What are the best ways to track your volunteering hours?

1 Use a spreadsheet or a notebook

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to track your volunteering hours is to use a spreadsheet or a notebook. You can create a simple table or list with columns for the date, the organization, the activity, and the hours spent. You can also add notes or feedback to reflect on your experience and learning outcomes. A spreadsheet or a notebook can be handy if you want to have a quick overview of your hours, but it may not be very convenient if you need to share or update your data frequently.

2 Use an online platform or an app

Another option is to use an online platform or an app that is designed for tracking and managing volunteering hours. Some examples are Track It Forward, VolunteerMark, MobileServe, and GivePulse. These tools allow you to log your hours, upload photos or documents, and generate reports or certificates. They also let you connect with other volunteers, organizations, and opportunities. Some of them may require a subscription fee or a membership, while others are free or offer discounts for nonprofits or students.

3 Use a calendar or a reminder

A third way to track your volunteering hours is to use a calendar or a reminder system that syncs with your phone or computer. You can create events or tasks for your volunteering activities, and set reminders or notifications to log your hours after completing them. You can also use a calendar or a reminder to plan ahead and schedule your volunteering commitments, and avoid conflicts or overlaps with your other obligations. A calendar or a reminder can be useful if you want to stay organized and motivated, but it may not provide a detailed record or analysis of your hours.

4 Use a portfolio or a blog

A fourth way to track your volunteering hours is to use a portfolio or a blog that showcases your work and achievements. You can create a website or a page that displays your volunteering projects, the organizations you have worked with, and the skills you have gained. You can also include photos, videos, testimonials, or stories that highlight your impact and challenges. A portfolio or a blog can be effective if you want to demonstrate your value and passion, but it may require more time and creativity to maintain and update.

5 Use a combination of methods

Finally, you may find that using a combination of methods works best for you, depending on your goals and preferences. For example, you can use a spreadsheet or a notebook for your personal records, an online platform or an app for your official verification, a calendar or a reminder for your time management, and a portfolio or a blog for your presentation. You can also experiment with different tools and formats, and see what suits you best. The most important thing is to track your volunteering hours consistently and accurately, and to celebrate your contributions and growth.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?