zoaxanthellae

I know hospitals [where I've been volunteering the past two summers] and libraries typically have quite a few applicants to volunteer - anyone know the type of place that doesn't? i.e. which would have the greatest need for volunteers?

P.S. - What's with this "get to 10char" thing in people's posts?

Northstarmom

Given the economy, virtually all nonprofits have had budget cuts, and are in serious need of volunteers.

What kind of causes, fields interest you? Thinking about your own interests is the best place to start.

Yopua

Search the Red Cross website and you can find places to volunteer if they are near your area.

dsultemeier

VolunteerMatch - Where Volunteering Begins

Volunteer Match lists a lot of options. My D has answered a few of their listings with happy results.

You can also look to volunteering to utilize or improve your skills. For example, if you are good at designing websites or fixing computers many non-profits could use your skills.

cafesimone

10 char = to post on CC, you need to write at least 10 characters. So people just type "10 char" when they want to say something short (i.e. "yeah")

NGOs (non-governmental organizations) are definitely in need of volunteers. So do homeless shelters, free tutoring centers for low-income families. Do you have any community service clubs at your school like Interact, Key Club or CSF? They can usually link you up with a job.

Also try idealist.org - Welcome to Idealist.org - Imagine. Connect. Act.

shennie

Our local United Way has a listing of places looking for volunteers. They have a wide variety of things from office work, to food pantries, to helping senior citizens, to reading for the blind, and on and on. You might try contacting your local United Way and see if they have a similar listing.

WhiteWind91

I second Volunteermatch.org. Also check out United Way's volunteer programs. There are several around the country- I don't know where you're located, but the most popular here in FL is Hands On Tampa Bay.

bessie

You can volunteer anywhere in your community. The animal shelter, the local boy's & girl's club, elementary schools, your own high school, senior centers, local youth sport's organizations (coaching, refereeing, scorekeeping, etc), any church (many programs at every church), local food bank, political campaigns for city positions, the list goes on. Whatever you are good at, someone will want you to help them out. If you can play music, then offer to teach kids for free at the boy's & girl's club or YMCA or wherever kids hang out in your city. If you are a computer whiz, then offer to help a school or other non-profit organization to maintain their system or just troubleshoot. If you simply cannot figure out what to do, then call the president of your local Kiwani's or similar group or any church pastor/secretary and they will give you some ideas. Your school should also be able to give you some ideas. Contact your guidance counselor if you need direction. There is need in every community.