What Should You Do If You Want to Volunteer? Practical Steps to Get Started

Ever thought about giving your time, but got stuck at the very first step? You're not alone. A lot of people want to volunteer, but figuring out where to start can feel like trying to find your shoes in the dark. Good news—you don't need special skills or loads of free time to pitch in. It comes down to knowing what matters to you and making a move, even if it's just a small one.

First up: think about why you want to volunteer. Are you hoping to help out your neighborhood, meet new people, or pick up new skills? Your 'why' shapes where you should look and what kind of role will actually make you feel good about showing up. Once you get clear on that, everything else starts to fall into place.

There's a surprising range of options out there—animal shelters, food banks, local sports clubs, crisis helplines, or online volunteering from your couch. Some folks get started by asking friends or neighbors about places that need help. Others use websites like VolunteerMatch or even check out community bulletin boards. The key: start small and see what feels right.

• Why Do You Want to Volunteer?
• Figuring Out Your Skills and Interests
• Finding the Right Opportunities
• Getting Involved: Making Your Move
• What to Expect When You Start
• Making the Most of the Experience

Why Do You Want to Volunteer?

Before you even think about signing up, it’s smart to figure out what’s pulling you towards volunteer work. People end up volunteering for all sorts of reasons. Some want to give back after something good happened in their lives. Others just want to get involved and meet new people. And there are folks who see volunteering as a way to build job skills or even test out a new career path without risking their day job.

Volunteering isn’t just good for the people you help. Get this—according to the Corporation for National and Community Service, regular volunteers are about 27% more likely to find a job after being out of work than non-volunteers. Volunteering can boost your mood, too. There’s research showing volunteers have lower rates of depression and live longer than people who don’t help out.

Here’s the thing: knowing your motivation helps you pick the right gig, so you can stick with it and enjoy it. Ask yourself:

• Do I want to support a cause that matters to me?
• Am I looking for work experience or to learn new skills?
• Do I want to meet people and build community?
• Did I see a problem in my area I can help solve?
• Am I looking for a flexible way to help out around a busy schedule?

Still not sure? Check out what other volunteers are saying. According to a 2023 survey by Points of Light, the top three reasons people volunteered were: to help their community (49%), because it made them feel good (37%), and to connect with others (29%).

If you know your reason, you’re way more likely to find a volunteer job that feels worth your time. That’s how you actually make an impact—and have a decent time while you’re at it.

Figuring Out Your Skills and Interests

Before you sign up for your first volunteer gig, take a minute to think about what you’re good at and what you actually enjoy. It sounds simple, but it saves you from ending up in something that feels like a chore. If you’re pumped about helping animals but hate getting muddy, maybe cat socializing at a shelter beats walking dogs in the rain. Or if you like chatting with people, something like helping out at a community center could be your thing.

Lots of people forget you don’t need superhero skills or fancy degrees to be helpful. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top volunteer activities in the U.S. are:

• Collecting, preparing, or serving food
• Fundraising or selling items to raise money
• Engaging in general labor or support
• Tutoring or teaching

This means even if you’re good at organizing, carrying boxes, or just listening, you’re already on the right track. Think about stuff you really like doing, even outside of work. Do you love tinkering with computers? Some nonprofits need basic tech help. Good with kids? Schools or youth groups would love a hand.

If you aren’t sure what your strengths are, ask yourself (or a friend) a couple of quick questions:

• What do people ask me for help with?
• What tasks do I find rewarding or fun?
• Am I happier being behind the scenes or out front with others?

Some groups even do quick skills assessments to help place volunteers. Feel like you don’t have time or can’t commit to something big? Micro-volunteering—like spending 30 minutes editing something or mentoring online—lots of groups offer this now.

Check out how Americans ranked the reasons for volunteering in a recent survey:

The bottom line? Match what you’re good at and what you enjoy with the needs out there. That way, your time actually makes a dent, and you’ll stick with it—because it doesn’t feel like a drag. That’s the sweet spot for anyone who wants to volunteer and actually make a difference.

Finding the Right Opportunities

Ready to jump in but not sure where your help is needed? There are way more ways to volunteer than most people realize. The trick is figuring out what fits your interest, skills, and schedule.

First, look at organizations around your area. Food banks, animal shelters, and local clubs are almost always looking for extra hands. Schools and libraries often need tutors or people to run activities. Even hospitals have volunteer programs for things like greeting visitors or running gift carts.

If you want to go beyond your own neighborhood, check out online tools. Sites like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and All for Good let you search hundreds of volunteer gigs based on location, cause, and time slot. Some even offer virtual options—great if leaving home is tough or you only have an odd hour here or there.

Not sure what works for you? Here's a quick way to compare where volunteers are needed most:

Everybody's got a different amount of free time. Some folks can show up every week, others only during school breaks, and some want to help from home. Don’t be shy to ask about short-term or even one-off events—lots of places are happy for any extra help, even for an afternoon.

One more tip: Don’t fall for the myth that you need to be super experienced to help. Most places offer training. They’re not expecting you to be an expert. They just want you to care and to show up.

So, go ahead—try reaching out to a few groups. If one isn’t the right fit, move on and try another. The perfect volunteer spot is out there for you, and it’s usually waiting for someone just like you to ask.

Getting Involved: Making Your Move

Alright, so you’ve picked what matters to you and found a volunteer gig that seems like a good fit. Now it’s time for action. Actually getting involved isn’t as scary or messy as it sounds. Most places make it super simple, but you have to know the steps and a few insider tricks.

First, always check the organization’s website or give them a call. Some groups want you to fill out a quick online form, others ask for a chat on the phone, and a few still just want folks to show up during open hours. Don’t be surprised if there’s a quick interview or orientation. This isn’t about grilling you—it’s so they can make sure you land in the right spot and everyone knows what’s up.

• Fill out the application or sign-up form. Double-check for typos (especially your contact info—if they can’t reach you, you’re stuck waiting forever).
• If there’s an orientation, show up on time. This is where you’ll meet staff and other volunteers, get a feel for how things run, and ask questions. Jot down the hours, location, and any dress code (food banks want closed-toe shoes; animal shelters often ask for old clothes).
• Stay patient. Some places—especially popular ones or those working with kids—might take weeks for background checks. Don’t let the wait kill your buzz. Try out a one-off or online event in the meantime to keep yourself engaged.
• Follow up! If you don’t hear back in a week or two, send a quick, polite message. Sometimes applications get missed or emails end up in spam. A friendly nudge shows you’re serious.

If you’re short on time or want to help from home, virtual volunteering is booming. Data from VolunteerMatch in 2024 showed a 32% jump in online volunteer roles compared to three years prior. Roles range from mentoring students to helping non-profits with social media—no commute needed.

Buckle up for that first shift! It might feel weird at first, but everyone started somewhere. The main thing? Stay open-minded, ask questions, and remember—you’re there to help. The rest sorts itself out. Jumping in is the biggest hurdle for almost everyone. Once you’re there, you’ll see why so many people stick with volunteer roles for years.

What to Expect When You Start

Walking into your first volunteer gig, don’t be surprised if it feels a bit awkward at first. Most volunteer organizations know you're brand new and try to make it easy, but there’s always a short adjustment period. The first day might include paperwork, a quick tour, or short training to show you the ropes. If you’re helping at a food bank, you might get assigned to sorting cans, packing boxes, or greeting folks at the door. At an animal shelter, it could be cleaning cages or walking dogs.

Don’t stress if you don’t know how to do everything right away. Nobody expects you to be perfect from the jump. Almost every group has a buddy system or someone ready to answer your beginner questions. If something isn’t clear, just ask. Want proof? A 2024 survey by VolunteerMatch found that 72% of volunteers said their biggest help came from on-site mentors, not manuals or email guides.

A common worry is not being "useful enough". Truth is, every little bit helps. Even a couple hours a week can fill real needs. The communities and leaders you help are used to working with schedules and different skill levels—consistency matters more than working around the clock.

You’ll also notice things like basic check-ins, requests for feedback, and sometimes even basic safety training, especially for roles with the public or vulnerable groups. More groups are going digital, so you might be logging hours or joining orientation sessions online.

• Most places ask for a minimum time commitment (like two hours a week).
• You might need a background check if you’re working with kids or seniors.
• Getting to know the vibe and unwritten rules can take a couple of visits.
• Simple things, like wearing comfortable shoes or bringing a water bottle, can make a big difference.

If you like facts, here’s a quick breakdown from the Association for Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), showing what most new volunteers experience in their first month:

So, when you get started, expect a bit of an introduction, a warm-up period, and some basic ground rules. The biggest thing? Show up, be open, and remember why you decided to volunteer in the first place. That's what really gets things rolling.

Making the Most of the Experience

Volunteering can be life-changing, but how you show up really shapes what you get out of it. A lot of people underestimate just how much they’ll grow, not just in skills but confidence too. If you want your volunteering to actually matter—for you and for others—don’t just coast by. Get involved with intention and curiosity.

Start by asking questions at your chosen site. What’s needed most right now? How can you help beyond basic tasks? Sometimes, organizations have hidden needs, like social media help or event planning. If something matches your skills, speak up! The more you contribute, the more valuable and satisfying your time feels.

Don’t be shy about tracking your hours. According to DoSomething.org, keeping a log of your hours and activities isn’t just for bragging rights—it can land you scholarships, open doors for jobs, or even help you claim tax deductions if you’re in the U.S.

Here’s a quick look at how volunteering can impact you and your community:

To keep things on track, try these tips:

• Show up as you promised. Reliability is huge in volunteer circles.
• Keep a notebook or notes app with little wins—like someone you helped or a process you improved. This comes in handy when interviews or annual reviews pop up.
• Share your feedback with coordinators. Maybe you notice a more efficient way to organize supplies, or maybe volunteers need better training. Speak up!
• If you have a bad day or project, don’t ghost. Chat with your supervisor and see if it's a mismatch or just a rough patch.

The folks who get the most from volunteering, and give back the most, are the ones who treat it like something that matters. The real secret? Volunteer with your time and attention, not just your presence. That’s how you make it count—for everyone involved.