On Wednesday morning, you might have seen this post from Wil Reynolds, Seer’s CEO and Founder, sharing his thoughts after the election results. Wil’s call to action is to identify which groups might be adversely affected by this administration and commit to helping them.
Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Here’s a guide to help.
Pick Your Focus (But Nothing is Set in Stone)
You may feel overwhelmed about where to start. Just like starting a new workout plan or kicking a bad habit, it can be tempting to set big goals that ultimately feel unreachable. To combat this, pick one area of focus or one population you want to volunteer with. It’s likely that many groups could use help. It’s okay to focus on just one or two groups at a time.
The next step is to identify an organization to work with. Before you even begin researching, I recommend giving yourself permission to try out multiple organizations. If the first place you try doesn’t feel like a fit, don’t let that discourage you! Instead, approach it with the mindset that it may take a few tries to build a relationship with the right organization.
Do Your Research!
Now it’s time to find a place to volunteer! Unfortunately, there isn’t one central directory for nonprofit volunteer opportunities. Start by thinking about organizations in your community that inspire you. Who have you seen doing meaningful work in your neighborhood, town, or city? Websites such as Volunteer Match, Idealist.org, and local neighborhood groups can help you narrow down your search.
As you find options, do a little digging online to see what else you can learn. Have they been written up in the local newspaper? Do they have an active social media presence where you can get a glimpse of their work? Do they list a volunteer coordinator or a volunteer intake form to connect you easily? Check if they have a newsletter, which may provide additional insights. Reviewing their social media may also show you examples of volunteers in action.
Don’t hesitate to consider logistics as you narrow down organizations. Is the organization located close to home or work? Are volunteer shifts at convenient times? Can you meet any requirements they have for their volunteers?
[TIP] Volunteer opportunities are not limited to big cities! There are likely organizations in your community that could use some extra help!
Take it Beyond Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to show up for a population at risk, but it’s not the only way. Challenge yourself to deepen your commitment by engaging in advocacy. No matter which administration is in office, policy changes often begin at the grassroots level. Learn about the policy issues affecting your chosen population and make a plan to reach out to local representatives. Volunteering stops the bleeding, but advocacy prevents the injuries.
