So, you’re interested in doing something to help a cause, but you’re not sure where to start, or are afraid to commit large amounts of time. Amy Simon, director of UNT’s Center for Leadership and Service, says there are many ways to volunteer that fit your lifestyle, and she emphasizes that volunteering needs to be a win-win situation.

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“Expect to learn from your experience and gain some skills, connections and new friends,” she says. “Service is about community and how we connect to people to help each other.”
Here are some ways you can begin:

• Don’t let a busy schedule stop you. Find a cause that is meaningful to you and then incorporate service into your routine. Can you make volunteer work a family habit? Can you fit it into your lunch hour? Get involved at work or your child’s school, vote or give blood, donate clothing or food.
• Serve online. Update organization e-mails and reports, or advocate through social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. Donate through charity shopping websites (search on GoodSearch).
• Serve on paper. Write letters and petitions. Look at local and national organizations and send out information on political and volunteer or fundraising options. Write letters to soldiers.
• Round up loved ones. Start traditions in conjunction with holidays or memorable dates to commemorate a loved one, such as cleaning up the environment or donating school supplies.
• Mentor in your community. There is always a need for coaches and teachers.

Visit VolunteerMatch, a nationwide resource, for more information.