If you haven’t been able to find an opportunity for volunteer service, then you haven’t looked very hard. They are all around us. Some of these are overlooked because they are so commonplace, and others are ideas that never occurred to us. We’ve listed some well-known and some not so well-known volunteer opportunities that are available, both at home and abroad.

  1. Animal Shelter. Your local animal shelter or humane society is staffed mainly by volunteers. In addition to the daily office volunteers there other types of volunteering that is done in conjunction with these facilities as well. Parents and their children are often allowed to come at certain times to walk the dogs or play with the kittens. Volunteers are also needed to serve as foster homes for animals when the shelter is full.
  2. Shut-in Visitation. Whether it is in a nursing home or their own home, there are many lonely people who would love to have someone stop to visit when they no longer are physically able to get out. These aren’t always elderly people. Parents of seriously disabled or seriously ill children fit into this category at times. Check with your city or county agencies about how to get involved.
  3. Nursery staff. Churches, mother’s groups, AA groups and other regular meetings have nursery staffing needs. If you love to care for children, this is a great volunteer opportunity. In most cases, all that is necessary is to go through a background screening check when you apply.
  4. Teaching English. Volunteers serve as short-term English teachers abroad and working with immigrants in the United States. The training is not extensive but the opportunities, especially in China, are wide open.
  5. Athletic Coaching. Kid’s athletic programs are always in need of coaches. Volunteer to be an assistant the first year, and maybe you’ll be ready to take on a head coach position the next year.
  6. Scout leaders. The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are still in full operation, and they need leaders. Scouting has been a great way for volunteers to invest in the next generation as long as it has been around. That is still true today.
  7. United Nations. If you’re a professional and would like to some international travel, the United Nations has a volunteer program for you. After becoming registered and approved for the UN volunteer program, you will be contacted about opportunities available.
  8. ArtCorp. This non-profit organization connects artists with opportunities to work for social change and life improvements by using their artistic talents. They assist with the costs involved to varying degrees when artists work through their programs.
  9. Business Mentors. These volunteer opportunities for experienced business owners can often be provided over the phone or the internet. Mentoring agencies connect new entrepreneurs with experienced mentors in their field, to give them guidance towards a successful future.
  10. Pet Therapy. Many nursing homes and hospitals are encouraging the use of pet therapy with their residents. This is a way that you and your pet can volunteer together and bring a smile to someone’s face.

There’s a pretty wide range of activities listed here: animals, sports, business, art, teaching, travel… If you’ve done it, you can probably do it as a volunteer too.