Be A Volunteer. Get Involved.

Posted @ Jan. 23 2012 05:35AM by Michael A. Sand - city-beat

Our communities need help and every one of us can do our part.

We can all assist by helping our fellow citizens. Volunteer to assist a nonprofit group in your community and get involved.

The good news is that no matter what your interest, you can find a group that would be delighted to have your assistance.

The first step is to decide if there is a particular group of individuals you would like to help. Perhaps you would like to work with small children—or teenagers or senior citizens. Maybe you would like to play an instrument in a community orchestra or volunteer as an usher for a theater group.

Once you decide how you would like to help, think about the number of hours each

week you would like to volunteer. Would you like to volunteer in the community or from your own home? What are your skills?

When you are ready to volunteer, locate a group. Contact The Volunteer Center of the United Way at 732-0700. They will discuss your interests and skills and will refer you to an agency that could be a good match. Check out their web site at www.uwcr.org.

You might also ask any religious organization to recommend volunteer opportunities.

Before you sign up to volunteer, visit the organization and speak to the volunteer coordinator and other volunteers. Ask all your questions to see if this opportunity is the right one for you.

You will find that volunteering is worthwhile for both you and the community.