So, you want to get involved in your community and make a difference, but you’re unsure where to start. Plenty of causes you care about and important nonprofits are working to change the world, but how can you find the right one for you?
While it might seem simple, choosing a nonprofit organization to volunteer with can be challenging. There are so many options to choose from, it might become overwhelming. Even if you care about a cause, how can you ensure you’re a good fit for the position? Here are some ideas to help you find the right fit for volunteering.
Court Appoint Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to help children in need. In Nebraska, our CASA volunteers range in age, race, and personal/professional backgrounds. Anyone who cares about foster children in Nebraska can become a CASA.
Find your passion.
The first—and most important—step to finding your fit for volunteering is to make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. There are a variety of worthy causes out there, but if you work with something you don’t genuinely care about, you will waste both your and the charity’s time. Make a list of groups, causes, and issues that elicit a strong emotional response in you. For instance, perhaps you care a lot about the elderly because you were close to your grandmother. Or, you love donating blood because you have a rare blood type. Write down the things you care about to evaluate your passions.
Are you passionate about helping children? Being a CASA volunteer is a rewarding role that helps change the lives of the foster children we serve and enriches the CASA's own life.
Consider your skills.
Next, consider what skills you have to offer in a volunteer position. Just because you have a passion for the cause doesn’t necessarily mean you would work well there. Nonprofit organizations want volunteers at their best, so evaluate what you’re good at and how to use it in a volunteer role. For example, maybe you don’t love working with people, but you’re great with numbers so that you could help with financial services. Or, maybe you’re great at projects around the house and could offer free services to fix up their building. Whatever your strengths are, you can leverage them to support a cause you care about.
CASA volunteers are armed with compassion, are good with children, and are willing and able to meet with the child's teachers, doctors, and other caregivers to support the child during times of instability and fear. You don't need any specific skills to be a CASA, other than a commitment to help children within your community.
Ask around.
Once you’ve identified what you love and are good at, it’s time to investigate charities to work with. Of course, where’s the easiest place to start? With your family and friends! Ask the people around you to see if they know any nonprofits with valuable causes that could use extra hands. If you’re unsure, ask those closest to you where they could see you volunteering. Sometimes, an outside perspective is the best one we can gain in our lives, so ask where your loved ones think you should volunteer.
Search online.
There are a variety of online databases available for people interested in volunteering. Sites like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and HandsOn Network all have networks of organizations in need and volunteer positions available. Go to the site, type in your location and what you’re interested in, and surprise! You have a complete list of nonprofits in your area looking for volunteers like you. Give it a try to start you off on the right foot as you continue to pursue a valuable volunteer match.
Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer in Nebraska. Learn more about volunteering at Nebraska CASA.
Start small.
When you have connected with a charity, be sure to start small. You might not want to dive in right away. Instead, it’s perfectly fine to take some time to get your feet wet. Volunteer when and where possible, and see how you enjoy working with the organization. Once you feel more comfortable or confident in volunteering, you will have plenty of opportunities to get more involved. And, of course, organize your time well and avoid volunteer burnout.
Finding a cause to volunteer with can be challenging. As you explore the nonprofit arena and search for the right fit, please consider changing a child's life by becoming a CASA today.
