What are volunteering opportunities that I can apply to if I am under 16 for the time being?
So right now, I am involved in three programs that I recieve good hours in, but I want to do more hours, as well as having a variety of experience in other fields.
#volunteering #nonprofits #volunteer
8 answers
Stacy’s Answer
Good Luck and Happy Volunteering!
Stacy recommends the following next steps:
Elaine’s Answer
Hi Julisa! I see a lot of great ideas posted here. I'll add that one of the best volunteer opportunities I had in high school was with the YMCA. I see there's a Y in Ventura https://www.ciymca.org/ventura.
I was part of a teen Leaders Club program. Many Y's have Leaders Club, but if they don't you might find opportunities helping with camp, swimming lessons, fundraising, dance, volleyball, etc.. We also helped with events like 5K runs and Healthy Kids Day. Eventually, I worked full time for the Y. After over 20 years, I'm doing freelance work in the community and am back to volunteering at the Y.
It looks like they have a 5K coming up in July with funds raised going toward their LiveStrong program that's for cancer survivors. https://www.ciymca.org/get-involved/volunteeropportunities/
Good luck!
Stacy’s Answer
Good Luck and Happy Volunteering!
Stacy recommends the following next steps:
Sheila’s Answer
It's great to see that you want to volunteer at your age. That's awesome. Based on your question I assume that you are seeking volunteerism that is "NOT" necessarily tied to any area of studies or your future occupation ("just to check off the box" kind of thing for getting into college). With that said, here are some areas that could help you get started and to consider looking into. . .
1) Volunteer in your neighborhood where you live. This is something great to do and would help you to get to know your neighbors
2) Check with your local church. Some churches have nurseries and child care that may be seeking help in these areas
3) Ask your parents, teachers, family and friends if they know of any volunteer opportunities; you never know what will turn it. You could also volunteer with your parents, etc.
4) Create your own opportunities by checking with your neighbors to see if they need help with anything
5) Check out Volunteer Match.org (https://www.volunteermatch.org/). They have a wide range of opportunities throughout the United States. Make sure to research and filter for under 18 years of age
I wish you much success in whatever area you decide to volunteer in. You'll do great!
~ Sheila
Rebecca’s Answer
Check your high school. I am not sure where you go, but there is a Kiwanis sponsored Key Club at Pacifica High School. Kiwanis Key clubs offer many great volunteering and team building opportunities. I am a member of the Glendora Kiwaniannes; we sponsor 2 key clubs in our area . I know the students are constantly busy with volunteer and community outreach activities.
There may also be other service clubs such as Rotary, Lions Club etc. that have partnership/outreach programs with the schools in your area.
Alexis’s Answer
Hi Julisa,
I'm so glad you're doing so much volunteer work and that you're currently involved in three programs! Not only are you benefitting the community around you, but that will help you gain leadership skills and make you very competitive in your future applications and resumes.
To find volunteer opportunities for people16 and under, I would suggest reaching out to whatever your nearest volunteer center is. They should be able to tell you what nearby nonprofits have volunteer opportunities available to people in your age group.
Some common volunteer opportunities for those 16 and under include:
-Food Pantry help
-Clean Ups (such as at your local park or green initiative)
-Volunteer Opportunities your parent does with you.
-Volunteer opportunities where you'd be participating in activities such as arts and crafts at nonprofits that serve younger children.
If you don't have a local volunteer center that can help you, I would reach out to either local nonprofits that you think might offer some of the examples I gave or reach out to an adult who is involved in volunteer service who might know someone that can help you.
Hope this helps!
Kate A. Ekman, CVA
Kate A.’s Answer
Hi Julisa!
So glad to hear you are interested in volunteering! I recommend you check out www.volunteermatch.org. They have a lot of volunteer opportunities listed and you can even search for ones for people under 18. Best of luck!
Kate
GRAND’s Answer
Can also volunteer with the Red Cross