How To Do Volunteer Work For A Non-Profit

Volunteering for a non-profit is a great thing to do. It gets you out of the house, you meet people, you make friends, you learn something, and you help others. Many people though don't know how to volunteer for a non-profit, so here are some quick steps to help you.

1. Look for non-profits in your area. If you don't already have a non-profit in mind, look in the telephone book or go on the internet to find non-profits in the area you're interested in. So for instance, if you might want to volunteer at an animal shelter then search for those. A children's charity? Search for those. Make a list of four or five non-profits that sound interesting to you.

2. Call the non-profits you're interested in. Once you have your list, pick up the phone and call the non-profits you like. Ask them about their volunteer opportunities. How often do they need people? What would the duties be? Do they have weekend and evening volunteer opportunities or only during the weekdays? Do you have to have special skills? What kind of commitment do they expect - two months? Six months? A year?Do they have volunteer opportunities just for a day now and again?

3. Make an appointment. When you've found a non-profit you like the sound of, make an appointment with them to go down and sign up to volunteer. You will probably meet either with the Volunteer Manager or the Director of Development. Make sure you dress professionally and arrive on time. First impressions are important.

4. Complete the application form. When you meet with the non-profit representative, he or she will probably ask you to complete a volunteer application form first.So make sure you take information with you on relevant work experience, names and addresses of your references etc.