By Rossy Silva
Volunteering is the act of offering time, talent, or resources to support a cause or assist others without expecting payment or other material benefits. Usually, it is done through non-profit organizations or neighborhood associations that help vulnerable people or communities. It can take many different forms, such as volunteering at a neighborhood shelter or food bank, taking part in community clean-up days, or supporting charity organizations’ fundraising initiatives. Volunteering is regarded as a means of supporting social good, giving back to one’s community, and finding personal fulfillment through aiding others.
Volunteering can be extremely helpful for students in a variety of ways:
- Develops important skills: Volunteering allows students to gain experience with essential abilities such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management. They can also contribute their professional knowledge and abilities to support certain initiatives or projects.
- Builds their resume: Volunteering provides an opportunity for students to build their resumes and gain valuable experience, which can make them more appealing to potential employers or admissions representatives at universities.
- Helps them explore their interests: Volunteering assists students in identifying their interests and passions, as well as exploring potential career paths. Students can gain knowledge about a variety of industries and fields by volunteering in diverse environments.
- Provides networking opportunities: Volunteering allows students to meet new people and expand their professional network. They can make connections with individuals who have similar interests and may be able to offer advice or mentorship.
- Promotes personal development: Volunteering can help participants develop empathy and compassion, boost self-esteem and confidence, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Where should I volunteer?
There are plenty of places where you can volunteer, depending on your interests. However, in this article, you can find some suggestions.
- Volunteer LA: Website: https://letsvolunteerla.org/ VolunteerLA connects Angelenos to meaningful service opportunities that create positive change in our communities and build a stronger city. To contact them, visit this link: https://letsvolunteerla.org/contact-us/ There are numerous ways to help, including answering calls, collecting donations, doing deliveries, food distribution, event support, fostering animals, maintenance, note writing, office work, proofreading, project-based tasks, physical work, tutoring, virtual volunteering, tech support, research, etc. Additionally, you can support causes such as disaster relief, education, environment, health, hunger, life skills, poverty, senior service, social justice, animals, art and culture, children, veterans, and military families.
- Volunteer Match: Website: https://www.volunteermatch.org/search Volunteer Match helps you affect positive change by matching volunteers with the right cause at the right moment. You can find a larger number of highly qualified volunteers who are passionate about and committed to your cause. Our software solution automates workflow and simplifies repetitive tasks such as posting and reposting volunteer opportunities. It is fast, easy to use, and effective. There are several opportunities to volunteer in LA, with 329,948 volunteers needed according to their page. Some of these opportunities are mentioned below:
- Operations associate volunteer.
- Share your knowledge with a small business owner.
- Virtual: volunteer match tutor.
- Breakfast: help prepare and distribute to our unhoused community.
- Share your e-commerce expertise.
- Social media specialist volunteer.
- Be a mentor for a low-income high school student in LA.
- Grocery distribution.
- Engage students in a live simulation at JA Finance Park.
- Patient Care Volunteers Needed. Make a Positive Difference!
- Participate in USC Research Studies.