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Due to the lapse in government funding, only websites supporting excepted functions will be updated unless otherwise funded. As a result, the information on this website may not be up to date and the agency will not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

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Volunteer in your community

Kids volunteering

Dedicating your time and talents to a good cause in your community can be a great way to develop your interests and skills while helping others at the same time. Some people volunteer because they want to change their community or world we live in, or to address an issue they think is important. Sometimes people volunteer to help others in need. Volunteering can also be noted on your resume and college applications. Many schools and potential employers think highly of community volunteers!

“Volunteering helps you become a better person.”

There are many different reasons for you to start volunteering:

Places to volunteer: 

  • Homeless shelter
  • Hospital
  • Library
  • Animal shelter
  • Food bank
  • Senior citizen center
  • State park
  • Political campaign
  • To help others
  • To beat boredom
  • To overcome a loss you have experienced
  • To gain a perspective on life
  • To meet new people and have fun while doing something good

No matter what your reasons, you can get a lot out of volunteering. You can learn about yourself, learn about others, and meet interesting people. You can help others as you help yourself.

Your high school may have a mandatory community service program. Look at it as a wonderful opportunity for you to get involved! Remember, it’s a chance for you to learn responsibility and experience — the satisfaction that comes with helping others!

Here are useful resources for learning about volunteer opportunities to match virtually any interest, from taking care of animals to raising money for disease research. You can also look for information at your school, local libraries and community centers, parks and recreation facilities, and religious institutions.

Find hundreds of different opportunities in the United States and around the world!

 

Content last reviewed September 22, 2009
Page last updated November 13, 2015

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