Volunteering - What it is, why you should do it, and various online opportunities!

Hello everyone! This week’s topic is volunteering! I’ll be talking about what volunteering is, why you should volunteer, and sharing various resources for you to get started with volunteering (even some online options)!

What is volunteering?

We’ve all certainly heard about volunteering. Volunteering is work you do outside of school, without receiving any form of compensation for your time. Now, I’m sure this is pretty self-explanatory, and I’m sure that most of you have heard of it. Nevertheless, volunteering is something not many high school students think about until their last couple of months as a student. Not everyone thinks of volunteering as an extracurricular activity, but it certainly is!

You may already be volunteering outside of school. Numerous different activities you do could technically be termed as “volunteering.” For example, if you help out at the community tennis center by cleaning and arranging courts, that could technically count as volunteering (as long as you aren’t being compensated for it).

Volunteering can also help you work toward your future goals! For instance, if your dream is to become a doctor, perhaps you could volunteer at a local hospital. Or if you want to become a veterinarian, you could volunteer at a pet shelter or rescue home. Volunteering doesn’t have to be dreaded, as long as you volunteer for something you’re truly passionate about!

Why should I volunteer?

Now, why should you even care about volunteering? First off, it’s fun and allows you to socialize! Volunteering lets you connect with numerous people outside of school. You’ll be meeting many professionals, as well as students with the same interests as yours! And secondly, it’s nice to know that you’re helping out. This can improve your self-esteem, and improve your overall mental health.

And finally, here’s a reason that most of you already know: many high schools in the United States have requirements for graduating, and these may be for around 40-50 hours of volunteering throughout high school. Now, that may seem like a lot, but in reality, it’s only around 8-10 days of volunteering for 5 hours each day. And if you’re volunteering in an area you’re interested in, this should be no problem!

Benefits of Volunteering:

Here are a couple benefits of volunteering that’ll convince you to start helping out in your community!

· Improved self-esteem

· Better overall mental health

· Meeting new people and acquiring connections

· It counts as an extracurricular activity

· It can help you learn more about careers you may want to pursue

· Gain real-life experience working in a particular field

How do I get started?

Let’s say that it’s August of your senior year (12th grade), and you’re worried that you have no record of volunteering in high school. Don’t worry! It’s very easy to start volunteering in your community.

First, look at local community websites. Check out your community center’s Facebook page to see if there are any volunteering activities you could get involved with. Call your local hospital to see if there are any openings for student volunteers. Try to explore various opportunities in your community.

Now, you’re probably wondering why I’m recommending for you to go outside during a pandemic. Now, the previous options are for those living in a so called normal world, where there’s no global pandemic going on. However, I understand that it’s 2021 (at the time of writing). Life has changed drastically, and the situation has certainly taken a toll on all of us high schoolers. You’re probably wondering how to perform activities you’re passionate about, especially since everything (well, mostly everything) is closed down.

If you’re looking for online volunteering opportunities, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered (at least in terms of volunteering 😊). Scroll below for various activities you could perform online!

Online Volunteering Opportunities

Here a couple of different websites linking volunteer opportunities for those of you wanting to get started as a volunteer. Make sure to check out various sources and make sure they’re credible before you apply.

Note – Please understand that due to COVID-19, many online volunteering programs are either full or on hold. Try to keep searching for opportunities, and don’t let this discourage you!

10 Virtual Volunteer Ideas for Teens by We are Teachers: https://www.weareteachers.com/national-volunteer-week-teens/

8 volunteer opportunities for teens in 2020 by DoSomething.org: https://www.dosomething.org/us/articles/volunteer-opportunities-for-teens

20 Online Community Service Ideas for High Schoolers by College Vine: https://blog.collegevine.com/online-community-service-for-high-schoolers/

Virtual Volunteer opportunities for high school students by College Transition: https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/virtual-volunteer-opportunities-for-high-school-students/

Virtual Volunteer Opportunities You Can Do From Home by The Real Deal: https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/virtual-volunteer-opportunities.html

Even if you aren’t planning on volunteering during your time in high school, I still recommend that you check these out. These are also technically virtual extracurricular activities you could do! Who knows, you may even discover a new passion!

I hope you all find the information I’ve provided and these resources useful in your search for volunteering options!

Until next time, bye!

P.S. - I'm sure you've heard the famous line "I volunteer!" from the Hunger Games ;)