Mercer County

Volunteering Wisely
Dean Larkin, larkinl@missouri.edu 
University Extension Community Development Specialist

            Would you like to learn something new?  Then you should try an organization that is seeking people are willing to learn especially if it involves a specialized or unique skill.  Many non-profits have a demonstrated need but few volunteers for that need.  You should welcome this challenge but realize that this may require a firm time commitment that is prearranged. 

             If you try an arrangement like this you could be making a difference in your community.  You need to be sure that these hours fit in with the rest of your hectic schedule.  You don’t want to shortchange the organization or your family.  It is better to start out slowly and work up than to commit to an unrealistic schedule from the beginning. 

             While non-profits are anxious for help they need to be selective about those they pick.  If you contact an organization you may need to come in, fill out an application and interview just like you would for a paying job.  That just shows how important this is all taken.  Many organizations call volunteers unpaid staff.  It is in the organization’s interest to see what skills you have.  They also have an interest in making sure that any liability issues are identified from the start.

            Remember many community groups are looking for help in ways that you may have not thought of.  There are many possibilities in any community.  There are:  Neighborhood watch, day care centers, Meals on Wheels, parks, any youth group, halfway houses and retirement centers.  The need is year round.  It is a 365 day a year job to help build our communities.  (This article is from material from the Nonprofit Information Center)

              If you desire further information on this or any other topic contact your local University Extension office.  University Extension does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, disability or status as a Vietnam era veteran in employment or programs.

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		University of Missouri  Extension Mercer County Jincksk@missouri.edu This page was last updated 09/14/2009