How to Get Involved

What is Volunteering?

Volunteering is working unpaid to better the community. A volunteer will give time, talent, and support to organizations or people in the community that are in need of help.

Why Volunteer?

Everyone volunteers for different reasons, but some may include:

to help others
to explore career fields
to develop skills
to enhance a resume
to increase self-confidence
to take on a leadership role
to make a difference
to be challenged
to diversify experiences

How do I get started?

Here are a few steps to get you started:
1. Think about your interests.

What do you do well?
What do you enjoy doing?
Are you looking for something different or would you be more comfortable in a familiar setting?
Is there anything you have always wanted to learn or try?

2. Think about what type of work/community issue interests you most. Examples include:

AIDS/HIV
Children
Elderly
Animals
Disability Issues
Environment Issues
Food/Hunger
Health
Housing
Museum/Performing Arts
Education
Immigration
Sports

3. Availability

Do you want a long-term project, a one day project, or something in between?
Review your schedule and see what days of the week and at what times you are available.

4. Find an organization

Review our on-campus service group listings on this Web site under "Wellesley College in the Community."
Look at the CWS community service newsletter, sent out each month.
Do an online search on volunteer search engines:
For volunteer opportunities in Massachusetts: http://www.volunteersolutions.org/boston/volunteer/.
For volunteer opportunities throughout the United States: www.volunteersolutions.org, www.idealist.org, www.peacecorps.org, http://www.volunteermatch.org/, http://charityguide.org.
Search by your academic interest/major for area opportunities.

5. Contact the organization

Set up an interview if needed.
Discuss the responsibilities you want to have.
Discuss what you don't want to do.
Discuss when you would volunteer and if you would have a supervisor.
What will the organization do for you, e.g. recommendation?

6. Make your volunteer experience great.

Be responsible and reliable - the agency will be grateful and may give you more responsibilities.
Be respectful - you will receive the same consideration.
Follow any rules the organization might have - this is for your safety and the safety of those whom you serve.
Have fun! The more you contribute, the more you will receive in return and the better you will feel.

CWS staff and student interns are available to support groups and individuals in both on-campus or off-campus interests, by arranging collaborative programs with area colleges and community groups; assisting with transportation needs; helping with event planning and publicity; and to cosponsor on-campus programs.