HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU

How to Choose the Right Volunteering Opportunity for YouVolunteering is more than just a charitable act.
 
It's a way to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. It offers opportunities to connect with others, learn new skills, and make a difference in areas that matter most to you. However, with countless opportunities available, how do you pinpoint the one that aligns best with your passion, skills, and schedule?

Here's a guide to help you choose the right volunteering opportunity for you.
 
Identify Your Why 
Before diving into the myriad of volunteer options, ask yourself why you want to volunteer.
 
Is it to give back to the community, learn a new skill, meet new people, or perhaps, a mix of these reasons? Your motivations will guide your search and ensure you find a role that feels rewarding.
 
Know Your Strengths and Interests 
Evaluate your skills and passions.
 
Are you a social butterfly who thrives in community outreach roles? Or perhaps a behind-the-scenes wizard with logistical or technical skills? Understanding your strengths and what you love doing will help you find a volunteer role that doesn't feel like a chore.
 
Research Organizations
 
Once you've identified your motivations and strengths, start researching organizations that align with your values. Read about their missions, past projects, and reviews.
 
This will give you a clearer picture of what you'll be working on and the impact your efforts will make.
 
Time Commitment
 
How much time can you realistically dedicate?
 
Some opportunities require a regular, long-term commitment, while others might be one-off events or flexible roles. Match your availability to the roles so that you don’t overcommit and can provide meaningful contributions.
 
Consider the Location
 
While many volunteer roles now offer remote options, especially in the digital age, some still require physical presence.
 
Choose a location that's convenient for you. If traveling abroad for a volunteer role, research extensively about the region, its culture, and any other necessities.
 
Ask Questions
 
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the organizations that pique your interest.
Ask about their expectations, the support they provide volunteers, any training involved, and opportunities for growth. It’s essential to get a clear picture before you commit.
 
Take a Test Run
 
If you’re unsure about a long-term commitment, see if the organization offers a trial period or short-term projects. This will allow you to experience the role firsthand and decide if it’s the right fit.
 
Listen to Your Gut
 
Lastly, trust your instincts.
 
Sometimes, even if everything looks good on paper, a role might not feel right, and that's okay. The beauty of volunteering is its vastness—there's always another opportunity waiting around the corner.
 
 
Volunteering is an enriching journey that offers as much to the volunteer as it does to the beneficiaries. By understanding your motivations, evaluating your strengths, and conducting thorough research, you can find the perfect opportunity.
 
About North Shore Helpers
 
North Shore Helpers is a 501(c)(3) organization that delivers gifts and holiday cheer to individuals in under-served communities in the Chicago area. Our mission is simple: To change lives in Chicago’s underserved communities by hand-delivering hope and happiness to individuals in need. Inspired by the service of people in our social and professional networking groups, we decided it was time for us to step up and make a difference. “We need to do something,” we collectively said, and before we got organized, we knew that 1) we wanted to change lives and 2) we were going to show up in-person to do so.
 
For more information, contact us today, and click here to make a donation. To keep up with North Shore Helpers news, please follow us on Facebook.