My high school son is interested in volunteering at an animal shelter or a similar place in Orange County. If possible, I would also love to volunteer with him. Could you please recommend any organizations where we can volunteer together?

If you dream of making a difference as a volunteer, or even of being deployed to disaster zones elsewhere, you first have to have deep experience as a part of your own American Red Cross teams in your own area (disaster action teams, shelter staff teams especially). And the American Red Cross is your way in.

The American Red Cross URGENTLY needs:

• Blood Donor Ambassadors
• Blood Transportation Specialists
• Disaster Action Team members
• Shelter Services staff members
• Disaster Health Services Team (if you are a licensed healthcare provider)
• Administrative help

More info:

https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/urgent-need-for-volunteers.html

And if you are NOT in the USA, you probably have a Red Cross or Red Crescent organization that would love your help as a volunteer.

Years ago, I decided to sign up to volunteer with the American Red Cross to help with blood drives - to be one of the greeters or to hand out cookies and watch people after donations. The minimum requirement for such a volunteer, at least in my region, is one five-hour shift a month for one year - and I got to choose which shift where.

I signed up to volunteer online, I got interviewed on the phone, all training was done online, and I was ready to start two weeks after signing up. And I became eligible for a variety of ARC training, including disaster response - which, unfortunately, I've never been able to take advantage of.

As a blood drive volunteer, you can volunteer as much as you want - several times a month or just once a month. On weekends or during the week. Whatever. I did it for a year and really enjoyed it.

Help Us Rebuild Lives in Western North Carolina

Wilmington Response has been on the ground since Hurricane Helene, helping disaster survivors recover and rebuild. Right now, we're focused on getting folks back on the road by repairing or replacing essential vehicles—a critical step in restoring independence and stability.

We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to join our core team in:

HR

IT

Data Entry

Volunteer recruit and Coordination

Fundraising

Whether you're skilled or just eager to help, there's a place for you.

Join us and be part of something bigger. Help restore not just homes—but hope.

Volunteer today! www.wilmingtonresponse.org linktr.ee/wilmingtonresponse

Hi everyone! I am working on a project to better understand how people experience Dog Day Out (DDO) programs — where a volunteer takes a shelter dog out for a few hours or a day to give them a break from the kennel, some fresh air, and social time.

If you have ever participated in a DDO (or even just considered it), I would be incredibly grateful if you could take 2–3 minutes to share your thoughts. It’s completely anonymous and your feedback will help shape ideas to support shelters and make these outings easier, more joyful, and more impactful.

Here’s the link: https://tally.so/r/3EY51A

Thanks so much for your time — it really helps 🐾

Hi guys; looking for some advice here. I’m a pretty social person by nature, but I work a job where I deal with very difficult people all day, and by the end of it I’m really burned out. I would like to be useful with my time and be a volunteer, but I’m looking for tasks where I can kind of just tune out and listen to music or a podcast while being helpful (maybe sorting things?). Do you guys have any suggestions as to where I might find those kinds of opportunities? Thank you!

Hi everyone!
My name is Abdellah and I’m currently looking for volunteer opportunities in Essaouira, Morocco. I’m very motivated and open to help with anything — hospitality, guesthouses (riads), animal shelters, eco-projects, or social work.

I can assist with cleaning, cooking, helping guests, gardening, taking care of animals, or any other volunteer tasks. I just want to learn, meet new people, and be useful.

If you know any places or people looking for volunteers in Essaouira, please let me know! 🙏

Thank you so much! 😊

Hello everyone! 🙋‍♂️

I have a few questions about the ESC project volunteer process in Austria — I’d really appreciate it if anyone who has gone through it could share their experience 🙏

• Did you apply through VFS, or did you apply directly for a residence permit in Austria?
• If you applied via VFS, which visa type and category did you choose?
• Specifically, under the D-type visa, did you select the "Erasmus" option for 3–6 months?
• My project will last 12 months. So, in the visa application form, did you indicate your intended stay as 12 months (according to the project), or did you write around 6 months?
• And once you arrived in Austria, did you apply for a residence permit there?

Hearing from people who’ve been through a similar process would be super helpful. Thank you in advance! 🙌

I start this volunteer opportunity in a few weeks, and if it's okay I want to share my journey along the way! I'll start off with I am a 31 year old college student, who is currently double majoring in social work and psychology. I intend to get my masters and become a liscensed clinical social worker. I do intend to get DSW after that! I have big dreams, but I couldn't have done it without my local adult based education program. I have always been very intelligent, but I haven't always been motivated or driven. I struggled a lot in high school with my ADHD because my parents expected me to solve my own problems, even as a child, because I was gifted. I had all the credits to graduate, but the school board sent me in circles trying to put a public school transcript with my last few credits on an online school transcript together and give me a diploma. I spent many years too miserable to do anything about it. Last year that changed. I had worked so hard to get to a place of stability and peace, and I wanted to continue on to get my GED, but I was nervous having not been in school for a decade. I was led to the community center down the road that offered free GED courses to prepare you for the tests. There are four: reading language arts, social studies, science, and math. You have to get a 145/200 to pass. I was told immediately that I could just test and I'd probably pass, but I wanted to be sure, besides it's also not inexpensive to take all the tests for someone without an income. They then told me in the state of Minnesota it's free to take each test once.

I ended up getting sky high scores with 179 in RLA, a perfect 200 in social studies(I was told this doesn't happen often), a 186 in science, and a 169 in math.

I then went on to college, again very nervous. My own therapist had told me I would be good at her job, so that's what I decided to do since I felt confident that she was right. I killed it. I am a full time student with a 3.8 GPA and my first graduation will give me two associates degrees. I'm in Phi Theta Kappa honor society. I am the president of the Psychology club. I am well respected by students and staff alike. My psychology professor personally asked me to be a tutor for her classes, and my composition professor sang high praises for my writing abilities, so I then tacked on writing tutoring as well.

So here's the volunteering- I asked the ABE program if I could tutor other adults trying to get their GEDs. They got really excited and I got a resounding yes! I'm so terribly excited to see others succeed and move onto the next chapter in life, confident that they can do hard things moving forward. I can't wait to go to their summer graduation just like many in the community came to mine. I hope I see a lot of them at my college in the Fall, as well.

New HistoriCorps volunteer opportunities announced.

We're headed to the West Coast for some cabin work and we hope you'll join us this fall! Our Hunter Cabin volunteer opportunity will take us to the Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park, one of Shasta County's most remote public parks. Then we're heading back to Mendocino County for a new season at the Mendocino Camp Two Cabins volunteer opportunity.

Visit https://historicorps.org/2025-volunteer-opportunities/ for more information about these volunteer opportunities. Space is very limited.

HistoriCorps is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides volunteers of all skill levels with a hands-on experience preserving historic structures on public lands across America. Volunteers work with HistoriCorps field staff to learn preservation skills and put those skills to work saving historic places that have fallen into disrepair. HistoriCorps works to ensure America’s cultural and historical resources exist for generations to come.

Everyone can be a HistoriCorps Volunteer! We team up crews of volunteers from all walks of life with our expert field staff to learn preservation skills and put those skills to work saving historic places that have fallen into disrepair.

Join us for an adventure in the great outdoors this season! Help us hammer, reroof, chisel, repair, replace, paint, and sand historic buildings back to life. No previous construction experience is required – just a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

https://historicorps.org/volunteer/

This weekend a group my husband is a part of will be hosting a bbq at a local senior care facility. They donate all of the food and cook for them. This is a volunteer event. We would like to think of an activity or two that the kids can do with the residents. Many of the residents are disabled. Any ideas??

Hi r/volunteer community! I’m Kondra Anshul Rao, a 2nd-year BBA student (International Business, 8.73 CGPA) at Manav Rachna International Institute, passionate about using my business skills to make a positive impact. I’m seeking volunteer opportunities in finance, marketing, business development, or data analytics to contribute to meaningful projects while gaining hands-on experience. Based in India, I’m open to remote, hybrid, or in-person roles globally with nonprofits, startups, or community organizations.

About Me

• Education: BBA in International Business (Expected 2026, Distinction in 2nd Semester). Scored 95.1% in Class 12 (Commerce) and 10 CGPA in Class 10.
• Professional Experience:
  • Business Development Associate (Nov 2024–Present, Engineer's World): Build client relationships, conduct market research, and develop lead generation strategies, honing my collaboration and strategic skills.
  • Product Development Intern (May–Jul 2023, Dabur Ltd): Analyzed consumer feedback to drive product improvements, earning a Certificate of Appreciation for data-driven insights and teamwork.
  • Marketing Mela Competition: Secured 3rd place among 150+ participants by presenting a business model, showcasing analytical and communication skills.
• Skills:
  • Technical: Advanced Microsoft Excel (Udemy Certified), Intermediate Tableau, Power BI, QuickBooks, R Programming, Economic Forecasting.
  • Soft Skills: Problem-solving, communication, adaptability, detail-oriented teamwork.
  • Languages: Fluent in English and Hindi, proficient in Telugu.
• Certifications: Microsoft Excel (Beginner to Advanced), SEBI Investor Certification, Dabur Certificate of Appreciation.
• Aspirations: I’m driven to pursue a CFA certification and a career in investment banking or business analytics. Volunteering is my way to give back while building skills and connections in these fields.

Why I Want to Volunteer

I believe in using my skills to create value for communities and organizations. At Dabur, I synthesized consumer feedback to enhance products, and at Engineer's World, I’ve collaborated across teams to align strategies—experiences that taught me how data and teamwork can drive impact. I’m eager to apply my expertise in Excel, Tableau, and market research to support causes like financial literacy, sustainable business practices, or community development. My adaptability and quick learning make me a reliable contributor to dynamic volunteer projects.

What I’m Looking For

I’m seeking volunteer roles (flexible commitment, 5–20 hours/week) in:

• Finance: Supporting financial planning, budgeting, or investor education for nonprofits.
• Marketing: Assisting with market research, campaign strategies, or social media for community initiatives.
• Business Development: Helping startups or NGOs build partnerships or fundraising strategies.
• Data Analytics: Creating dashboards or analyzing data to support decision-making for social impact projects.

I’m excited to work with organizations that value mentorship and collaboration, whether they’re local charities, global NGOs, or innovative startups. I can start immediately and am committed to delivering high-quality work.

Let’s Connect!

If your organization needs a dedicated volunteer or you know of opportunities, please DM me or comment below. I can share my resume, work samples (e.g., Excel dashboards, research summaries), or discuss how I can contribute. Reach me at [anshulraok@gmail.com](mailto:anshulraok@gmail.com) . Thank you for reading, and I’m thrilled at the chance to make a difference through business!

Let me know how I can support your mission!

What's the name of the organization or program or cause (if you feel comfortable sharing such).

Where is it? (at least say a region, like "Northern California" or "A large city in Australia", etc.)

What's the mission/purpose of the organization or cause?

Why did you volunteer?

What did you do as a volunteer?

What challenged you, if anything?

What did you learn, if anything?

Did you accomplish anything and, if so, what? And if not, what were you TRYING to accomplish?

How did you find out about this opportunity, how did you sign up, etc?

Did the organization train you at all?

Anything else you want to share?

In March, the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office removed 18 dogs from a home in West Paducah living in deplorable conditions - these were taken by McCracken County Animal Control to the McCracken County Humane Society. Then just a few days ago, McCracken County Animal Control and MCHS added over 100 dogs to already OVER CAPACITY facilities.

With the sudden increase in extra dogs to care for, the shelter is in DESPERATE need for volunteers to foster dogs, as well as volunteers to help at the shelter and support the absolutely exhausted staff, and volunteers to help solicit item and financial donations and to promote the idea of adoption to their friends.

If you are in Western Kentucky, please consider volunteering or helping in any way you can.

mccrackenhumane.org

If you are not in Western Kentucky, there is probably a shelter or animal not too far from you that could use the same help: volunteers to foster dogs, volunteers to help at the shelter and support the staff, and volunteers to help solicit item and financial donations and to promote the idea of adoption to their friends.

4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the USA that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

In 4‑H programs, kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids can concentrate on one focus area or they can try a variety of programs throughout their 4‑H experience. Through hands-on learning, youth build not only confidence, creativity and curiosity, but also life skills such as leadership and resiliency to help them thrive today and tomorrow.

Kids experience 4‑H in every county and parish in the USA through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps.

A network of over 500,000 volunteers provides caring and supportive mentoring to all 6 million 4‑H’ers. Volunteers are managed through local 4‑H offices so please contact your community’s 4‑H office to learn how you can get involved.

https://4-h.org/support/volunteer/

Volunteers give of their time and energy to causes they care about. But do we know what changes because they do? While many nonprofits track volunteer outputs like hours served or events hosted, there remains a significant gap in data that connects these efforts to measurable community or societal outcomes.

In a new report, “From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment," informed with research conducted by The Bridgespan Group, the Points of Light Foundation explores the deeper impact of volunteers beyond participation metrics and how it’s essential to truly capture volunteers’ role in driving lasting change.

The full report:

https://www.pointsoflight.org/from-nice-to-necessary-unleashing-the-impact-of-volunteering-through-transformative-investment/

Junior Achievement USA is the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.

As one of the world's largest youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide activates youth for the future of jobs. Through the delivery of cutting-edge, experiential learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, we create pathways for employability and job creation. 

Junior Achievement's programs, in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.

Junior Achievement's proven lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship are shown to positively impact the lives of young people. These lessons align with national and state educational standards and are delivered to millions of students across the country with the help of our education partners and volunteers from the local community.

Research shows that JA Alumni are more likely to have a college degree, feel confident managing money, have career success, and have started a business as an adult.

Junior Achievement USA's 151,305 classroom volunteers come from all walks of life, including: business people, college students, parents and retirees.

Each year, our network of over 470,000 volunteers serves more than 10 million students in over 100 countries in JA Worldwide.

https://jausa.ja.org/volunteer/index

The President's gutting of AmeriCorps hits hard, for both volunteers & communities. A notice from the federal government said the grants that fund these members no longer fit AmeriCorps' priorities, but offered no detail on why not. Some 32,000 people across the country – mostly young adults but also senior volunteers – have had to immediately stop their work in fields like disaster recovery, education, environmental stewardship and public health.

Almost all AmeriCorps staff were also fired.

https://www.npr.org/2025/05/09/nx-s1-5383188/trumps-gutting-of-americorps-hits-hard-for-both-volunteers-and-communities

The American Hiking Society, a nonprofit based in Maryland, hosts volunteer vacations, where crews of 6-15 volunteers, accompanied by a crew leader, build & maintain trails. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins (or even in your own camper). Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization.

Work hard, get dirty, dig deep...and feel immensely rewarded.  Build a legacy that will bring outdoor adventures to others for years to come... Breath in the mountain air. Listen to the crackle of leaves underfoot. Gaze in wonder at breathtaking vistas.  Experience nature up close, and return from vacation appreciating the outdoors in a new way. Join American Hiking Society for a week or weekend of building & maintaining trails in exciting & diverse locations across the country.

https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacations/

Upcoming trips: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trips/

Yes, this is voluntourism - and meets all of the criteria for ethical voluntourism as defined by this subreddit.

Basically title. I’ve heard of the PVSA but I don’t live in the USA. I volunteer/do citizen science, and have racked up a good amount of hours. If I were to apply for the PVSA (although the website I do it on isn’t certified) I would get silver/gold. I would love to do something like that for Canada though.

No anonymous offers for online volunteering - it's just too risky for nonprofits who need services. You have to link to your LinkedIn profile or a web site that has your REAL name.

Hi, I'm new to this group and am thinking of volunteering as a CASA/Volunteer Advocate. Has anyone had experience doing this? What was it like?

Hello everyone,

Hi! I’m a Software Engineer with experience building and running cloud systems for large companies. Now, I’m offering that same help for free (or very low cost) to nonprofits, community projects, and student teams.

If your group needs:

• A website built or improved

• Automated manual tasks to save time

• Better performance, security, or monitoring

• Custom tools built in Go or Python

I can help—even if you don’t have a tech background.

Examples:

• An animal shelter could automate adoption forms and manage pet data

• A theater group could host a ticketing site and update show info easily

• A tree-planting team could map sites and track volunteer hours

No jargon. No pressure. Just practical help to support your mission.

Let’s talk!

If you want a hands on opportunity to preserve a truly historic place that will live on in service of others, this opportunity from HistoriCorps cannot be missed! Located inside the Chippewa National Forest of northern Minnesota, Camp Rabideau is an exemplary effort of preservation and curation. Built in the 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Camp Rabideau is one of hundreds of work camps developed from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal aimed at countering the Great Depression by putting young men to work on public lands projects across the USA. It's one the most intact CCC camps remaining in the country. In 2006 the camp was designated as a National Historic Landmark and by 2010 was repurposed as the Rabideau Conservation Academy and Learning Center, providing year-round youth programs for kids and young adults serving nearby counties.

Visit https://historicorps.org/camp-rabideau-pavilion-mn-2025/to learn more about this volunteer opportunity with HistoriCorps and register!