by Terry Featherstone

Created on: January 26, 2010

More and more universities are looking for a solid record of community service on college applications. In some cases, you may earn high school credit. However, pumping up a college application is not likely to be a sustaining motivation for service. Service requires time and commitment, but also provides deep satisfaction and important experience. Volunteers add richness and variety to communities while providing valuable service within society often unavailable any other way.

*Working with Animals

Animal shelters need people to clean cages, feed, pet and exercise the animals. They may also need help in the office or with fund raising. Animal rescue organizations need people on an ongoing basis and especially after a disaster or incident. The organization, Guide Dogs for the Blind, is always looking for puppy raisers.

*Medical or Health Care

Hospitals, blood banks, and hospices need volunteers to work in the office, spend time with patients, entertain children or help with homework, deliver flowers and magazines and many other activities. Nursing and retirement homes love to have young people visit and interact with residents. Students often “adopt” a grandparent.

*Education

Preschool through junior high teachers appreciate teacher's aides. The work usually involves chores that free the teacher to concentrate on lesson planning. A student who proves reliable may be allowed to teach a small unit. Libraries need people to read to children. Literacy groups need people to tutor adults. Low income parents need reading and math tutors. Museums, botanical gardens and other organizations need docents to guide visitors.

*The Less Fortunate

Homeless shelters, food banks and soup kitchens run by both community organizations and churches need help, especially now in these uncertain times.

*Sports

YMCAs, Parks and Recreation, civic organizations and Special Olympics all need people to coach youth teams, and mentor younger children.

*Fund raising and other short term projects

If intense short-term projects appeal to you, consider organizing fund raising events such as silent auctions, benefit performances, or bazaars. Consider participating in walkathons and telethons. You could hold a collection and recycling day, help build a house with Habitat for Humanity, clean up a beach or other local nature scene, or help in the community garden.

Although donating cash has its essential place, all the money in the world would sit idly without dedicated, caring volunteers to ensure compassionate delivery of service. Be sure to investigate any community service opportunities carefully, considering whether you have the time to commit to both training and activity.

For more ideas, check out these websites:

Do Something http://www.dosomething.org/

Volunteer Match http://www.volunteermatch.org/

Idealist http://www.idealist.org/

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