Tips for Volunteering

Tips On Volunteering
You can see over 350 ways to volunteer locally on Volunteer Solutions at any time.

But before you start searching for ways to help, ask yourself some important questions first. Determine your interests, needs, and availability up front. This will help you find a volunteer position that is just right for you, making your volunteer experience fun for you and beneficial to your community.

Getting Started
For example, ask yourself...
What am I really passionate about?
How much time can I give?
Do I want to work directly with people or behind the scenes?
Do I want to work by myself or with a group?
What do I enjoy doing most?
What special skills can I offer?
Do I want to learn a new skill or provide experience to the organization?
What issues or causes are important to me?
Do I want to volunteer with my family, coworkers or another group?
Would I like to volunteer from home or on-line?

Complete a personal profile
Volunteer Solutions listings of service opportunities and participating agencies are frequently updated. If you register with the site, you will be notified of new listings. Registering provides you with more personalized service and your privacy is protected. Click here to complete your personal profile now.

Review the listed volunteer opportunities
Which listings are the "best fit" for you? Volunteer Solutions allows users to view all listings, or to search by interest categories. Users can also read about each agency, allowing potential volunteers to fully understand each agency's mission.

Call or email the contact person
After you select an opportunity, either call or email the volunteer coordinator listed with that opportunity. Tell the person you are interested in finding out more. Ask to set up an appointment to tour the agency.

What to expect
Each organization has its own process for managing volunteer inquiries. Some will require that you complete a volunteer application. Others are required to do a criminal background check, driving record check or TB test on all volunteers. Most organizations will require that you receive training before you start volunteering. Ask for more information about the interview and training process when you call. Expect that your contributions to the organization as a volunteer will be evaluated—volunteers provide valuable services to the agencies.

For more information and assistance, please contact the Volunteer HELP!Line by dialing 211 or 605-339-4357 outside the Sioux Falls area.