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How-to guides: How do I volunteer?
Always wanted to volunteer but not quite sure where to start? Well, help is at hand… this is your one-stop guide to get you on the right track, whether you are looking to share a specific skill, enthuse with others or give a little of your precious time to make a meaningful contribution to the community. Packed with brilliant ideas for voluntary work, plus everything you need to know to get involved.  
Essential reading
These articles, written for us by online volunteer Kudaza Bibi in London, explain the different aspects of volunteering and equip you with the basic tools to get started as a volunteer.

When the boss volunteers you 
A reader asked: My boss is active with a community organization and often sends requests to me and my direct reports for volunteers at daytime and evening events sponsored by the organization. What should I do?  Read article
Getting started 
Whether it is your time or expertise, it is important to decide what it is that you can offer. Even if you think you don’t have any specific skill to offer, remember that many volunteering jobs involve just being there to talk to someone or an extra pair of hands.  Read article
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Finding the right opportunity 
There are lots of volunteering opportunities available but it’s important that you find the one that suits you best. It is a good idea to approach your volunteer search like you would a normal job search.  Read article
  Read comments  [ 20 comments ]
Ever considered online volunteering? 
If you have access to a computer and the Internet coupled with the right skills then you should consider volunteering online. Online volunteering is perfect if you have limited time or no transportation, and also opens up exciting opportunities for disabled volunteers.   Read article
  Read comments  [ 1 comment ]
Volunteering explained 
Volunteering is the commitment of time and energy - in an activity that involves spending time, without financial reward, doing something that aims to benefit the community, the environment or individuals outside one's immediate family.     Read article
Benefits of volunteering 
Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community. But did you know that it can have many benefits for you too? Here are some reasons to volunteer.  Read article
  Read comments  [ 2 comments ]
Additional resources
15 April 2008
 Tips on volunteering overseas by Emily Green
If you've thought of spending some time doing volunteer work or teaching overseas, your twenties may be the time to pursue it. For many, the age offers a unique period of financial and personal independence.  Read article
  Read comments  [ 7 comments ]
11 September 2007
 Volunteering in Bolivia: From the rooftop of the world to the jungles of Amazonia by Geoffrey Groesbeck
Volunteerism is a long-standing tradition in Bolivia, with more than 300 organizations working with volunteers.  Author Geoffrey Groesbeck briefly outlines volunteers' contribution to Bolivia's development and provides some links on finding volunteering opportunities within the country.  Read article
20 August 2007
 Volunteer: A Traveller's Guide 
Lonely Planet "Volunteer: A Travellers' Guide" cover
Travel information company Lonely Planet recently launched a volunteering handbook,"Volunteer: A Travellers Guide to Making a Difference Around the World".   Read article
16 April 2007
 So, you want to volunteer 
Consider these tips wisely before volunteering, from the USA Freedom Corps.   Read article
From: USA Freedom Corps
  Read comments  [ 2 comments ]
12 March 2007
 Have you taken a volunteer vacation? by Stacy A. Teicher
It's not just college students, and not just for one week in March: Whole families, retired couples, and single thirty-somethings are using their vacation time to volunteer. The Christian Science Monitor has compiled web resources and stories to help you make your vacation more meaningful.  Read article
From: Christian Science Monitor

 

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Other ways to help

If you have...
If you have 5 minutes
You could give blood  

If you have 1 hour
You could help at a soup kitchen  

If you have 5 hours
You could clean up a park  

If you have 5 days
You could build animal shelters through local schemes  

If you have 1 month
You could raise funds and awareness for a human rights organization

If you have 1 year
You  teach children at an orphanage in Thailand

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