I think I should start helping people in some capacity, but am not sure where to start...?

Question

I'm 22 years old, kind of lost purpose in my life and direction and I've always heard the old adage that the best way to help yourself is to help others...I used to blow that off, but am thinking now that I am a healthy, able, and smart young woman with lots of free time- Maybe there is a way I can start doing good in the world. I love animals- maybe I should volunteer at some pet shelter? I don't really like kids, so that might not be the best thing for me (like helping kids), I'm kind of scared of homeless people and old people. Ha ha I don't mean to sound shallow, but I feel like I should get started helping people somehow.

Answer 1

Try being a volunteer at an animal hospital, church, or food bank near you. You could also try teaming up with a local free medical clinic for lower income families, or maybe a rotary club.

Answer 2

To help people, you need to start with helping those in need and usually those are the homeless, elderly or children.  Since your options are a little limited, one thing to do is something like the RapeCrisis hotline or perhaps volunteering at an agency without the direct contact initially.  Places like the Salvation Army, children's shelters, group homes, etc are often overwhelmed with donations and need so many volunteers to sort through, categorize, and organize.  By doing something like this, you can give yourself more options.  Another thing is working with groups that focus on the environment (park/highway clean-ups, etc) or even Habitat for Humanity.  Just make sure you feel like you should start helping people because you want to and not because you think it is what others think you should do.

Answer 3

Thats a great idea.  Check with your local community centers and see whats needed.  Usually they have seniors, youths, homeless and disable programs going on that you can volunteer for.  I currently volunteer for feed the homeless program and its very rewarding to help out for a good cause. Your volunteer services can also be used on your resume to help you out in the future.

Answer 4

Then your best choice is helping animals, which is a great choice!

Animals around the world are hungry, homeless and treated unfairly. Giving them shelter and food would be a great thing to do. In your street try to go around searching for a dog or cat around lost, with food, water and milk prepared in a backpack.