Social, Volunteer, and Learning Opportunities
1. Research the cause or issue important to
you
Look for a group that deals with issues you
feel strongly about. If you can’t find such an organization…why not start one yourself?
2. Consider the skills you have to offer
If you enjoy working outdoors, have a knack
for teaching, or just enjoy interacting with people, you may want to look for
volunteer work that would incorporate these aspects of your personality.
3. Consider volunteering as a family!
Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity
that would be suitable for parents and children to do together, or for husband
and wife to take on as a team.
4. Would you like to learn something new?
Perhaps you would like to move into areas that
will provide you with novelty or change. Then seek a volunteer
opportunity involving training in an unfamiliar skill. Many nonprofits
seek out people who are willing to learn, especially if the needs they serve
are specialized or unique.
5. Don’t over commit your schedule
Make sure the volunteer hours you want to give
fit into your hectic lifestyle, so that you don’t frustrate your family, exhaust
yourself, shortchange the organization you’re trying to help, or neglect your day job.
6. Nonprofits may ask for an interview too
If you contact an organization with an offer
to donate your time, you may be asked to come in for an interview, fill out a
volunteer application, describe your qualifications and background-just as you
would for a paying job. It is in the organization’s interest to make certain you have the
skills they need, that you are truly committed to doing the work, and that your
interests match that of the nonprofit.
7. I never thought of that!
There are many volunteer opportunities that
most people don’t think of.
Check out our list below for great volunteer opportunities.
8. Give voice to your heart through your
giving and volunteering
Bring your heart and your sense of humor to
you volunteer service, along with the enthusiastic spirit that is, in itself, a
priceless gift. What you’ll get back will be immeasurable.
9. Virtual Volunteering? If you have computer
access and the necessary skills, some organizations now offer the opportunity
to do volunteer work over the computer. This might take the form of
giving free legal advise, typing a college term paper for a person with a
disability, or simply keeping in contact with a shut-in who has e-mail.
This sort of volunteering might be well suited for you if you have limited
time, no transportation, or a physical disability that precludes you from
getting about freely.
10. Be a year-round volunteer! The need for
compassion doesn’t stop with the New
Year, and warm, spring weather doesn’t fill empty stomachs or decrease litter in the public
parks. We all need to be aware that making our communities, our nation
and our world better is a 365-day-a-year responsibility and there is always
something we can be doing to help!
For more information on volunteering call:
Volunteer
Organizations
|
Organization |
Address |
Phone Number |
Website |
|
|
|
(608) 637-5201 |
|
|
Independent Sector Nonprofit |
|
(202) 467-6100 |
|
|
Actions Without Borders |
|
|
|
|
Youth Service |
|
|
|
|
Points of Light Foundation |
|
|
1-800-750-7653 |
Social
Clubs & Volunteer Opportunities
|
Organization |
Address |
Phone Number |
|
|
|
|
|
AARP |
|
1-800-OUR-AARP (687-2277) |
|
Advancement Association |
|
|
|
American Cancer Society |
|
1-877-423-9125 |
|
American Red Cross |
|
608-788-1000 |
|
ARTT Assoc. of the Restored Temple Theatre |
|
637-8190 |
|
|
Westby |
634-3473 |
|
|
|
637-6322 |
|
Boy Scouts of |
Present in most |
608-784-4040 |
|
Bud Sportsmans Club |
|
|
|
Cesky Den |
|
|
|
Chaseburg Rod & Gun |
|
483-2107 |
|
Chaseburg American Legion & Auxiliary |
|
483-2202 |
|
Chaseburg Lions & Lionesses |
|
|
|
|
|
452-3179 |
|
|
|
452-3727 |
|
|
|
452-3757 |
|
|
|
648-3593 |
|
Door of |
|
637-8688 |
|
Eagles Club & Auxillary |
|
637-2707 |
|
|
|
637-7450 637-1121 |
|
Free Masons |
|
637-3168 |
|
Free Masons |
|
|
|
Garden Club |
|
|
|
Genoa-De Soto American Legion & Auxiliary |
|
689-2794 |
|
Habitat for Humanity |
|
634-6999 (voice mail) |
|
Hidden Treasures |
|
637-2327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
489-2192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kiwanis |
|
|
|
Knights of |
|
|
|
La Farge Friends of the Library |
La |
625-2015 |
|
La Farge Lions |
La |
625-4203 |
|
La Farge VFW & Auxiliary |
La |
|
|
|
620 S |