Many people want to volunteer but struggle to prioritize it, often due to misconceptions about required skills or time commitment, according to Matt Bertram, vice-president of volunteer services for the American Red Cross. He emphasizes that flexible roles exist for all interests and skill sets, and that compassion and reliability are the most valuable assets a volunteer can bring.
Mental and Physical Benefits of Volunteering
Research shows volunteering offers tangible benefits. A 2023 paper found that volunteering is associated with reduced mortality, increased physical functioning, and enhanced quality of life, pride, empowerment, motivation, social support, and sense of community.
How to Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity
Boram Kim, vice-president for volunteer and institutional engagement at Habitat for Humanity International, advises starting by identifying causes you care about. He notes that volunteering has evolved beyond traditional roles with large organizations; now, people often mobilize around smaller, local issues through mutual aid groups. The number of mutual aid organizations in the US grew from 50 to 800 after Covid-19, according to the National Education Association. Directories like Mutual Aid Hub (US) or Mutual Aid (UK) can help find local groups.
Consider your motivation: skill-building, community strengthening, or social connection. Julie Sonenberg, senior manager of volunteer engagement at the ASPCA Adoption Center, recommends being realistic about your time and energy and seeking alignment with an organization's needs. Check websites for signup information or email expressing interest. Kyle Gardner, senior vice-president of development at Charity Navigator, suggests that if time is limited, you can contribute through recurring donations or donating items like food, clothes, or furniture.
Types of Volunteering Roles
Kim warns against underestimating your skills. Beyond hands-on work, opportunities exist in advocacy, fundraising, digital support, and storytelling. At the ASPCA, for example, roles include advocacy volunteers to improve animal laws and first responders for animal crises, not just shelter tasks like walking dogs or cleaning.
Why Volunteering Matters
Many nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers. Bertram notes that about 90% of the American Red Cross workforce are volunteers. Even a few hours a month make a real difference, whether through blood drives, community preparedness, or virtual roles. Volunteering also fosters connection and a sense of agency. “In my work, I see volunteers transform just as much as the communities they serve,” Bertram says. “Volunteering is a pathway to connection, to each other, to our communities, and to the belief that we can shape a better world.”
