We followed up with some of the DWN “Create Your Own Volunteer Experience” workshop participants. We asked: Why do you volunteer? What advice can you give people looking for a good volunteer job? Here’s what we learned.

Find meaning in what you do…

 “I want to have more meaning to what I do and to give back more. My job is emotionally demanding and rewarding. I like the one-on-one interaction with patients, finding   information for them and the feeling I’m good at doing what’s expected of me.” 

EXPLORE, NETWORK, CLARIFY…                                               

“I’m thinking more about going after things I think I can do but don’t necessarily have a background in them. I recommend looking around to see what is available; see if anything sounds appealing before jumping in. Feel things out first. Get an understanding of exactly what the job is all about and the expectations of the organization before you start.”

P.C. Currently volunteering in the infusion area at Dana Farber

 Cancer Institute. Pursuing mentoring prisoners

who want to go to college. 

Do something new…

“I’ve always looked at volunteering as a place where I can do something new and useful in my life. I’ve figured out it’s as much for me as for anyone else. I don’t need to be in charge of anyone to be satisfied as long as I’m doing something interesting and worthwhile.”

Be the driver…  

“Figure out as clearly as possible what you need in order to be satisfied; this doesn’t necessarily mean just the task or the job. Being taken seriously by an agency for whatever I’m doing is important.”

N.B. Transitioned from full-time, to consulting, to volunteering.

Lifelong volunteer.

Participated in SOAR’s

(Service Opportunities After 55)

management consulting training program

and went on to work on a six-month consulting project

 for a non-profit.   

Leave a legacy…

“I’ve figured out what I want to leave behind in this world, what I want to change for the better. I’d like to move away from what I’ve been doing in my career and focus on another skill area…teaching language. I want to get the experience of living in other cultures and really getting to know the people and have fun in the process!”

Experiment…

“Try some volunteering with short term commitments, even one day. See what calls you.”

K.H. Working part-time and volunteering

for an organization affiliated with profession right now.  

Use time to give time…

“People in my position who have more time should be stepping up to the plate. The feeling of having helped a person or a group can be just as satisfying as paid work.”

THINK OUT OF THE BOX…

“Keep your eyes and ears open. Just opening the paper you see not only actual volunteer situations but also the needs. Take your time in looking for something that would take a substantial amount of time.”

A.B. Recently retired.  Volunteering in the synagogue and in a

communal organization for disabled children.  Also interested in a substantial and significant volunteer

commitment at the organizational level.  

BE A CHANGE AGENT…

“I want to feel fulfilled; I want to change the political environment so that this is the America I would like to live in and have my grandchildren live in. I would like a substantial experience rather than just an experience. For me, I want to have new experiences and develop new parts of myself.”

Put yourself out there…and opportunities will crop up.

B.J. Former educator. One year into retirement.

Volunteering for national

and local political candidates.  

Create social connections and continuity…

“I want to work with people on challenging issues. I want group social interaction similar to work group interaction at its best.”

PICK FROM 2 ICE CREAM FLAVORS RATHER THAN 500…

“Looking for a volunteer job requires a lot of work. The options are overwhelming. It’s a harder process than finding a paid job. I need to focus. I’m trying to decide if I want paid work and volunteer work or just volunteer work.”

E.C.S Consulting and looking for a good volunteer situation. Trying out a new volunteer job as an Ombudsman

(serving as an advocate for residents in nursing homes).