Finding a meaningful volunteer job isn’t just good for your soul and community; these jobs can also help you figure out what you want in a career. In addition to learning about areas of need in your community, arts and cultural organizations, educational programs, or even more about your religious community, you’ll also learn about how work, well, works. You may get experience leading or working as part of a team or you may learn what it’s like to serve customers and clients. These jobs can help you think about the things you might like in a career, and possibly about what you’d like to avoid.
Find volunteer opportunities in your area.
- Talk to your family, teachers, or your school counselor to see if they know of any organizations where you might enjoy volunteering
- Visit the website for the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism (Serve Idaho) to search for volunteer opportunities statewide
- Visit the United Way website for your region. Nonprofit organizations can list their volunteer positions on these pages:
- District 1 (Panhandle – UW North Idaho)
- District 2 (Central – UW Twin County United Way, Lewiston)
- District 3 (Southwest – UW Treasure Valley)
- District 4 (Central – UW Treasure Valley)
- District 5 (South Central – Volunteer Match)
- District 6 (Southeastern – UW SE Idaho)
- District 7 (Eastern – UW SE Idaho)
Consider this.
When you’re looking for volunteer jobs, remember that they take time and dedication, just like a real job. Be sure to pick one you are interested in and can commit to while still leaving plenty of time for studying and any other activities you have planned.
Remember that colleges, universities, and scholarship funders look at your extracurricular activities in addition to your academic performance when they’re making decisions. Putting in a little extra effort by volunteering for a nonprofit might help you get into school or open a door to a scholarship opportunity.