I'm So Shy! It Stops Me From Volunteering!?

Question

I've always wanted to volunteer because I care about what is going on in the world and in my community. But I'm too shy to even ask places (library, food bank, animal shelter) if they would like any help, and I'm even too shy around my peers to join any school groups like STAND. I just have this huge fear of talking to people, even on the phone! What should I do? I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of what I want to do just because I'm just too shy!

Any advice?

Answer 1

well, i think you should start by talking on the phone....then, when you go to a store, you should ask someone about where stuff is, like caprees or whatever...that may help you at least get started....then, you should start talking a lot to your friends, and whoever you get hold of,lol.....well, i know that it is very hard because i am exactly like you... And even though i say that you should start doing this and that and blah blah, i never am actually able to do so. I feel very very shy. I even feel shy to answer a question in front of the whole class. I mean when the teacher asks a question to the whole class, and if no one knows the answer and i do, i dont answer.....because i feel shy.

Answer 2

if you really want to volunteer, all you have to do is do it.. you have to build that confidence.. volunteers who are shy seem to be ineffective.. be proud of the goodness that is in your heart.. show it and volunteer! and when you're there, don't let shyness get back to you.. i've seen people join volunteer programs but since they continue to be shy, they eventually faded.. why do you feel shy by the way? are you sure you want to volunteer for the right reason? if you can't be self-confident, be God-confident.. trust in him and he will equip you with everything you need to fulfill your volunteer responsibilities in the future.. there's no reason to be shy, really.. just think of the people who will not be getting any help if you continue to be shy.. also before you volunteer, try to identify your skills and interests.. and look for the appropriate organization for you.. i wish you everything your heart desires! God bless!

Answer 3

Getting over shyness is really hard (from someone who's in the process of doing it). I definetely can relate to the phone thing, and I still get major "stage fright" if i'm talking to more than about 5 people at once. I don't know if I'm ever going to be really confident, but I am improving. To start with, try talking to someone new. Maybe someone on your bus, or someone from school who you don't know very well. There isn't any audience, and you don't have to talk about anything important, just smalltalk. Once you feel ok about talking to people you don't know very well, you should then be ok with talking to people you don't know at all (like people at volunteer places). In those places you mentioned (except for the school group), you shold only have to talk to one person at a time. It will get easier the more you practice and you will feel better about yourself when you show yourself that you can do it. With the school group, remember that although they may expect you to come to meetings with lots of people, if you don't feel comfortable addressing the group, then you don't have to. Come along to the meetings and just watch for a little while, until you feel ok with saying some of your ideas.

Don't let your shyness get in the way of what you want to do. You can make yourself less shy. I was so shy for a while that my best friends didn't notice I had a lisp from my (orthodontic) plate because I never actually spoke. I am so much happier now that I am a bit more confident! The only thing stopping you from doing what you want is you, and luckily that is something that you can change.  

You have a lot of important things to say (more than plenty of people who talk too much!). Don't let your shyness get in the way of doing what you want.

Answer 4

I agree, start small, something local. Maybe you can volunteer with a friend to help with your apprehension. Either way, I think it's great that you're willing to try and overcome your shyness. Good luck!

Answer 5

if ur worried what other might think,don't----if u get out there and grab onto life u will have so much fun---i used to be afraid of speaking in public but when i had a college course,i had to and i found is was kinda fun---i did a short speech on doing cross stitch---i made As on all my talks but the tests got me---i know now what i was missing out on when i was younger---no one is gonna bite ur head off for trying to do something nice and helpful

Answer 6

Start small. Volunteer somewhere where you won't have to much interaction with people, like at a library or something. Volunteering will help you come out of your shell.

Also you may want to look at taking a public speaking class, it will help with interaction as well.

Answer 7

to break that chain, just take a deep breath and walk in and just do it...I was the shyest person ever..I was told, only two things can happen, One-they can say NO!  Two-they can say YES, and if they say NO, they ain't going to eat ya...or bite your head off..

I broke my shyness by waiting on tables...Scared to death, but after a few tips, and shaking in my shoes, it became second nature....

Working the phones would be easy too, because they can't see you, and you can't see them..this way you will learn verbal skills, and how to interact over the phone...

School, I have no advise with that, I rather work around people I don't know...if you can't see them, the better you could work..