subject: Tips On Breaking Into The Arena Of Volunteer Work [print this page] There are a lot of ways to help out the less fortunate if you are interested in doing volunteer work. In your home town or country and all around the globe people need you. On the days where you are complaining about having small bathroom storage or a medicine cabinet without mirror, think about those who don't own a home or share one bathroom among lots of people. You will find it very humbling to realize how lucky you are when you volunteer with these less fortunate individuals. Volunteering makes you realize how lucky you are for the things you have. You will also find that you start to better understand those around you. It will help you learn that regardless of the amount of money a person owns they are still a person.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer but are not sure where to start, look for opportunities around your town. If you belong to a church or youth group I'm sure you will have no problem finding something. They usually do things such as visit soup kitchens, nursing homes, and fundraisers on a regular basis. Some churches will even do very large projects or mission trips every year or twice a year. These sorts of trips are so good because you have to become accustomed to new situations. That provides an opportunity to truly get to know yourself and learn what you are capable of. You can help yourself with volunteering too.
If you are scared to start volunteering, do not feel alone. Many people get nervous before they start doing these things because it is not part of their normal routine. Humans are creatures of habit, so doing something you are not used to may unnerve you. However, it takes around twenty days to form a new habit, so if you keep up volunteering you could form a lifelong habit. Doing volunteer that involves contact with people can be hard for those who are not used to conversing with people unlike themselves. There is a first time for everything so don't let it scare you away from trying. The people you are helping are just glad that someone is taking the time to be with them.
Also, make sure you pick a volunteering activity that means something to you. Don't do it just because people you know are doing it or because it looks easy. If you love nature and are an environmentalist, do a volunteer activity revolving around that.
If you are interested or moved by a certain tragedy or cause, get with it and do something. If the wars in Africa and the LRA are something you know about and are disturbed by, join a group like Unifat or Invisible Children. If you are too busy disliking what you are doing, you won't do as good of a job or benefit other people. Do not volunteer and be bitter about it, you should enjoy it.
