
So, my advice is to figure out what you are interested in and then find an organization that accepts volunteers in that area. When in doubt, AmeriCorps is a good resource to start with.
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
232
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Chadrack,
Why don’t you login to catchafire.org and send applications to volunteering opportunities that interest you? They’re all virtual, so it doesn’t really matter where the nonprofits are located. I’ve found two nonprofits to volunteer for on that site so far, and I hope to find more myself.
Hope that helps you bring joy to yourself and others.
—
Dexter
Why don’t you login to catchafire.org and send applications to volunteering opportunities that interest you? They’re all virtual, so it doesn’t really matter where the nonprofits are located. I’ve found two nonprofits to volunteer for on that site so far, and I hope to find more myself.
Hope that helps you bring joy to yourself and others.
—
Dexter
Donna Curran
Customer Care Manager New Customer Experience Team at AT&T
27
Answers
Missoula, Montana
Updated
Donna’s Answer
It is wonderful that you want to start volunteering. I have been taking my grandkids with me to volunteer at the food bank and to our local Ronald McDonald House where we cook meals for the families who are staying there. The grandkids started going with me when they were 7. Start reaching out to places that you would be interested in volunteering for and let them know. They can add you to their list or have you fill out an interest form online. Either way it's a great way to start giving back and networking. You will learn so much about yourself and what you might be interested in doing for a career. Good luck and have fun with it.
Melissa Sawyers
Project manager
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
The spirit of giving is a positive mindset to have. There are many ways to give back to your community and to make the world a better place.
Think about some areas of interest that you feel passionately about. For example, do you feel a strong interest in the environment, alleviating hunger, sheltering abused animals, etc?
Research your interests and local nonprofits online, and then contact the organizations that need volunteers to help with their mission.
Think about topics that are important to you.
Complete an online search of organizations that align with your interests.
Look for a volunteer section or contact person on the organization's web page.
Look for opportunities on Voluteer Match: https://www.volunteermatch.org/
Think about some areas of interest that you feel passionately about. For example, do you feel a strong interest in the environment, alleviating hunger, sheltering abused animals, etc?
Research your interests and local nonprofits online, and then contact the organizations that need volunteers to help with their mission.
Melissa recommends the following next steps:
Brendon Szabada
Software Tester
49
Answers
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Brendon’s Answer
Some opportunities for you that can be done at home are:
- Volunteer with OpenMRS (many open positions).
- Write cards for soldiers.
- Volunteer on here on CV answering questions for people.
- Be a moderator for a chat room.
- Lend a hand to companies on dosomething.org
- A huge organization on the web to volunteer with is the United Nations.
- Volunteer with OpenMRS (many open positions).
- Write cards for soldiers.
- Volunteer on here on CV answering questions for people.
- Be a moderator for a chat room.
- Lend a hand to companies on dosomething.org
- A huge organization on the web to volunteer with is the United Nations.
Melisa Cameron
Sr. Project Program Mgr., AT&T Community Engagement
167
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Melisa’s Answer
Hi Chadrack,
Thank you for thoughtful question and interest in helping others through volunteering.
It is always a good time to volunteer because our world will always have people in need and we’ll always have many ways we can help others through non-profits that are doing amazing things.
And helping others doesn’t have to end with the COVID-19 Pandemic. There are still a lot of great virtual volunteer opportunities you can sign-up for and still gain experience and volunteer from where you are. Answering others’ questions here on CareerVillage for example. You can also write notes of gratitude and support for our Military and Veterans through Operation Gratitude. Help write cards of hope for cancer patients through organizations like www.philsfriends.org and more!
Take time to look at causes and organizations that interest you and check them out. Invite a friend to volunteer with you and make a difference together.
Best wishes to you in your volunteer, career and educational goals.
volunteering volunteer technology
Learn more about non-profits and volunteer opportunities near you at http://greatnonprofits.org
Take a look at this helpful list of virtual volunteer opportunities https://www.pointsoflight.org/virtual-volunteering-opportunities/
Consider finding a mentor or individual in a career or volunteer leadership role that interests you and learn more about their job, what they like.
Thank you for thoughtful question and interest in helping others through volunteering.
It is always a good time to volunteer because our world will always have people in need and we’ll always have many ways we can help others through non-profits that are doing amazing things.
And helping others doesn’t have to end with the COVID-19 Pandemic. There are still a lot of great virtual volunteer opportunities you can sign-up for and still gain experience and volunteer from where you are. Answering others’ questions here on CareerVillage for example. You can also write notes of gratitude and support for our Military and Veterans through Operation Gratitude. Help write cards of hope for cancer patients through organizations like www.philsfriends.org and more!
Take time to look at causes and organizations that interest you and check them out. Invite a friend to volunteer with you and make a difference together.
Best wishes to you in your volunteer, career and educational goals.
volunteering volunteer technology
Melisa recommends the following next steps:
Jackie McNeil
Engagement Leader - ADP
5
Answers
Wyckoff, New Jersey
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
Chadrack,
Wanting to bring joy to others is a great quality! Seeing that so many places in the world are still on lock down or slowly opening things up again your choices may be limited at this time. You have gotten a lot of great advice especially from Giovanni. If I could add one or two things to his list; If you like animals, people who are sick and live alone are looking for help walking their dogs and local shelters also welcome this help. Many local groups and religious communities are banning together to make protective masks and shields for front line responders and members of the community who can't afford to buy face masks. If being crafty isn't your skillset they also need help with boxing and delivery.
I wish you luck and I'm sure you will have no problem finding ways to help people at this time.
Jackie
Wanting to bring joy to others is a great quality! Seeing that so many places in the world are still on lock down or slowly opening things up again your choices may be limited at this time. You have gotten a lot of great advice especially from Giovanni. If I could add one or two things to his list; If you like animals, people who are sick and live alone are looking for help walking their dogs and local shelters also welcome this help. Many local groups and religious communities are banning together to make protective masks and shields for front line responders and members of the community who can't afford to buy face masks. If being crafty isn't your skillset they also need help with boxing and delivery.
I wish you luck and I'm sure you will have no problem finding ways to help people at this time.
Jackie