You can decide to volunteer for few days to many weeks. It all depends on what best suits you. Many platforms and websites provide you the opportunity to volunteer both locally and internationally. Before signing up for a volunteer opportunity, ensure you find something you are passionate about doing. Knowing your passion will help you choose the right platform to register as a volunteer. Websites like New York Cares provide daily volunteer opportunities for interested individuals. Another good place to begin your search for a volunteer opportunity in New York is the official NYC Services website. There are hundreds of openings to volunteer. Just go for what best suits your passion.
Why Volunteer in New York?
Volunteering allows you to offer your effort and time in serving others without any reward or financial compensation. Volunteering is simply a way to contribute to the community. In most cases, you volunteer with a non-profit organization. There are several non-profit organizations today that require the assistance of volunteers to accomplish their daily task and keep operating for a long time. It would be difficult for many non-profit organizations to be able to carry out their task without volunteers. There is no doubt that one person alone cannot affect the change the world desires. However, when people work together, better results are achieved. Volunteering remains one of the positive forces that contribute to international and local development. There is no better way to effect a change than offering your time, finances, expertise, and resources in assisting others. When you undertake services for others, you are also volunteering to develop your wellbeing. There is no payment for working as a volunteer in New York. However, many benefits come with volunteering. Giving your time, knowledge, and in some cases, your finances to society can be rewarding to you and the beneficiaries as well. Volunteering in New York can be a memorable experience for you and a life-changing opportunity for the recipients. Have you ever thought of volunteering, or you’re still looking for reasons to do so? Below are some of the reasons to help you make up your mind about becoming a volunteer in New York.
#1. Volunteering Will Expose You To New Friends And Help You Grow Your Community
There is no doubt that the best way to grow as an individual is by connecting with people of similar goals and purposes. Volunteering will allow will provide the opportunity to mingle with strangers and form bonds that can affect your life positively. Volunteering is a way of contributing to the life of others. The positive effect of volunteering is the development of a better positive interaction with people. Volunteering brings people from different backgrounds who share the same set of values. Besides shared values like showing concern for children and women, healthy diet, healthier living condition, and further projects you come together to work on, volunteers also bring together people who share the following values:
People who are passionate about community developmentEnthusiasm to serve outside their comfort zonePeople who love to participate in group activitiesPeople with the desire to improve the health of others
No matter who you are, volunteering is an opportunity to meet people of like-minds. It will help you develop a sense of belonging and meaning in life. Volunteering is one way to grow and sustain a better support system. The bond from volunteering does not only stop at the level of community development. It can extend into other forms of relationships.
#2. Expand Your Knowledge About Others and Their Way of Life
In many instances, volunteering takes people to a new part of the town they have not been to before. Therefore, it is an opportunity to draw closer to people you may not have the privilege to meet. It also allows you the opportunity to meet with people from different professions. The experience can help you understand the way of life of others who do not share the same background as you. Volunteering will help you understand how to deal with different types of people and improve your social skills. It will help you develop a better worldview and understanding of other people’s issues. Also, it will help you develop essential social skills like collaboration and compassion.
#3. Volunteering Can Increase Your Happiness Through The Realization of Greater Self Purpose
We all love to live a happy life, and becoming happy requires finding purpose in life. According to research, volunteering is one way to experience a true sense of belonging. Therefore, the feeling of happiness can stem from volunteering. As human beings, we endeavor to improve our social skills and become experts in our daily personal accomplishments. When we use these skills to achieve an even greater goal can be more satisfactory. Volunteering can fuel your motivation towards achieving more because it helps you find a purpose for your actions. According to studies, building connections during your time as a volunteer can create a feeling of satisfaction and happiness in you. The consciousness that you are giving back for community purpose can be satisfying. Volunteering will also help you deal with emotional issues like irritation, nervousness, and sadness.
#4. Volunteering Has The Ability to Boost Your Self-Assurance
One way to increase your self-assurance is through volunteering at different services. The better time you put into learning new services and acquiring knowledge, the better person you become. Serving others remains a viable way to advance your skills and ability. When you serve as a volunteer, it will help you build a sense of pride and increase your level of self-assurance. Volunteering is a form of self-challenge that earns you the gratitude of strangers. Emotionally, volunteering can make you feel better and happier as a person. Volunteering keeps you away from negative thoughts because you focus more on contributing in positive ways to others.
#5. Move to the Next Level of Your Career By Expanding Your Abilities
Volunteering provides you with a new set of skills that can be essential to building your career. If you wish to change your career to one that focuses more on the environment or society, becoming a volunteer can be your best way to gain the essential skills for your new career path. Including the time you served as a volunteer to your resume can give your CV an edge above others. It simply tells your potential employer that you have the time to give back to society. Volunteering makes people better aware of their passion, willpower, and personality. Volunteers give people a positive view about your love for contributing to society and your desire to pursue even bigger goals. Volunteering proves that you are willing to work towards global change. Thus, it can be the difference between you and the others when seeking a job. Volunteering can also provide you with a clearer understanding of the field you are working in and discover the lapses in that area. The knowledge you acquire from volunteering can equip you for new spheres of endeavor. If you have an interest in entrepreneurship, volunteering can prepare you for a new business line. It can also inspire you to delve into the area of the non-profit organization.
#6. Volunteering Has Some Health Benefits
Volunteering has some health implications, and it is a way to deal with anxiety. Reducing stress has a lot of positive health effects on our body, some of which includes:
Better night sleepReduces your chances of chronic heart diseasesReduces your chances of falling seriously ill
Giving our attention to others helps us to think less of our problems. Volunteering helps people to cultivate a profounder sense of gratitude. It can also be a way to release yourself from the irritations your feel about some issues. Are you worried about the harmful effect of plastic waste on the environment? Take action.
#7. Serving as a Volunteer have positive Implications On the Function of Your Brain
When you sign up as a volunteer, you get new challenges to accomplish. Therefore, it is a profound way to challenge yourself, thereby engaging your brain more positively. In many ways, volunteering can have positive impacts on your skill development. It will also improve your memory retention ability and reduces the risk of age-related memory loss. Therefore, volunteering is something everyone should consider once in a while.
How To Begin Your Journey as a Volunteer in New York
There are many opportunities for those who wish to begin their volunteer journey in New York. You can volunteer in climate change and assist in planting new trees along the city park. Also, you can become a volunteer Ambassador Member Chinatown-Manhattan and lend a hand in the fight against racial abuse. You can also sign up to help homeless victims of COVID-19. Below is a selection of volunteer opportunities available in different parts of the city:
Help with the delivery of meals to the elderlyProvide support and care for teen mumsAttend training and assist survivors of sex traffickingAssist in high school mentoring programsVolunteer as a homework and tutoring assistanceVolunteer in relieving taxes for homeless neighborsServe as coach and guide to new and expectant momsVolunteer as a translatorServe as a teacher in Rikers Island Volunteer with the American Red Cross Society Greater New York RegionVolunteer in the Cultivate 30,000+ Acres Of CityParticipate in the 10th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep Volunteer in the sorting and final selection of donated items in The BronxVolunteer as a Spanish speaker (Suitable for those who speak Spanish)Ambassador Member Chinatown-ManhattanSign up as a virtual class teacher volunteerVolunteer as a Remote ESL Teacher in Brooklyn
The opportunities are endless, and you can expand your list of available volunteer opportunities. However, before you settle for an opening, ensure that it is a position you are passionate about occupying.
How To Find Volunteering Opportunities In New York
There are numerous opportunities available in New York to become a volunteer. They include sports, politics, health care and mental wellness, and early days childhood development. Below are a few tips that can help you if you want to become a volunteer.
Decide what your interest areas are and search for organizations offering the same opportunity online. Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities. Before signing up with an organization for a volunteer opportunity, it is essential to ask vital questions.Visit verified sites like NYC Service and Volunteer New York to begin your search. You might find an opportunity that interests you. Also, visit other sites that offer volunteer opportunities to search for openings.You can verify with your local community center for any available openings. You can also visit senior centers, non-profit organizations, and libraries, they usually have volunteer openings.
List Of 17 Best Volunteering Opportunities In New York In 2022
If you are looking for the right opportunity to volunteer in New York, below are 17 opportunities to volunteer in New York.
#1. Help With The Delivery Of Meals To The Elderly
Location: Corona, Queens Citymeals on Wheel is dedicated her time to provide nutritional meals and company to New York’s elderly population. Volunteers have to deliver food to these elderly ones every Monday and Wednesday by 9 am. Note that the days and times are subject to change. The position is suitable for:
Anyone with a carGroups who love to assist the elderlyFamilies who love to care for the elderly
Duration of Volunteer: Mondays and Wednesdays 9 am Activities: Deliver food to the elderly community in Corona, Queens. Volunteers will also assist in taking care of communities in need. Stats: Open Mondays and Wednesdays check the link for more info about the opportunity.
#2. Provide Childcare For Teen Mums Attending Bible Study
Location: Queens Sign up with YoungLives, a Christian non-profit organization, and assist teen moms by providing support and encouragement. One of the duties of YoungLives is to equip young moms with the skills they need as parents. They also assist in providing childcare services for their children. The program aims to reduce the rate of dropout of teen mothers in NYC. At YoungLives, sharing the love of Christ is at the heart of their training. The position is suitable for:
Individuals with a passion for childrenFamilies with experience in childcare and teen mom welfareGroups who love to be with children
Duration of volunteering: (Non-Specified) Activities: Assisting in childcare during in-person events. Ensure that the children of teen moms are well taken care of when during bible study hours. The duties include playing with children, feeding and hugging them to enable their moms to concentrate on parenting studies. Stats: visit the link to request more information about the status of this volunteer opportunity.
#3. Attend Training And Assist Survivors Of Sex Trafficking
Location: The West Side, The East Side Volunteer with Restore NYC, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to survivors of trafficking. They provide all-around services such as counseling, safe jobs, and housing for victims of trafficking. Restore NYC focuses on providing support for mainly women and immigrants. To become a volunteer with Restore NYC, interested applicants must first attend a training/orientation session. Suitable individual for the position include:
Individuals (must be over 18 years)Groups
Duration of volunteering: Visit the official website of Restore NYC for more information about volunteer duration. Activities: Volunteers will be saddled with the responsibility of counseling, and providing emotional support to victims of trafficking. Volunteers will help these individuals restore trust in humanity, and build new relationships. In the end, victims will be ready to reintegrate into society. Stats: volunteer training resumes this fall 2022. Restore NYC will provide the date for interested applicants. You can click here to keep track of the date.
#4. Assist In High School Mentoring Programs
Location: The Bronx A House On Beekman is a non-profit organization that provides series of educational mentoring programs. The organization is throwing its doors open to volunteers for its High School Mentoring Program. Interested individuals can sign up on the official website of the organization. Suitable individuals for the position include:
Individuals who are passionate about tutoring and providing guidance
Duration of volunteering: Volunteer opportunity is open every Saturdays Activities: Volunteers will assist in group activities and organize one-on-one mentoring for their mentees. They will also have the opportunity to serve underprivileged communities, children, and youths with a passion for education. Stats: Due to COVID-19, A House on Beekman is no longer accepting new volunteers. However, you can show your interest by sending a message to the organization’s official e-mail. Visit the official website for more information about volunteering and other programs.
#5. Volunteer As A Homework And Tutoring Assistance
Location: Queens Hillside Centre for Education needs assistance from volunteers to service areas like the Jamaican community, New York. If you are interested in contributing to the growth of underprivileged communities, you are welcome to sign up as a volunteer with Hillside Centre for Education. The program targets to support migrants and break down the barriers between them and society. You can also assist the program by making cash donations. To be eligible for a volunteer position, you will provide:
Two referees,Pass an interviewAttend the organization’s online orientation.
Volunteering opportunity is open to:
All individual ready to assist as tutoring and homework assistants
Duration: Not Specified Activities: Volunteers are responsible for organizing English classes, serve as mentors both physically and virtually and help the beneficiaries build better relationships with people. Stats: Volunteering opportunity is open weekly to interested individuals. Visit the official website and get involved in the program.
#6. Volunteer In Relieving Taxes For Homeless Neighbours
Location: Downtown City Relief is looking for volunteers to sign up with their non-profit organization. One of the requirements for volunteering is a basic knowledge of how the IRS website works. An experience in tax filing and helping others file their taxes is also necessary. City Relief provides training materials from the Legal Aid Society as a preparation guide for all volunteers. The volunteer opportunity is suitable for:
Individuals with experience in tax remittance16+ during the time of application and no more than 65 years
Duration: 3 hours daily (from 11 am to 1 pm). In some cases, volunteers may serve for up to 4 hours. Activities: City Relief aims to show love and care for others. Therefore, volunteers can offer activities like cleaning the spaces, serving soup, and praying with people. The volunteer will assist in organizing outreach and supporting people with tax issues. City Relief ensures that all-volunteer receives the support they require via a thorough briefing. Stats: Open January 1st to December 31st, 2022. You can visit the official website and check the volunteer calendar for a suitable date to resume.
#7. Serve As Coach And Guide To New And Expectant Families
Location: To be decided between the mentor and the individual Under the Expect Hope mentoring program for new and expectant families, there are many ways you can volunteer. Visit the official website to find the different ways and select what best suits you. The organization focuses on demonstrating Christ-centered love and fostering family unity. The opportunity is suitable for:
Individuals with a sound Christian background and sound knowledge of the religion
Duration: Depending on the position, at least 1 hour per week. Activities: the activities differ according to the volunteer position. Visit the official volunteer page of Expect Hope to see the available volunteer positions. Stats: Sign up with Expect Hope to see available positions and opening dates.
#8. Volunteer As A Translator
Location: Brooklyn Recovery House of Worship Brooklyn helps to give hope to hurting people by creating the environments for them to heal. The organization is devoted to equipping people with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Recovery House of Worship Brooklyn is opening its doors to volunteers who can act as translators to help them serve the people better. The volunteer position is open:
Individuals who understand Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin and are willing to serve as translatorsGroups who are willing to help in the distribution of food itemsFamilies who are passionate about assisting people in pain
Duration: Volunteers resume work from Saturday morning and last as long as the service requires. Activities: include sharing the good news about Christ to homeless communities and providing them with physical aid. Other activities are packing and sorting gift items for the needy. Volunteers will also be responsible for sharing meals to the needy as part of the organization’s goal. Stats: find out about the availability and stats of the program via the following link.
#9. Serve As A Teacher In Rikers Island
Location: The Bronx Prison Fellowship is organizing a 12-week intensive program for the occupants of Riker’s Island. The organization aims to lecture people (especially men) who are working towards becoming better individuals. Some of the issues the organization hopes to address include relationships, addictions, substance abuse, and issues relating to crime. Eligible volunteer includes:
Individuals who have completed the online Prison Fellowship applicationPeople with the ability to transform others are also suitable candidates for the position
Duration: May vary as the need requires. Verify from the organization about the schedule. Activities: to become eligible for the volunteer position, applicants must fill an online Prison Fellowship form. A Prison Fellowship staff will contact all successful volunteer applicants. The next step is interview and training for successful applicants. The duty of the applicants includes intensive weekly tutoring from Monday to Friday. Stats: visit the affiliate link for more information about the program and times of openings.
#10. Volunteer With The American Red Cross Society Greater New York Region
Location: Greater New York Region There is no better way to give back to society than serve humanity in times of need. The American Red Cross Society provides an opportunity for volunteers to make a difference through impacting lives in the face of difficult situations. The pillars of the Red Cross Society include:
CompassionCommitmentCredibilityCreativityCollaboration
Under the Red Cross Society volunteer program, there are different volunteer opportunities. A recruiter will help you decide on a suitable volunteer opportunity for you. The Red Cross Society relies on the services of volunteers to carry out up to 90% of her duties. Take that big step today by signing up as a volunteer with the American New York Society, Greater New York Region. Suitable individuals for this position must be:
At least 18 years old to be eligible to applyYouth volunteers under 18 should contact local authorities for information
Duration: as little as 4 hours per week and over 40 hours per week. The duration depends on how much time a volunteer is willing to spare. Activities: the activities of the Red Cross Society vary, ranging from managing patients in crisis zone to volunteering from home. Visit the official website of the Red Cross Society for more information about the organization’s activities. Stats: Volunteer opportunity with the Red Cross Society is usually open all year round. You can start your application today by visiting the official website of the Red Cross Society Greater New York.
#11. Volunteer in the Cultivation of 30,000+ Acres Of City
Location: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan New York city’s department of Parks and Gardens is in charge of city ecology. Part of their responsibilities includes taking care of:
30,000+ acres of the cityMillions of trees 800 athletic fieldsAbout 1000 playgroundsRecreation centersBeaches and pools etc.
Following her 2022 theme, Restore Our Earth, the department has many activities lined up for the 2022 Earth’s day celebration. The department is on the mission to cultivate over 30,000 acres of land. Achieving this goal requires the assistance of volunteers. Therefore, you can sign up with the department to assist in this life-changing project. The volunteer opportunity is suitable for:
IndividualsGroups
Duration of volunteer: One (1) month. Activities: range from tree planting events to garden tours. Volunteers will assist in the planting of new trees at different locations and participate in green infrastructure maintenance. Also, volunteers will participate in the collection of litter. Stats: volunteer opportunity is open from the 17th of April to the 30th of April. Visit the official website of the department for further information about further openings.
#12. Participate in the 10th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep
Location: Hudson The Hudson River Park Trust is in charge of maintaining 400 acres of an estuarine sanctuary established in 1998. The department centers its effort on:
Fish ecology, ensuring good water qualityCleaning shoreline debris, pathogens, and microplastics
In celebration of the 10th annual Riverkeeper Sweep, the organization is opening its doors to volunteers. There is a good number of opportunities to volunteer with Hudson River Park Trust and contribute your quota in creating a safer environment for us. The volunteer opportunity is suitable for:
IndividualsGroups
Duration: One (1) month. Activities: Some of the activities volunteers will engage in include tree planting and shoreline cleaning. Riverkeeper volunteers service over 125 project location sites across New York City. Stats: volunteer opportunity with Hudson River Park Trust is open from the 30th of April 2022 to May 1st, 2022. For future openings and activities, visit the official website for more information.
#13. Volunteer In The Sorting And Final Selection Of Donated Items
Location: The Bronx World Vision is a non-profit organization responsible for taking care of vulnerable populations in New York City. Some of the duties of World Vision include servicing the needs of the people, organizations, and churches under their care. The volunteer opportunity is open to:
Willing individuals who are at least 18 years to volunteerVolunteers under 17 must provide a consent letter from an adult
Duration: Open every Monday from 11 am-3 pm, and 10 am to 2 pm from Tuesday to Fridays. To be eligible as a volunteer, you need to register 24 hours ahead of your date of interest. Activities: involves sorting different kinds of items for final distribution. Therefore, it involves standing for length and lifting boxes of various weights. Volunteers should be able to endure standing and be capable of lifting boxes. A closed-toe shoe is a requirement for the position. The volunteer will help to serve communities in need. Stats: Volunteer opportunity is open from Monday to Friday every week. Visit the affiliate link to request information.
#14. Volunteer as a Spanish Speaker (Suitable For Those Who Understand The Spanish)
Location: Midtown, Queens, The East Side, The West Side, Staten Island, The Bronx, Uptown Brooklyn, Downtown Safe Families for Children is a non-profit organization that provides support for families in crisis. The organization creates a kind of extended support to families in need by connecting them to volunteer families. At the heart of the community, goals are the desire to keep families intact and children safe. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer with Safe Families for Children. Safe Families for Children are offering volunteers opportunities for people who can understand and speak the Spanish language. The volunteer should also be willing to serve as family friends. He or she should also be ready to provide to less privileged families and their children. The position is suitable for:
IndividualsFamiliesGroups
Duration: One (1) hour every week for six months Activities: includes serving communities in need, tutoring, and mentoring children of families in crisis. Volunteers will build relationships with families in need by providing support and encouragement. Volunteers will also assist the families in need with childcare once in a while. Also, volunteers need to go through an approval process before the organization matches them up with suitable families. Stats: Visit the official link for information about the status of this opportunity.
#15. Volunteer with E-girl Power as Ambassador Member, Chinatown-Manhattan
Location: Chinatown-Manhattan E-girl Power is Looking for Volunteer Ambassadors to be a part of championing their course of action. The mission of e-girl power is to stand against racial slurs and hatred towards Asian women of the Chinatown-Manhattan community. The organization also assists in supporting educational activities and youth empowerment. The opportunity is open to:
IndividualsGroups
Duration of volunteer: Visit the official website for further details about the duration Activities: The duty of the volunteer includes planting new floras, ensuring the sidewalk is neat, and clearing off graffiti from the walls. Stats: Visit the website for information about opening dates and opportunities.
#16. Sign Up As A Virtual Class Teacher Volunteer
Location: New York City The Open Door is a Christian non-profit organization. Their core responsibility is bringing immigrants to the knowledge of God. They help immigrants to develop their full God-given abilities and use them for the positive development of society. The Open Door has a mission to lead a new kind of community with different people working together. The organization aims to model a standard of a community. The opportunity is suitable for:
Individuals with a good understanding of the Spanish language Volunteers must be 18 years or over at the time of the application
Duration: Virtual classes Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings. See website for details. Activities: teaching computer and mathematics classes in the Spanish Language. The organization also requires the services of a teacher for English as a Second Language. Suitable volunteers for the position should be able to use the Zoom application proficiently. Stats: Volunteer opportunities available every Tuesday and Thursday. You can visit the affiliate website to request more information about available openings.
#17. Volunteer as a Remote ESL Teacher in Brooklyn
Location: Brooklyn The Brooklyn Arab American Friendship Center is a non-profit organization. They aim to teach the English language (ESL) to Arab and Arab American families. The organization aims to help Arab and Arab American families develop meaningful friendships and overcome cross-cultural barriers. The center has currently opened its doors to volunteers who can teach English as a Second Language to its community. To be eligible for this volunteer position, you must:
Be a member of a local churchComplete a volunteer application form and pass the organization’s interviewVolunteer must be over 24 years to be eligible
Duration: (Not provided) visit the Hope For New York site for more information about the opening. Activities: the activities of the volunteer include tutoring and mentoring Arab-American families. They will also help families build better relationships with others. Other services include rendering professional services as specified by the organization and organizing virtual classes. Stats: Complete volunteer application for further information or send a request via the HFNY website.
Conclusion
Volunteering opportunities in New York is a great opportunity to mingle with the people and relate to New York’s diverse culture and people. It allows you to touch areas of the city you may not be conversant with and build a new network of people. It also allows you to savor the beauty of the cities natural parks. There is no better way to add value to the community than volunteering your energy and time. If you are still sitting on the fence, today is a great opportunity to dive in and become a part of New York City’s development.
References
nycservice.org – Celebrating Ten Years of Service in New York City. (2021). Retrieved from NYC Services: volunteermatch.org – Power, E. (n.d.). Volunteer Ambassador Members- Chinatown Manhattan #StopAAPIHate #StopAsianHate. Retrieved from Volunteer Match: thrillist.com – Reddy, S. (2021, April 12). 15 IRL Ways to Combat Climate Change in NYC: Volunteer opportunities and climate-focused cultural events across all five boroughs for Earth Day and beyond. Retrieved from Thrillist: Rominger, A. (2020, October 16). Why Volunteer? 7 Benefits of Volunteering that Will Inspire You to Take Action. Retrieved from Grow Ensemble: https://growensemble.com/why-volunteer/Volunteer. (n.d.). Retrieved from Expect Hope: https://www.expecthope.org/volunteer/Volunteer. (n.d.). Retrieved from Hope For New York: https://www.hfny.org/volunteer/opportunitiesVolunteer. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Red Cross Society Greater New York Region: https://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/greater-new-york/volunteer.html
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title: “17 Best Volunteering Opportunities In New York In 2022” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-10” author: “Charity Guerrera”
Volunteering is one of the most essential and beneficial activities that we as humans can undertake. This opportunity to contribute our time and talents to children’s welfare will make a significant difference in their lives and the world generally. When a child is going through a tough time, volunteering as a coach, instructor, mentor, or even a friend can give them the help and confidence they need. If you have children, getting them involved early and often will show them the value of volunteering. In addition, volunteerism helps nonprofit organizations accomplish their mission and achieve their objectives. In the meanwhile, this article will cover the best child volunteering opportunities abroad.
Interesting Facts about Volunteering
People who had volunteered in the previous year reported feeling healthier physically, emotionally, and socially, according to a 2018 survey of 1,504 people published in BMC Public Health. Just 55% of nonprofits evaluate volunteer effect (All non-profit organisations should be!). According to a report conducted by The Corporation for National and Community Service, one out of every four Americans volunteers, and two out of every three Americans assists a neighbour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people between the ages of 35 and 54 are the most likely to donate their time. Independent Sector Reports that volunteers are worth $24.14 per hour on average. According to The Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers are almost twice as likely as non-volunteers to contribute to a charity. San Jose, California is ranked first in the nation for hiring millennial volunteers. Volunteering is worth more than $184 billion dollars. Those who volunteer on a regular basis have a 27 percent greater chance of finding work. If you’re ready to volunteer with children or are considering a career working with children, the following guide will help you get started.
What is the Goal of Child Volunteering?
There are great incentives for the volunteer, student, and school, just as there are for any form of volunteering. Volunteers may add valuable experience to their resumes besides intangible incentives. Volunteers who travel to assist may be exposed to a new culture and language. Volunteering in schools will serve as an alternative teaching guide for students and help fill the void left by local teachers. For both students and volunteers, cultural and language exchange during teaching and other school events may be the most important learning experience.
Why Child Volunteering? Benefits of Child Volunteering.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi Whoever you are and however you choose to volunteer, you’ll be part of a supportive community coming together to transform children’s lives if you chose to volunteer for children causes When it comes to physical health, the benefits of child volunteering are many. Here are just a few: Physical exercise is a natural part of many volunteer opportunities. Consider planting trees, raising funds by walking or running, or coaching a kids’ soccer team. According to a Carnegie Mellon University report, reducing stress, which is an advantage of volunteering, can also lower your blood pressure. According to research, losing weight can be a positive side effect of volunteering, especially for young people. Reversing a sedentary lifestyle is often beneficial to one’s wellbeing. Visiting a child welfare center or packing food at a food bank forces you to get off the sofa. Many volunteers invite anyone close to them to join them in their efforts. This will help others in their circle reap the health benefits of volunteering while also deepening a friendship. Read: 17 Best Volunteering Opportunities In New York In 2022
Mental Health Advantages of Volunteering
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller When people are feeling down or lonely, volunteering might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, studies suggest that volunteering can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. Here are a couple of examples: Volunteering with others can help to ease feelings of isolation, sadness, and anger. According to the Harvard Health website, the volunteer both relies on others and enhances their social network. Volunteering on a scheduled basis gives structure when life is without motivation. According to this volunteer, it gave her a clear reason to “get up off the couch”. Volunteering outside has its own set of benefits, according to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Time spent in nature can reduce stress and anxiety and improves mood, studies show. Volunteering in any area gives people a sense of self-worth and achievement, indicate major studies like this one from the U.K.
How can I Find Opportunities to Volunteer with Children?
There are hundreds of thousands of nonprofit organisations dedicated to childhood development around the world. Here are some pointers to help you start looking for the right volunteer opportunity for you: Visit websites like VolunteerMatch or Idealist and see if posted volunteer opportunities might be right for you. Contact your local community centers, nonprofit organizations, senior centers, or libraries to find out if they are in need of volunteers. They usually are! VOLUNTEERING AND COVID-19 Keep in mind that, because of the pandemic and the restrictions placed in place to help stop the virus’s spread, some volunteering opportunities might be unavailable, and travel abroad may be restricted. Check with the organization that you want to volunteer with to see what opportunities are currently available.
10 Best Opportunities to Volunteer with Children in 2022
#1. Help at a children’s centre with Action for Children
Program description
Action for Children helps 370,000 babies, children and families across the UK. The charity’s aim is to give children and young people the practical and emotional support they need to help them succeed. The charity works with disabled children and their families, young carers, teenage mothers, and those in the care system.
Volunteer activities
There are a number of ways that volunteers can get involved; one of the easiest ways is to assist staff at one of the charity’s children’s centres across the UK. As a children’s centre volunteer, you could take part in stay-and-play sessions, assist with the child and family health services on offer, participate in programmes of speech and language support or help to maintain and develop the centre’s social media presence.
Who can volunteer?
Volunteering is open to everyone, from all backgrounds. There’s no upper age limit, though you’ll need to be at least 14 to apply (16 or 18 for some roles). Action for children is especially keen to hear from people with disabilities, or who identify as Black, Asian, or another minority ethnic group (BAME).
#2. Answer Childline phones with the NSPCC
Program description
For years Childline has been helping children and young people in the UK, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but they currently only have the capacity to answer three out of every four calls from children in need. This is where volunteers can help.
Volunteer activities
Giving just four hours of your time per week could ensure that every child receives the listening ear they deserve. As a volunteer counsellor you’ll be trained to offer comfort, support and practical advice to young callers. You can also help out as an email counsellor or switchboard volunteer.
#3. Become a youth activities volunteer with Whizz Kidz
Program description
Whizz Kidz provides disabled children and young people with the mobility equipment they need and supports them in learning essential life skills.
Volunteer activities
Youth activities volunteer positions are available across the UK and typically require you to give up one day each month. You’ll support wheelchair users aged 8 to 25 in a range of activities, across a variety of services including wheelchair skills training, ambassador clubs, and Camp Whizz Kidz. As a volunteer, you must ensure all young people are engaged and safe and deliver fun and empowering activities. You’ll need enthusiasm and confidence, as well as a flexible and creative approach to working with young people. Other volunteering options include becoming a volunteer speaker or helping out in the Whizz-Kidz head office. Currently, there are volunteering opportunities open in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, Bangor, Wrexham and Conwy, Swindon, Gloucester, Exeter and Crawley, Cardiff, Newport and Swansea and Liverpool
Who can volunteer?
Everybody above 25 year of age
#4. Befriend a child with Barnado’s
Program description
As one of the UK’s leading children’s charities Barnado’s helps to transform the lives of some of the country’s most vulnerable children.
Volunteer activities
As a befriender, you’ll dedicate three to five hours on a weekly or fortnightly basis to act as a companion to a child or young person and provide a listening ear. You could ensure that your new friend enjoys some much-needed leisure time by taking them to the park, cinema, bowling, or a museum, or you could provide more practical support by helping with homework or transporting the young person to group activities. Befriending services usually take place on the evenings or at weekends.
Who can volunteer?
People from all nationalities and backgrounds are welcome. Volunteers may include job-seekers, retired workers, asylum seekers, full-time workers, students and schoolchildren. Asides working as a child volunteer, try this out also: Top 10 Volunteer Opportunities For Senior Citizens In 2022
#5. Teach a child to read with Beanstalk
Program description
Providing one-on-one literacy support to children who struggle with their reading, Beanstalk has volunteers across England and you could be one of them.
Volunteer activities
As a Beanstalk reading helper, you’ll work with children in a nursery or school setting, supporting those between 3 and 13 years of age. You will help to build a child’s confidence and self-esteem through fun, literacy-based activities. You’ll nurture their reading ability, practice reading skills, and help children discover the magic of books and reading. This is one of my best child volunteering services because it encourages the art of reading.
Who can volunteer?
Anybody can volunteer for this role. However, if you would like to give children a better chance to get on and stay on the path to becoming confident and independent readers, this can be the best shot. You do not need any professional qualifications or experience of working with children, or in-depth knowledge of children’s literature… although it’s fine if you do!
#6. Support early childhood development in Sri Lanka
Program description and volunteer activities
Working in Sir Lanka with Projects Abroad, you’ll work in kindergartens, daycare, and community centers and help staff with their day-to-day duties. You’ll arrange and carry out fun activities to promote early childhood development, provide specialized care to children with special needs and create educational resources. Based in the Sir Lankan town of Colombo you’ll live with a host family.
Who can volunteer?
If you would like to volunteer with children further afield and combine your passion for working with young people with your love of traveling there’s an array of opportunities available.
Aged 16+, wanting flexible dates, independence, and a volunteer project or internship tailored exactly to your needsAged 18+, wanting to join a small group of like-minded travellers to explore, engage and make a difference togetherStudents aged 15-18, wanting fun, structured, fully-supervised work experience with other teenagers during your holidaysStudents aged 12-15, wanting an introduction to experiential learning and cultural exchange, with 24/7 supervisionAged 50+, wanting to join a small group of like-minded travellers to give something back and learn about new culturesStudents looking for a unique Gap Year Program before universityAged 16+, wanting to learn and practice a new language by immersing yourself deeply in a community and new cultureFamilies, wanting to grow and learn together by doing something different and volunteering abroadAdventurers and explorers, wanting to combine different countries and different volunteering projects around the worldSchools, university and corporate groups of five or more people, wanting a tailor-made and unforgettable volunteering trip abroad
#7. Care for disadvantaged children in India
Program description
India struggles to care for the increasing number of children born into poverty; because of this the country is home to thousands of vulnerable young people. As a Kaya volunteer, you’ll work to develop the cognitive, academic, emotional and social skills of children by assisting local educators with their day-to-day activities.
Volunteer activities
Working in schools, day-care centres or schools for children with learning disabilities you’ll teach basic English and maths skills, lead songs and rhymes, play games, undertake outdoor activities and monitor child development. You’ll complete weekly progress reports for each child and attend volunteer meetings. You’ll be based in Jaipur, known as the Pink City.
Who can volunteer?
Child Development Volunteering in India placement is open to all volunteers. As you will be working with children, volunteers are expected to be outgoing, enthusiastic and have a genuine interest in children. Bring ideas and a willingness to work with local staff to help to make educational activities fun, diverse and exciting. Lastly, this child volunteering opportunity requires you submit a CV/resume before being accepted onto this project.
#8. Work on community projects in Ghana
Program description
Based two and a half hours from the capital city of Accra, Pod Volunteer gives you the opportunity to get stuck into community projects that directly benefit children in Ghana.
Volunteer activities
As a volunteer, you’ll be involved in building a brighter future for some of the poorest communities. Living and working with locals, you’ll get stuck in a number of projects including delivering solar lamps to children in remote communities, giving children in isolated communities access to bicycles so they can get to school, helping after school clubs, promoting hygiene initiatives in schools to prevent illness and coaching sports such as football and volleyball. You’ll usually work five days a week and enjoy two days off. In your spare time you can experience Ghanaian life and culture and visit local sights including waterfalls, national parks and vibrant markets.
Who can volunteer?
Gap years and studentsPeople doing their Duke of Edinburgh AwardPeople taking a working holidayIndividuals taking a career breakFamiliesUnder 18 year oldsOver 50s and retireesLGBTQ+ communityGroups – School, University, Charity Challenges, BespokeCorporate – individual employees or corporate teams / groupsCadet teams – Army Cadets, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets
#9. Teach English in Thailand
Program description Located in Krabi you’ll teach English with Projects Abroad in local primary and secondary schools to help children develop their language skills, which will hopefully lead to better future education and work opportunities.
Volunteer activities
You’ll work Monday to Friday teaching English classes. Also, you’ll help out with other subjects and extracurricular activities where necessary. This child volunteering opportunity warrants you to attend teaching workshops and run basic English lessons during the school holidays. While on the project you’ll also be able to take advantage of all that Thailand has to offer. You’ll be able to visit islands, beaches, caves, parks, and temples.
Who can volunteer?
Aged 16+, wanting flexible dates, independence, and a volunteer project or internship tailored exactly to your needsAged 18+, wanting to join a small group of like-minded travelers to explore, engage and make a difference togetherStudents aged 15-18, wanting fun, structured, fully-supervised work experience with other teenagers during their holidaysStudents aged 12-15, wanting an introduction to experiential learning and cultural exchange, with 24/7 supervisionAged 50+, wanting to join a small group of like-minded travelers to give something back and learn about new culturesStudents looking for a unique Gap Year Program before universityAged 16+, wanting to learn and practise a new language by immersing yourself deeply in a community and new cultureFamilies, wanting to grow and learn together by doing something different and volunteering abroadAdventurers and explorers, wanting to combine different countries and different volunteering projects around the worldSchools, university and corporate groups of five or more people, wanting a tailor-made and unforgettable volunteering trip abroad
#10. Provide after-school care in Italy
Program description In disadvantaged areas of Naples, children often spend their free time on the streets due to a lack of safe after-school leisure activities. As an after-school care volunteer for International Volunteer HQ, you’ll organize after-school workshops and educational activities, which incorporate art, cooking, games, and music.
Volunteer activities
The project runs in the afternoons so your mornings are free to plan activities or to take advantage of the Italian language lessons provided. Volunteers also enjoy weekends off duties so you’ll have plenty of time to explore this culturally rich country. You’ll be free to visit historical sites, drink espresso and sample the world-famous cuisine. What’s more, Rome, home to the Colosseum, Vatican, and Sistine Chapel, is just an hour’s train ride away.
Who can volunteer?
Volunteers need to be 18 years or above to participate in this program unless volunteering with a parent or guardian. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ’s local team on arrival in Italy. Additional requirements apply for Environmental volunteers as outlined in the project descriptions. Fluency in Italian is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Italy volunteer program. Read: Volunteering Opportunities in Denver
FINAL THOUGHTS
Investing in youth is one of the most effective ways to ensure a better future. Anyone with financial resources may donate to a school, a classroom, or a non-profit organization whenever and wherever possible. However, investing time and money in children’s lives can be the most successful way to make a difference in their lives. Become a child/kid volunteer today and learn about volunteering opportunities open to you. Kids also volunteer with their parents.
