Are you interested in volunteering to help with a fundraiser? We’ve got a list of different organizations that are looking for volunteers, the qualifications you need, and the types of jobs you can volunteer for.
Who Needs Volunteers?
There are many different types of groups looking for volunteers. The programs listed here can be found in most areas. If you’re looking for a specific type of program that’s not listed, you might ask at local schools or libraries for more information.
Remember, most organizations are looking for volunteers who are at least 18 years old.
Athletics – there are many different options for those who want to volunteer with an athletic team. Many sports teams for younger children are entirely run by volunteers. Coaches, umpires, and team managers all give their time to the team. Schools might ask for volunteers for running the concession stand or keeping statistics.
Arts Programs – do you have artistic talents? If you do, share them with students in arts and crafts groups. You can volunteer to teach painting, sculpture, drawing, etc. All you really need is talent. Many programs would love for retired art teachers or those who have art degrees to volunteer as a guest teacher or hold a weekend workshop for their students.
Computer/Robotics Clubs – if you understand electronics, programming, robotics, or can do things like weld, you may see if a computer programming or robotics club is in need of volunteers. These groups often need help that only licensed professionals or adults with training can provide.
Dances – school dances may be in need of people to volunteer their time and skills as a DJ or even as a live band. They may also need volunteers to provide food or catering or to help build things like dance floors or decorative pieces. Some also need volunteers to take tickets at the door.
Foreign Language Clubs – these groups may need people who are fluent in the language to volunteer some time working with members one on one. They may also want to have someone who has visited the country where the language is spoken to come and talk a little about their experience since these clubs often also explore the culture surrounding the language.
Marching Band and Ensembles – if you play music, you can volunteer to help teach bands or work to make their music better. They’re also often looking for people to volunteer a performance space for them to play, so people who own restaurants or similar venues may want to invite ensembles to play. Professionals who repair instruments and are willing to volunteer their time and expertise are also always welcomed by these groups.
Office/Administrative Assistance – some programs need help with computer work, filing, and dealing with all of the small tasks that must be done to keep an organization running. If you have an hour or two a week to volunteer, you might look into helping out in this way. You can offer valuable help to the organization, and you can learn skills that you can take to the workplace.
Science Fairs – have you taught science in the past, or do you have a degree in chemistry, biology, astronomy, or other science? If so, you might want to volunteer at a science fair. They’re always looking for judges or for mentors to help students with their projects. Some science fairs even have lectures or hands-on activities for students to do that need volunteer leaders.
School Raffles – school raffles always need prize donations, and often it does not matter if the prize is something you have made or purchased. Some raffles also look for volunteers to sell tickets or to host the raffle.
Theatre – can you build sets or sew costumes? Do you know how to run a light board or a stage sound system? If so, you may want to volunteer to help a local theatre, especially a student theatre. They always need carpenters to help build sets and tailors to create costumes. Some small troupes may even need volunteers to play parts in large productions. Actors or directors may also volunteer to teach a workshop or guest-direct a performance.
Tutoring – some students are in need of a little extra help every now and then, but teachers don’t always have the time to assist every student one on one. Many people who have degrees in English, math, science, history, and other subjects can volunteer at a local high school to work with students after school.
Types of Volunteer Positions
Short term volunteers usually only work a day or two. These types of volunteers include guest lecturers and event workers.
Long term volunteers are those who continue to work with a program for months or even years. They include volunteer instructors and theatre carpenters or tailors
Recurring volunteers may also work with a program long term, but they’re only needed during a specific period. For example, volunteer baseball coaches are only needed during the summer, while after school tutors may only be needed during the academic school year.
Volunteer Standards
Remember that volunteering your time is a commitment and that most programs do have standards that volunteers must meet. Even though you’re not getting paid, you’re still expected to work the schedule you agree to work and be on time to events you volunteer for.
Make certain you can keep any volunteer commitments you make, especially if you’re working with after school programs that don’t always have the luxury of rescheduling or waiting for you to show up. These programs often only have an hour or so after school, and they may not meet every day. The main hours for these programs are between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, so if your job is not going to allow you to be there on time, you may want to find a different way of assisting the program.
Want to Volunteer?
If you’re interested in volunteering with one of these programs, please fill out the form on our contact page.