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Types of volunteering work for young volunteers

October 07, 2024 / 9:36 PM
Types of volunteering work for young volunteers
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Volunteering brings happiness and fulfilment to those involved. It helps acquire unique skills and boost self-confidence, potentially opening new career opportunities. A 2018 study on ResearchGate supports this, finding that volunteering enhances self-worth and life satisfaction over time.

Kate Edwards, director of one of the British voluntary associations, states: "Volunteering is a great way of standing out from the crowd. By demonstrating that you take part in meaningful activities in your spare time, you will show an employer that you are a well-rounded person with some interesting life experience."


Unlocking different avenues for youth volunteering


Encouraging youth to positively impact society through volunteerism is crucial, as they are pivotal in creating stronger communities. Numerous volunteering opportunities exist for young people, including:


Harmony with nature: small impacts, big environmental changes


For those passionate about nature and concerned with environmental issues, volunteering offers an excellent starting point. Opportunities include cleaning beaches and forests, planting trees, constructing nature trails, and raising awareness about environmental challenges.


Environmental volunteering typically demands physical effort, such as hiking and extended hours of work. In return, volunteers contribute to a collective mission to safeguard and preserve the environment for future generations. This experience not only heightens volunteers' awareness of environmental issues but also deepens their appreciation for nature.


Education without borders: how to volunteer as a teacher


There are countless opportunities to volunteer as a teacher, both locally and internationally. Volunteering in education involves taking on responsibilities akin to those of a teacher and a principal, including organising lesson plans, assignments, tests, and other educational tasks.


Opportunities can be found in online teaching platforms, local schools, or educational programs in developing countries. Additionally, teaching children or young adults can provide invaluable experience for future careers in education, teamwork, or charitable work.


Hope in action: driving social development through volunteerism


Volunteering for social development is both challenging and diverse. When someone chooses to volunteer in community development, they can join charitable organisations that support others in multiple ways, such as distributing food, offering shelter to those in need, or aiding survivors of natural disasters. 


In this regard, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) in the United Arab Emirates has introduced the National Volunteer Programme for Emergencies, Crises and Disasters. The authority is designed to develop a highly capable volunteer force, ready to support national response efforts during emergencies and crises. 


Those interested in this field can seek volunteer opportunities through online platforms, participate in local events, or visit relevant institutions.


Learning through giving: how helping seniors makes a difference


Individuals interested in volunteering to help the elderly have numerous options. They can collaborate with local nursing homes or offer assistance directly to seniors in their community. For instance, they might shop for groceries, prepare meals, or assist with household chores. Alternatively, they could commit to making regular check-in calls to elderly individuals. The opportunities to volunteer with seniors are vast and become more apparent with further exploration.


If there is uncertainty about volunteering, joining a team that assists the elderly for a few hours each week could be a worthwhile option. This involvement provides a firsthand experience of how such efforts can bring personal fulfilment and valuable insights while also spreading joy and making the elderly feel appreciated and important.


Voluntary professional advice: sharing knowledge and support


Volunteering to offer professional consultations or support can greatly enhance the CV and provide valuable experience, particularly early in one's career. This type of volunteering does not demand a full-time commitment; volunteers can choose specific hours that fit their schedules. They have the option to work independently or with organisations specialising in professional volunteering.


Empathy in action: volunteering for the care of animals


Animal shelters frequently seek volunteers for tasks such as cleaning cages, feeding, training animals, or walking dogs and playing with cats. Animal enthusiasts also have the chance to adopt, care for, or train pets at their homes. Volunteers can also assist in rescuing and caring for injured animals, including birds, dogs, and turtles. This may necessitate a volunteer with a vehicle to locate and transport these animals to a veterinarian.


Behind the scenes: volunteering in sports event organisation


Organising major sporting events like the World Cup, Asian Cup, and marathons often depends on the crucial support of volunteers. They play a key role in crafting an enjoyable experience for attendees, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages participants, visitors, and other volunteers to return.


Volunteers typically work behind the scenes, gaining valuable skills that enhance their CV, especially for recent graduates. In addition to that, these experiences and connections can pave the way to future opportunities with leading event management companies.


How to choose the right volunteer roles


When exploring volunteer opportunities, it is essential to take the time to find the best fit. It is also advisable to carefully consider activities that align with personal preferences, such as working with groups or individuals, caring for children or the elderly, and interests in environmental or animal welfare causes.


Reflecting on motivations for volunteering—whether it is to expand one's network, enhance communication skills, or explore new places—is also important. Moreover, evaluating personal skills and interests helps ensure they align with the chosen volunteer work and the time available for commitment.


Last but not least, it is necessary as well to verify the reputation of the organisation or voluntary institution and confirm that its mission upholds strong values. Additionally, volunteers should assess the types of support offered to them by the involved parties, including training and administrative assistance, to ensure a high-quality volunteer experience.

References 

[1] rosterfy.com, 12 Different Types of Volunteering Work You Can Try
[2] nidirect.gov.uk, Types of volunteering
[3] worldpackers.com, 15 types of volunteer work and how to choose the right one
[4] ca.indeed.com, Examples of Volunteer Work and How To Choose the Right One
[5] moon.com, Types of Volunteer Opportunities

October 07, 2024 / 9:36 PM

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