What are the best ways to find and connect with community organizations that need volunteers?

Consider what you are passionate about or what fills your heart. Look at the time commitment, training etc. take a look at their offerings. Volunteering adds value to your life. As a previous manager of volunteer services in hospice I would tell my volunteers give me an hour and I can change your life. I truly meant that statement. Patients need commitment so be sure you can commit, days hours etc. If you can’t fully commit ask if they have short term opportunities.

A couple of years ago, I was a volunteer coordinator mobilizing members to participate in volunteering at worthy charities in Wake County, NC. I asked a refugee services organization, Refugee Hope Partners (RHP) how we could uniquely help them. We ended up hosting a 5K fundraiser to raise funds for a mentoring program "Bridge" that links young professionals with refugee High School Juniors and Seniors, and each professional mentors their student through all those transitions until the end of their Freshman year of University, or vocational training as appropriate. The race has become an annual fixture of the community in Raleigh, and it started from a question: how can we uniquely help you?

In my experience giving back is not complicated but it requires time. Giving back doesn’t always begin with labor or passion it begins with the commitment to the cause. Do you want kids to read? Do want to help the homeless? They often don’t live in your time frames. Grocery shopping may take 2 buses and 4 hours. Are you ready to give up time to commit to outreach.

The United Way serving your community is a great resource for volunteerism. Not only do they offer volunteer opportunities themselves but they have a working knowledge of their partner agencies who are working to address the needs of your neighbors. Those agencies rely heavily on volunteerism to carry out their missions.

Laid off? Wouldn't it be great if you could donate this time between jobs to solve some real-world problem that you really care about, using your expert skills? Your pro assistance can be a game changer for a promising nonprofit organization who lacks deep pockets. Giving back feeds the soul. Watching your donated work blossom into real impact is deeply fulfilling. Stepping out of your comfort zone can bring unexpected personal growth or professional development. It could be the key to unlocking new meaning, a new calling, or a new adventure. So, when you're ready to roll up your sleeves, reach out to TheBOOM.org or another nonprofit of your choice. Invest your skills in the betterment of our world.

In my experience, the absolute best way to find community organizations and find great volunteers is to join your local Chamber of Commerce! Our small non-profit has become a big player in our community. In turn, with our partnerships we have received over $120,000 in grants and donations in the last year to help our organization grow. Local businesses helping the community thrive and having fun together!

I spent 25 years in the Chamber of Commerce business in Iowa Nebraska and Kansas. A local Chamber of Commerce is it terrific way to get involved and help your community.