• Determine your interests and what causes are meaningful to you. • Search the Non-Profit Organizations Listings for those with missions that match your interests and the causes that are meaningful to you. We encourage you to review all of the listings to become aware of all organizations that might interest you. • Search the Volunteer Opportunity Listings to find current needs. Most organizations welcome volunteers, but the volunteer opportunity listings contain organizations with immediate needs to fill. Thereby, your assistance will make a difference. • Contact the organizations that interest you to learn more. Some organizations offer tours for potential volunteers. • Determine the time you have available for volunteering and what services you are willing to provide. Be careful not to over extend yourself. • Make a commitment!

Most organizations have an application process for volunteers. Some are more extensive than others. Some organizations might require one or more of the following: • Complete a volunteer application • Participate in an interview • Complete a physical exam • Undergo a health screen • Authorize a background check • Attend an orientation • Complete a training program

• Honor your commitment • Be on time and complete your assignment • Contact the organization in advance if your schedule changes • Be professional and follow the organization’s policies & procedures • Be positive and respectful of the organization’s employees & the community they serve • Have fun!

By contributing to a meaningful cause, you can make a difference and improve the welfare of the community. Additionally, there are many personal benefits from volunteering: • Gain an understanding of how nonprofit organizations work • Gain an understanding of the challenges and needs met by nonprofit organizations • Learn about different types of organizations and what areas are of interest
   to you • Allows unemployed workers to remain engaged in a workplace setting
   through skill-based volunteer opportunities • Expand your network of professional and social contacts • Develop organizational, leadership and other useful skills • Build your resume with valuable experience and references