Easy Ways to Volunteer When You Aren't at Eastern

One of the most challenging parts about becoming a volunteer is finding an organization you want volunteer for with a position you want to volunteer in. At Eastern, and many other colleges and universities, there is an office set up to serve as a bridge and connect students directly to volunteer opportunities in the community. 

But what happens when you leave for Winter or Summer Break and move away from your collegiate community back to your home town and you don't have a volunteer connection in place? Or what do you do when you graduate, move somewhere new, and want to find a way to get involved with your new town? 

It can be overwhelming. Nonprofit staff are- unfortunately-known for being so busy that they sometimes neglect an inquiry from a potential volunteer. Many nonprofits websites 

Here's our cheat sheet of how to find the right volunteer opportunity for you! 

1. Sit down with yourself and figure out what you really want to get from volunteering. Do you want to help in a specific position or is there are specific cause you are passionate about and you don't care what you are doing as long as you supporting it?
2. Contact organizations that can suggest local nonprofits who are in need of volunteers. Examples include a university or college equivalent of the CCE, a religisou instution such as a church or synogogue, or United Way
3. Follow up on the organizations and opportunities that are suggested to you. Talk with the volunteer coordinator of the site and ask for questions and details about what you'll be doing.
4. Go for what excites you!