Volunteering is a great way to feel a sense of purpose and connect with your community. You can find all sorts of ways to help out and find a meaningful cause that resonates with your values. Need some inspiration? Check out these five ideas to volunteer and give back.
Protect the Environment If saving the planet is your top cause, plenty of organizations out there could use your help. Look for green volunteering opportunities in your community. You may want to join a local co-op or community garden, to support local farming. United Planet also accepts short and long term volunteers to support wildlife conservation and ecological projects around the world. Volunteer to Help Animals Animal lovers can find plenty of volunteer opportunities no matter where you live. The SPCA is a global animal rescue organization. You can start by signing petitions for causes that resonate with you. Or, take the heroic step of pet adoption and give an animal a forever home. Organizations like the SPCA also accept volunteers at their shelters or donations. Support the Arts People of all ages thrive through creative activities and supporting arts in your community can make a huge positive impact. Art in Action accepts volunteers to help bring arts education to school children. You can volunteer at all levels, from packing art supplies to joining up with volunteers in your community to organize an arts education event. Help at a Food Bank Food banks are always looking for willing volunteers to help feed the hungry. Feeding America, for example, looks for help sorting and packing, delivering, and distributing food. Celebrity Chef, Jose Andres, runs World Central Kitchen, an organization that provides food relief around the world. Their volunteer corps is made up of people with cooking experience or with vehicles to help deliver fresh meals to those who need it the most. Help Displaced People Around the World The United Nations defines refugees as “people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country.” It’s difficult to imagine the hardships of people forced to leave their homes, but you can always find opportunities to help. The International Rescue Committee organizes volunteer programs to help displaced people worldwide. They look for people from all walks of life, from accountants and teachers to humanitarian interns. They even accept remote positions to provide support.
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