Any ideas where I can find volunteer work in my community?

Question

I recently got back from a church mission trip in another state where we helped the homeless and I am inspired to continue the same type of work in my home area...any ideas where I can find where help is needed? I have no idea where to start! Thanks!

Answer 1

Perhaps you should join the sites I am involved with :

idealist.org

and

volunteermatch.com

You fill out information about your location and purpose. Then they find volunteer work in your area or where you choose to go.

Answer 2

Contact your local Kiwanis club or Lions club. Both service organizations do marvelous volunteer work with young children and needy people in their communities. And there's almost always a club, even in the smallest communities.  -RKO-  07/18/08

Answer 3

You could try by going to local churches and asking about programs that they have. Some churches have programs and some don't. Then there are just certain families in churches that do it on their own. You could ask the churches if they know of any people doing it that way. Also try your town's welcome center. If it's anything like our's then you should find alot of information on exactly what you are looking for. Welcome centers like to inform tourists about everything their town has to offer. Such as groups and organizations such as what you are looking for and many others. Good Luck!!!!

Answer 4

Hmm ^^ I'd first like to say that I'm glad that the Missionary trip has inspired you to make a difference, that's nice ^__^.  I'm glad to see someone willing to help others in the area.  I got a whole list of things you can do--

1. Check your school clubs (when they get back to school) to see if there are any interested in helping the community.  I'm sure there can be some. (For helping homeless there may be some).

2. The community center (if your area has one, usually cities and towns have some) may have some volunteer opportunities.  Check there ^__^ (I know its not helping homeless...but i'm just listing things to do for community)

3. Churches are also wonderful places to find volunteer opportunities.  I'd talk with a priest or any other person who works there- nun or just someone who helps organize activities.  Usually, from my interactions with churches (I'm a Catholic), Churches are very eager for volunteers and many times Churches do participate in helping those who are poor.  Sometimes Churches have social justice things too.  I'd suggest you speak with someone from Church. ^^

4. Food sources- like food banks and homeless shelters are also good places to do volunteering at. You could help hand out food to those who are hungry or cook food.

5. You could try governmental stuff too.  I don't know how old you are...  but I think its good at any age to volunteer with governmental groups who are interested in combating poverty.  Sometimes cities (government of cities- local ones) will have task boards or some kind of focus on lowering poverty and homelessness.  See if you can volunteer for them.

6. There are also activist groups who fight poverty too.  See if you can volunteer.

Just look around. ^^ Check out idealist.org for nonprofit jobs.