Making the right choice often takes time and requires some research, as with anything in life. Volunteer opportunities almost always sound like a life changing experience whether they be local or abroad. Gaining new skills, meeting new people and most importantly, helping those in need are the main reasons to volunteer. Unfortunately, there are organizations out there that scam the volunteers and mistreat children and animals. Below is a list of things to consider when looking into volunteer opportunities.
1. Consider Your Skills
The first step in choosing the right volunteer experience is to consider what skills you bring to the table and which skills you want to learn and grow. When volunteering, you should choose work that you are passionate about, which can help make the experience that much better. Not only are using new and old skills good for your personal growth, but they are great for your professional life too.
2. Research the Organization
Next in your search, narrow down your choices to your top 3. Now it is time to really research each organization and learn about its history, their mission and values, the cost and fees, and what a typical day of volunteer work might include. If there is a fee to volunteer, be sure to find out how the organization uses revenue from fees.
3. Be Careful of Animal Sanctuaries
Animal sanctuaries and orphanages can be great places to volunteer, but first, do your research. Too often, it is discovered that animals belonging to certain sanctuaries are abused and mistreated. Some organizations lure people from abroad with excursions like elephant riding, and while this may sound exciting, the animals are too often being mistreated in captivity. On a more positive note, most animal sanctuary organizations out there are doing the right thing and really do need volunteers.
