Making a difference can take just a few hours a week.

Interested people who want to volunteer in their free time can find plenty of opportunities, says Lisa Dicke, professor in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service and coordinator for the Master of Public Administration program.

"If you care about kids, you can read to kids after school," she says. "If you care about animals, you can get the word out about spay and neuter programs or clean out kennels."

She offers the following tips:

• Match your interests. Visit the website of your local United Way, area nonprofit organizations or municipal government and find the tab that says "how to volunteer" or "how to get involved." The website volunteermatch.org also can point people to organizations that match their interests.
• The organizations AmeriCorps and SeniorCorps offer long-term opportunities for young people and those 55 years and older, respectively.
• Check with your employer. Many businesses will have community engagement activities in which employees can get involved.
• Create new relationships. Volunteering can lead people to new friendships and leadership skills, as well as supporting their favorite cause.
• Become a UNT alumni mentor. Learn how to volunteer one hour a week by mentoring a child at a Denton County school through Mentor Denton at mentordenton.org. You also can participate as a presenter, panelist or mentor in UNT student programs (for example, industry-specific networking events, career days, skill development workshops, company presentations, etc.). Call 940-565-2105 or email the Career Center at careercenter@unt.edu.