Before you volunteer for a nonprofit organization, there are a few things you need to know about volunteering. First of all, the definition for volunteer is "one who offers himself or herself to provide a service of his or her own free will."

In other words, a volunteer is someone who signs up with an organization to do a certain project or activity for others in the community, FOR FREE. Although you won’t be paid for what you did, there is still one thing you get: Satisfaction for the good and wonderful deed(s) you did for others and your community. Even though most of the benefits of volunteering were mentioned, you might still be thinking, "why should I volunteer and get involved in my community?"

Here are a few more great reasons you should volunteer:
You can hang out with one or some friends and help someone at the same time.
You can learn job skills, leadership skills, and gain work experience.
It gives you something positive to do in the summer or with your free time.
You can earn community service/volunteer credits for school, and
You can explore future career options.

Next:
___ Talk with your parents/guardian about your interest in volunteering.
1) Ask for their permission.
2) Make sure that your volunteer time will fit into everyone's schedule.

___ Look through the volunteer opportunities online and find one that looks interesting.
1) Be sure that you qualify for the minimum age requirements.
2) Make plans for transportation to the location.

___ What happens next?
1) You will call, email, or register online to sign up for the volunteer opportunity.
2) The Volunteer Coordinator at the location you selected will contact you to arrange for you to meet them, complete an orientation/training, and schedule times for you to volunteer. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the volunteer opportunities.