Volunteering-Where Does One Find Good Opportunities?

[JNAProductions]

See thread title.

For a little more details, my parents are kinda on me about not doing enough to help out, and they'd like me to volunteer. I don't mind helping out, I just don't really know where to go about finding volunteering opportunities.

I'll probably start googling around after posting this, but if anyone could offer some advice, it'd be much appreciated. Especially if anyone knows how to find how I could do things like reading for the blind-I enjoy reading, I enjoy directly helping people, and I have a good voice. That'd be something I'd really enjoy doing.

[Tvtyrant]

Local soup kitchen/meals on wheels/food drive.
Library.
Local youth hostel.
Any church has charity programs.

[Peelee]

Hospitals, local science museums, and soup kitchens, off the top of my head.

[LordEntrails]

As others have said, just check out the places near you that sound interesting. Many places like children's hospitals, food banks, nursing homes, etc will have things on their websites about volunteering or getting involved. If they don't you can always call and ask to speak to someone like an outreach coordinator ot activities director.

As you can imagine, find something you like. There are so many places that need volunteers, you can be a little picky :)

Edit: Some other ideas; animal shelters, churches, paralympics, volunteermatch.org, justserve.org,

[Scarlet Knight]

Besides all the very needed places mentioned, there are non-charitable volunteer opportunities. Often local opera houses and theatre companies need chorus members if you have a good enough voice or extras if you don't.

Also, local environmental groups always need help.

[ve4grm]

If you like the idea of reading for the blind (or children, or special needs folks who have difficulties reading, etc) then definitely check the local library. More than googling, I'd advise going down in person.

I don't remember how old you are? But if you're with your parents, I assume you're a high school or university student? Check your student societies, school clubs, or even some of the better fraternities. Many of them do volunteering on occasion, and probably have contacts to get you in for a more permanent thing if you want.

[The Fury]

I've enjoyed working for Habitat for Humanity, they probably have a local chapter in your area. Maybe even a ReStore.

I've not worked with them personally, but I'm told The American Red Cross is a good organization to volunteer with as well.

[Insane Jeenyus]

I volunteer at my local VA hospital. They have work for people of all ages of 16 and above.

Now just to give a heads up, a VA hospital being a federal institution requires you to be drug free and be able to pass an FBI check.

also, You do not need to be a vet or military affiliated to volunteer there.

[JNAProductions]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I'll definitely be looking into some of the stuff mentioned.

[The Fury]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I'll definitely be looking into some of the stuff mentioned.

Oh yeah, you bet. Let us know how it turns out!