6 answers
Glennys
Student
Orlando, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
545 views
High school student: Where can I start earning volunteer hours?
Which organizations can help me learn more about my interests or what I want to become when I grow up, such as a view of the working life of different careers, etc. I recently turned 16 if it helps. I am also willing to start working.
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6 answers
Jane Hernandez
Teach - retired
20
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Your high school should be able to help. The office will be open at this time of year. Go in and tell them you would like to do some volunteer work. If they don't offer you some volunteer work, ask if one of their counselors could refer you to an organization in the community that offers volunteer opportunities for high school students.
Also, many high schools can give you a work permit and refer you to place that accept work permits. I believe some grocery stores accept high school work permits.
Also, many high schools can give you a work permit and refer you to place that accept work permits. I believe some grocery stores accept high school work permits.
Christopher Williams
Respiratory Therapy
1
Answer
Loudon, Tennessee
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Are you in a local high school to the area? A lot of high schools have some forms of outreach programs with local hospitals so this may be something to ask about, also you can try calling some local hospitals or looking online for volunteer applications most will take junior volunteers however some do it as a summer program so it may not always be easy to get into this late in the summer. So I'd try to look into a couple hospitals.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1855
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Glennys !
I am really happy to know that you are interested in being active with volunteer work that can provide a base experience for you as a future mental health professional. I myself began volunteer work at your age and it was an extremely beneficial and hands on experience. According to your hashtags, you seem to be interested in the human services/mental health field.
I transitioned between acting and social services and had a 27 year history of working in and around various human services venues, including interactions with hospitals, behavioral health units, police stations, nursing homes and mental health day programs among many others. I also initiated my volunteer work at your age at a local counseling center in my town as a teenaged peer counselor, peer counseling (situational counseling) other teenagers. What an opportunity that was. They assigned clients to me right off the bat.
I would highly suggest that you do volunteer work at a social service organization because it will be less spontaneous, organized to be less stressful as it is usually in an office and the issues of the clients may be softer than doing the work in a hospital. Some of the social services in Orlando are senior centers. You can drop in at the following and request to be a volunteer: Maitland Senior Center, Orlando Senior Health Network, Mayor William Beardall Senior Center, and Renaissance Senior Center. Another awesome place to volunteer would be at the organization Center for Independent Living at their Winter Park or Lakeland offices. These centers provide a wide array of services for people with disabilities and you are sure to be needed here.
I am not sure how hands on a counseling center these days would be for volunteer work, but it pays to contact them and inquire. You can contact Seasons Counseling, Charis Counseling, Orlando Counseling Services, Redeemer Counseling, or Journeys Counseling to see if they can offer an actual hands on experience for you working with clients in some capacity. This venue may be one that might have you volunteering in the office without client contact, so ask when you inquire. You should seek a volunteer experience at which you can make client contact.
Some of the things that you can do while volunteering and having direct contact with the clients would be conducting activities at a senior center, advocacy, applying for benefits/benefits assistance, assist with housing issues, provide food and clothing to clients, making phone calls for clients or preparing paper work for them when they are not able to do so themselves, information and referral about and for services. This will teach you communication skills, empathy and organizational skills that you will need throughout college and for your future career.
Decide what areas of work you want to start out with for the volunteer work and target the places that will provide good, hands on work for you to do. This will be an important way to establish experience so that you may possibly start applying for employment. Sometimes the places you volunteer at have job openings and since they would already know you, there's a chance you could obtain employment from them later on or as you volunteer.
I hope that this is helpful for a start and I wish you all the best !
CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING IN ORLANDO https://cilorlando.org/
I am really happy to know that you are interested in being active with volunteer work that can provide a base experience for you as a future mental health professional. I myself began volunteer work at your age and it was an extremely beneficial and hands on experience. According to your hashtags, you seem to be interested in the human services/mental health field.
I transitioned between acting and social services and had a 27 year history of working in and around various human services venues, including interactions with hospitals, behavioral health units, police stations, nursing homes and mental health day programs among many others. I also initiated my volunteer work at your age at a local counseling center in my town as a teenaged peer counselor, peer counseling (situational counseling) other teenagers. What an opportunity that was. They assigned clients to me right off the bat.
I would highly suggest that you do volunteer work at a social service organization because it will be less spontaneous, organized to be less stressful as it is usually in an office and the issues of the clients may be softer than doing the work in a hospital. Some of the social services in Orlando are senior centers. You can drop in at the following and request to be a volunteer: Maitland Senior Center, Orlando Senior Health Network, Mayor William Beardall Senior Center, and Renaissance Senior Center. Another awesome place to volunteer would be at the organization Center for Independent Living at their Winter Park or Lakeland offices. These centers provide a wide array of services for people with disabilities and you are sure to be needed here.
I am not sure how hands on a counseling center these days would be for volunteer work, but it pays to contact them and inquire. You can contact Seasons Counseling, Charis Counseling, Orlando Counseling Services, Redeemer Counseling, or Journeys Counseling to see if they can offer an actual hands on experience for you working with clients in some capacity. This venue may be one that might have you volunteering in the office without client contact, so ask when you inquire. You should seek a volunteer experience at which you can make client contact.
Some of the things that you can do while volunteering and having direct contact with the clients would be conducting activities at a senior center, advocacy, applying for benefits/benefits assistance, assist with housing issues, provide food and clothing to clients, making phone calls for clients or preparing paper work for them when they are not able to do so themselves, information and referral about and for services. This will teach you communication skills, empathy and organizational skills that you will need throughout college and for your future career.
Decide what areas of work you want to start out with for the volunteer work and target the places that will provide good, hands on work for you to do. This will be an important way to establish experience so that you may possibly start applying for employment. Sometimes the places you volunteer at have job openings and since they would already know you, there's a chance you could obtain employment from them later on or as you volunteer.
I hope that this is helpful for a start and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Aarushi Singh Gowrinath
University Student
9
Answers
Leander, Texas
Updated
Aarushi Singh’s Answer
Great question! Earning volunteer hours and exploring career interests can go hand-in-hand, and there are several ways you can get started.
Firstly, your high school likely has a variety of clubs and organizations that align with different interests. For example, if you’re interested in health care, check if your school has a Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club or similar groups. These clubs often have connections with local organizations and may offer opportunities for volunteering or internships related to your field of interest.
You can also look into local non-profits, community centers, and other organizations. Many of these groups need volunteers and might align with your interests. If you’re passionate about healthcare, for instance, you could contact local hospitals or clinics. Many hospitals offer volunteer programs specifically for high school students. You can typically find this information on their websites or by calling their volunteer coordinator.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to organizations or businesses that interest you. For example, if you’re interested in healthcare, you might cold email local clinics, nursing homes, or health-related non-profits asking about volunteer opportunities or internships. Mention your interests and how you’d like to gain experience or contribute.
Websites like VolunteerMatch or Idealist can help you find volunteer opportunities in your area based on your interests. Personally, I have never used them but from the quick research I did, they look reliable. You can filter by categories like health care, education, or environment, which might help you find suitable opportunities.
If you’re open to starting work, you might also look into part-time jobs or internships related to your interests. Some organizations offer shadowing opportunities where you can follow professionals in their daily tasks, giving you insight into different careers.
For instance, when I was in high school and looking for volunteer opportunities in healthcare, I started by looking up local hospitals and found that many offered specific programs for high school students. I also reached out directly to clinics and health organizations through email, expressing my interest in learning more about the field and inquiring about any volunteer or internship positions. This proactive approach not only helped me gain valuable experience but also provided a clearer idea of what I wanted to pursue in the future.
Good luck with your volunteer journey!
Firstly, your high school likely has a variety of clubs and organizations that align with different interests. For example, if you’re interested in health care, check if your school has a Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club or similar groups. These clubs often have connections with local organizations and may offer opportunities for volunteering or internships related to your field of interest.
You can also look into local non-profits, community centers, and other organizations. Many of these groups need volunteers and might align with your interests. If you’re passionate about healthcare, for instance, you could contact local hospitals or clinics. Many hospitals offer volunteer programs specifically for high school students. You can typically find this information on their websites or by calling their volunteer coordinator.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to organizations or businesses that interest you. For example, if you’re interested in healthcare, you might cold email local clinics, nursing homes, or health-related non-profits asking about volunteer opportunities or internships. Mention your interests and how you’d like to gain experience or contribute.
Websites like VolunteerMatch or Idealist can help you find volunteer opportunities in your area based on your interests. Personally, I have never used them but from the quick research I did, they look reliable. You can filter by categories like health care, education, or environment, which might help you find suitable opportunities.
If you’re open to starting work, you might also look into part-time jobs or internships related to your interests. Some organizations offer shadowing opportunities where you can follow professionals in their daily tasks, giving you insight into different careers.
For instance, when I was in high school and looking for volunteer opportunities in healthcare, I started by looking up local hospitals and found that many offered specific programs for high school students. I also reached out directly to clinics and health organizations through email, expressing my interest in learning more about the field and inquiring about any volunteer or internship positions. This proactive approach not only helped me gain valuable experience but also provided a clearer idea of what I wanted to pursue in the future.
Good luck with your volunteer journey!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
539
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Glennys,
Finding Your Path: Volunteer and Work Opportunities
That's fantastic that you're eager to start exploring your interests and gaining experience! At 16, you're at a great age to start volunteering and even considering part-time work. Let's break down some options.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, explore different fields, and develop valuable skills. Here are some places to start:
Local Non-profits: Look for organizations that align with your interests, such as environmental groups, animal shelters, or community centers.
Schools: Tutoring younger students, helping with school events, or assisting in the library can be rewarding.
Hospitals or Nursing Homes: If you're interested in healthcare, consider volunteering to spend time with patients or assisting with administrative tasks.
Libraries: Help with organizing books, assisting patrons, or participating in reading programs.
Animal Shelters: If you love animals, volunteering at a shelter can be a fulfilling experience.
Tips for finding volunteer opportunities:
Check online platforms: Websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist list various volunteer opportunities.
Contact local organizations directly: Many organizations have their own volunteer programs.
Inquire at your school: Your school's guidance counselor or community service coordinator might have information.
Exploring Careers
To learn more about different careers, consider these options:
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in fields that interest you and request a brief interview to learn about their work.
Job Shadowing: Observe professionals in their workplaces to gain firsthand experience.
Career Fairs: Attend career fairs to explore various career paths and talk to representatives from different companies.
Online Research: Utilize career exploration websites and resources to learn about different industries and job roles.
Part-Time Work
While volunteering is valuable, part-time work can also provide valuable experience and income. Consider these options:
Retail: Many stores hire high school students for part-time positions.
Food Service: Restaurants and fast-food chains often have opportunities for teenagers.
Tutoring or Babysitting: If you excel in a particular subject or enjoy working with children, these options might be suitable.
By getting involved in volunteering and part-time work, you'll not only earn valuable experience and volunteer hours but also gain insights into various career paths. Remember, when considering part-time work, balance it with your schoolwork and volunteer commitments to avoid burnout.
Best wishes!
Finding Your Path: Volunteer and Work Opportunities
That's fantastic that you're eager to start exploring your interests and gaining experience! At 16, you're at a great age to start volunteering and even considering part-time work. Let's break down some options.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, explore different fields, and develop valuable skills. Here are some places to start:
Local Non-profits: Look for organizations that align with your interests, such as environmental groups, animal shelters, or community centers.
Schools: Tutoring younger students, helping with school events, or assisting in the library can be rewarding.
Hospitals or Nursing Homes: If you're interested in healthcare, consider volunteering to spend time with patients or assisting with administrative tasks.
Libraries: Help with organizing books, assisting patrons, or participating in reading programs.
Animal Shelters: If you love animals, volunteering at a shelter can be a fulfilling experience.
Tips for finding volunteer opportunities:
Check online platforms: Websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist list various volunteer opportunities.
Contact local organizations directly: Many organizations have their own volunteer programs.
Inquire at your school: Your school's guidance counselor or community service coordinator might have information.
Exploring Careers
To learn more about different careers, consider these options:
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in fields that interest you and request a brief interview to learn about their work.
Job Shadowing: Observe professionals in their workplaces to gain firsthand experience.
Career Fairs: Attend career fairs to explore various career paths and talk to representatives from different companies.
Online Research: Utilize career exploration websites and resources to learn about different industries and job roles.
Part-Time Work
While volunteering is valuable, part-time work can also provide valuable experience and income. Consider these options:
Retail: Many stores hire high school students for part-time positions.
Food Service: Restaurants and fast-food chains often have opportunities for teenagers.
Tutoring or Babysitting: If you excel in a particular subject or enjoy working with children, these options might be suitable.
By getting involved in volunteering and part-time work, you'll not only earn valuable experience and volunteer hours but also gain insights into various career paths. Remember, when considering part-time work, balance it with your schoolwork and volunteer commitments to avoid burnout.
Best wishes!
Som Chatterjee
Consultant
17
Answers
Tallahassee, Florida
Updated
Som’s Answer
Hello Glennys,
It's truly heartening to see your proactive involvement and readiness to seek advice regarding volunteer opportunities. Volunteering is a vast field that allows you to delve into various professions and discover your passions. My advice would be to kick off with a wide-ranging list of subjects or activities that pique your interest. This could be anything from Music, Reading, Sports, Law, Sciences or Engineering, to Visual arts, Communication, Video production, Pets, or working with seniors.
Once you've compiled this initial list, don't hesitate to connect with people who can guide you further. Reach out to your school teachers, especially those you feel comfortable with, your school guidance counselor, the teen coordinator at your local library, and if possible, resources at the county office. These individuals are usually well-equipped to steer you in the right direction and provide contacts that you can communicate with directly via phone or email.
Remember, the best way to learn is by doing, so don't wait - start volunteering. Wishing you all the best for your high school years. Make the most of them and enjoy every moment!
It's truly heartening to see your proactive involvement and readiness to seek advice regarding volunteer opportunities. Volunteering is a vast field that allows you to delve into various professions and discover your passions. My advice would be to kick off with a wide-ranging list of subjects or activities that pique your interest. This could be anything from Music, Reading, Sports, Law, Sciences or Engineering, to Visual arts, Communication, Video production, Pets, or working with seniors.
Once you've compiled this initial list, don't hesitate to connect with people who can guide you further. Reach out to your school teachers, especially those you feel comfortable with, your school guidance counselor, the teen coordinator at your local library, and if possible, resources at the county office. These individuals are usually well-equipped to steer you in the right direction and provide contacts that you can communicate with directly via phone or email.
Remember, the best way to learn is by doing, so don't wait - start volunteering. Wishing you all the best for your high school years. Make the most of them and enjoy every moment!