1- Do something you love

You are naturally more passionate and good at what you love. Your passion will come through the volunteering activity. Fun will be a natural and organic outcome of your work. If you love the arts, volunteer for an organization in the arts industry, or helping tutor art classes. You will be surprised how many volunteering possibilities exist that allow you to do something you love. Use the "search for opportunities" section of this website to start your search.

2- Make sure you are having fun

If you and those around you are not having fun then you are a lot less likely to volunteer again. It is important to keep the mindset of fun even in the most unlikely of volunteering opportunities. For instance, if you are visiting terminally ill patients at a hospital, make it fun for them. Of course be respectful but keep an eye out to make your interactions fun for those around you. Maintain positive empathy. This may even include your fellow volunteers.

3- Realize that you are not going to "save the world" by yourself

Aim for having an impact around you. Even if you think the impact is small and insignificant, it means something, it is an opportunity to learn and improve and perhaps do something better next time around. Start somewhere and then think about making it bigger.

4- Talk to people

If you are thinking about signing up for an organization and aren't sure about the opportunity, make sure you get on the phone/email or meet with someone who has volunteered what that organization or participated in same/similar activity before. This can help set your expectation. Talk to others but in the end listen to your gut, the little voice inside you has a track record of being more right than wrong.

5- Inspire others!

While volunteering may be a personally gratifying activity and we are taught to not talk about it as it is perceived as "showing off". There may be some truth to that, but do realize that sharing your personal experiences with your family and friends may spark their interest to volunteer. Core to the spirit of volunteering is sharing... sharing your time, your resources, your passion and your experiences. If your experiences can inspire someone to volunteer than please share them, tune out the voices that say "you are a showoff"... Multiply your impact as a volunteer by inspiring.

Know someone shy but with an inspiring story? Share it with us in a few short paragraphs, Click here to learn how/what to write