The New Rules of Volunteering

When it comes to volunteering in your community, it’s important to know that it CAN be fun and it CAN be unique to you!

“The New Volunteers” is a way for the next generation of volunteers to service their communities in ways that are out of the box, special to them, or just new in general. That’s why we here each month at DoSomething, carefully review submissions from volunteers who have shown exceptional dedication and leadership. We look for entries that stand out with thoughtful captions and impressive impact because we STAN seeing the positive changes you make.

What was the Strength Through Service action that you connected with?

The Strength Through Service idea that I connected with is about helping others to build stronger communities. By giving time and effort to support people in need, we make our communities better and closer. It shows that when we help others, we also help ourselves and everyone around us.

What inspired you to begin volunteering? What were you seeing in your community that made you want to volunteer?

I started volunteering because I saw people in my community who needed help. I noticed problems like not having enough food or support. This made me want to pitch in and make things better, even in small ways. Volunteering seemed like a good way to help out and improve our community.

Did you initially know how you wanted to give back to your community? And if not, how did you search for ways to volunteer?

At first, I didn’t know exactly how I wanted to help my community. To find out, I looked for local groups and organizations that needed volunteers. I asked around, searched online, and checked community boards. This helped me find different ways I could get involved and choose something that fit my interests and skills.

How did watching “The New Volunteers” encourage you while completing your volunteering action within your community? Is there anything that stood out to you while watching the series?

Watching “The New Volunteers” was really inspiring for me. It showed how different people were making a big impact by volunteering in their own ways. Seeing their stories encouraged me to keep going and find my own way to help. What stood out the most was how each person made a difference, no matter how big or small their actions were. It made me feel that even my own efforts could matter a lot.

What advice would you give to people your age about wanting to start their volunteering journey?

If you want to start volunteering, my advice is to begin by finding something you care about. Look for local groups or projects that match your interests. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try different things to see what fits you best. Even small actions can make a big difference. Most importantly, just start and keep an open mind volunteering can be really rewarding.