Looking for a way to give back, to learn something new, or meet new people?  Then some time spent doing community service might be right for you.

Community service takes many forms from helping out at a food pantry or animal shelter to being a camp counselor to tutoring other students to volunteering at a local hospital.

Why Should I Volunteer?

Besides the obvious answer that it’s required by many high schools and for membership in many honor societies and clubs, there are clear benefits to you.  Volunteering:

• Connects you with others.
• Builds your skills and knowledge.
• Allows you to dive deeper into your passions.
• Builds self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Is important for physical health and mental health.
• Provides a sense of purpose.

How to Find Meaningful Service Opportunities

Follow these steps to find meaningful activities to give back to your community, build your skills, and/or dive into your passion.

Step 1: Identify Your Strengths and Interests

Ask yourself are: What do you like to do and what are you good at?

Think about:

• What are your favorite school subjects?
• What are your hobbies?
• What activities were you involved in?
• What did you wish you had time for?

Step 2: Seek Out Opportunities

Not sure where to begin?

• Start with your school. Ask what volunteer opportunities are available to students.
• Ask at your place of worship, local public library, or animal shelter.
• Checkout out local community-based groups on social media.

You can also do branch out on your own.

• Help a neighbor – offer to do yardwork, deliver groceries, or just check-in on them (they would probably love a card or artwork).
• Offer to tutor other students or teach a class in something you’re good at (think painting, dance, a sport).
• Volunteer to increase voter participation through Rock the Vote.
• Organize a collection drive for things such as food, toiletries, and school supplies to donate to a local nonprofit.
• Transcribe historical documents for the Smithsonian.
• Foster an animal from a local shelter.

Step 3: Get Involved

Pick an activity that will help you grow by trying something new, honing a talent, or taking on a new responsibility.

This is not about building your resume for college.  This is about building yourself.  Step out of your comfort zone.  Try something new.

Who knows?  You may discover a new passion or talent that could lead you to a place you would never have gone before.