What are the most effective ways to choose a cause to volunteer for?

1 Identify your passion

The first step is to reflect on what you are passionate about and what motivates you to volunteer. Do you care about the environment, education, health, human rights, or something else? What issues or problems do you want to help solve or improve? Think about what makes you happy, angry, or inspired, and write down a list of causes that resonate with you.

2 Research the options

The next step is to research the different organizations, projects, and roles that are related to your chosen causes. You can use online platforms, such as VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or DoSomething, to browse and filter volunteer opportunities by location, category, skill, and time commitment. You can also look for local nonprofits, community groups, or events that need volunteers. Read their mission statements, goals, and impact stories, and see if they align with your values and expectations.

3 Assess your skills and availability

The third step is to assess your skills and availability, and see how they match with the volunteer opportunities. What skills do you have or want to develop? What skills are in demand or useful for the cause? How much time can you commit to volunteering? Do you prefer short-term or long-term projects? Do you want to volunteer online or in person? Be realistic and honest about what you can offer and what you want to gain from volunteering.

4 Connect with the organization

The fourth step is to connect with the organization that you are interested in volunteering for. You can contact them by email, phone, or social media, and ask them about their volunteer needs, expectations, and application process. You can also attend their orientation, training, or information sessions, and meet their staff, current volunteers, and beneficiaries. This will help you get a better sense of their culture, values, and impact, and see if you fit in.

5 Try it out

The fifth step is to try out the volunteer opportunity and see how it goes. You can start with a trial period, a one-time event, or a flexible role, and evaluate your experience. Do you enjoy the work, the people, and the cause? Do you feel valued, supported, and challenged? Do you see the results of your efforts? Do you want to continue or switch to another opportunity? Be open-minded and adaptable, and don't be afraid to explore different options until you find the one that suits you best.

6 Review and improve

The sixth step is to review and improve your volunteer experience. You can ask for feedback from the organization, your fellow volunteers, and yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a volunteer? What are the challenges and opportunities for improvement? What are the best practices and tips for volunteering? How can you make a bigger or deeper impact? You can also set goals, track your progress, and celebrate your achievements. Volunteering is a learning journey, and you can always grow and improve along the way.