So you want to volunteer, but you are not sure how to get started.  Volunteermatch.org provides this insightful guide to becoming a volunteer:

6 steps to getting started as a volunteer

Getting involved in volunteering can be a little overwhelming at first. Here are six key steps to make sure you have a great volunteer experience:

 

1. Time To Give? — First, determine how much time you have available. You don’t want to over commit and leave the organization in a lurch, and you don’t want to get yourself into situation where you’re not enjoying the work you’re doing.

2. Setting the Stage — Next, determine what kind of environment you want to work in as a volunteer. Outdoors? Indoors? At a desk? In front of an audience? Not every organization can offer all these environments.

3. Does Cause Matter? — Cause refers to the  specific mission of an organization: the goals they are working for. Do you find yourself energized and inspired to change the world in one specific fashion?

4. Now You Can Start — Once you’ve thought about availability, environment and cause, you’re ready to search. But where do you start? We recommend  VolunteerMatch.org, of course! Don’t forget our  virtual opportunities, which you can do from anywhere. That means even though you’re based in Ohio, you can help a Florida organization save manatees.

5. Getting Social — Use our  advanced search page to search for opportunities that are good for groups and kids and anyone else you want to bring with you to volunteer.

6. Give Back and Get Ahead — Finally, don’t be afraid to look for opportunities that can help you professionally or academically. Lots of projects will look great on your resume or your college application. The more you can find something that aligns your needs with the needs of a nonprofit organization, the more likely you are to have a great experience.

For more tips on volunteering and connecting to a non-profit in your area, visit Volunteer Match at http://www.volunteermatch.org/index.jsp