Copyright 1994 by Project America.
All rights reserved. Written by Andrew Carroll.

• Do you want a project that is hands-on, like planting trees or renovating homes for low-income families? Or would you prefer working one-on-one with someone in need, possibly as a literacy instructor or tutor for at-risk children? Some volunteers prefer simply to assist with office work or administrative duties.
    
• Do you want to work for a large organization or a small group?
  Although there are many exceptions, larger organizations tend to be more formal than smaller groups, yet the smaller ones usually work directly with needy individuals. (Remember that you do not even have to volunteer with an organization of any size to help your community. You could, for example, get together with your friends to beautify a local park or playground, organize a holiday party for children at a local hospital, or start up a neighborhood book collection to benefit your local library.)
    
• Can you make a long-term commitment? Many volunteers are needed to serve as mentors who can spend a few hours a week with a child for at least one year. Or would you rather help out with short-term projects, like stopping by to see hospitalized veterans on Memorial or Veterans Day? Similarly, would you prefer a rigid schedule or something more flexible? Some volunteers can only help out on a certain day of the week for a specific number of hours. Other volunteers cannot commit to a fixed routine and prefer to read to folks who are blind, for example, or visit residents at a nursing home whenever they can find a free evening or afternoon.
    
• After you've selected an organization you like (and, of course, is truly in need of volunteers), set up an interview or an informal chat with the volunteer coordinator. Some organizations may just have you come in and go through an orientation with other potential volunteers, but most will want to talk with you individually. Don't be surprised if the volunteer coordinator asks you for a resume and references. Organizations that use volunteers in sensitive positions, such as on crisis hotlines or to counsel victims of crime, need to be very careful about the people they bring aboard.
    
• During the interview, let the coordinator know why you're interested, what skills you have to offer, and what you'd like to do. Be realistic in what you can and cannot do. If you know you won't like something the organization wants you to do, let the coordinator know...before it's too late. See if there is something else you can do that fits your schedule and abilities. Similarly, speak up if you feel you could do more than what the coordinator recommends. It's to your and the organization's advantage to have you in a position where you are most effective.
    
• If everything goes well and you become an "official" volunteer, keep in mind that, just like starting a new job or moving into a new house, it may take a while before you feel absolutely comfortable with everything. If, however, you discover after some time that it really isn't going to work out, don't be disappointed. There are countless other volunteer opportunities out there, and you are sure to find one that's satisfying. The majority of volunteers love what they do, and you should be one of them.