Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to give someone a chance, and it often gives you something back too: new friends, new skills, a sense of purpose, and the good feeling of knowing you made a real difference. Studies have linked volunteering with better mood and less loneliness, especially for older adults.
But many people who want to help aren't sure where to start. Here's how to find the right fit, whether you have one hour a month or several days a week, and whether you want to get out of the house or help from your couch.
Finding your fit
1. Start with what you care about
Ask yourself what moves you. Hungry families? Lonely seniors? Animals? Kids learning to read? The environment? People going through illness? You'll stick with volunteering longer when it connects to something that matters to you.
2. Think about what you enjoy and what you're good at
Do you love people, or prefer quiet tasks behind the scenes? Are you handy, organized, good with numbers, a natural teacher, a great cook? Your career skills are valuable too: nonprofits often need help with bookkeeping, writing, technology, or mentoring. Or you might want something completely different from your day job.
3. Be honest about your time
It's better to promise a little and keep it than to promise a lot and burn out. Many groups welcome one-time help at events, while others need a regular weekly commitment. Start small. You can always do more.
Where to find opportunities
4. Search online
- VolunteerMatch: search thousands of opportunities by cause and zip code, including virtual ones.
- Idealist: volunteer roles and nonprofit jobs.
- JustServe: free listings of local service projects, open to everyone.
- AmeriCorps: national service programs, including AmeriCorps Seniors for people 55 and older, such as mentoring children or helping older neighbors stay independent. See Serving in the AmeriCorps.
5. Look close to home
Some of the best opportunities never get posted online. Call or stop by places like food banks, animal shelters, libraries, schools, hospitals, hospices, senior centers, Meals on Wheels, your faith community, museums, parks, and community gardens. Ask, "Do you need volunteers, and what would help most?"
6. Volunteer from home
If getting out is hard, you can still help:
- Make phone calls to isolated seniors through a local friendly-caller program. Your Area Agency on Aging can point you to one.
- Help people who are blind or have low vision through the free Be My Eyes app.
- Transcribe historical documents for the Smithsonian, or help real scientists sort photos and data on Zooniverse.
- Knit, crochet, or sew items for hospitals, shelters, and charities.
- Write cards for hospital patients, nursing home residents, or service members.
Getting started
7. Know what to expect
Many organizations ask you to fill out an application, attend an orientation, or pass a background check, especially if you'll work with children or vulnerable adults. This is normal and protects everyone. Ask questions about the schedule, what training they provide, and who to contact if something comes up.
8. Try it before you commit
It's fine to try a few places before settling in. If a role isn't a good fit, let the organization know kindly and move on. The right match is out there.
9. Bring a friend
Volunteering with a friend, partner, or grandchild can make it more fun and easier to keep going. Many families volunteer together during the holidays, and some groups offer projects for all ages.
10. Take care of yourself too
Some volunteer work, like hospice or crisis support, can be emotionally heavy. Use the support the organization offers, take breaks when you need them, and remember that you can't fix everything. Every bit of help counts.
Before you give money
Your time is a gift on its own. If you also want to donate, take a moment to make sure a charity or fundraiser is real. See Check Before You Give.
Not ready to commit? Start with a small kindness
You don't need an organization to make a difference. Bring a meal to a neighbor, give a caregiver a break, or leave an encouraging note. Our Give a Chance card deck has 26 simple ideas, and our Kindness Collections have dozens more. Or browse people and causes you can help today on our Chances Needed directory.
More ideas
- How to Find Purpose After Retirement
- How to Find Your Purpose in Life
- How to Make Friends as an Adult
- Giving Tuesday: 25 Ways to Give, Even With No Money
- All Life Guides
You don't have to change the whole world. Changing one person's day is a beautiful place to start.