How to Get Back Into Community Service in Delaware and Beyond

It’s important to feel good about what you are doing and look forward to giving your time. Volunteer with a community, individual, or cause that you are passionate about, and decide what you are interested in doing. If you are looking for direct involvement, there are numerous organizations with opportunities available, such as mentoring students, packing food, ushering with a performing arts program, delivering meals to seniors, helping build homes, or working on a campaign for someone running for elected office. Or, you may feel ready for a leadership role on a board or board committee. Think about what will give you the motivation and energy to donate your time. 

Do a quick Google search to find organizations in your area that may have current needs. In addition to nonprofits, most state and local governments provide volunteer opportunity listings online. You can also connect with organizations of interest and their leaders on LinkedIn or follow their other social media accounts to stay in the know. Ask family, friends, classmates, and coworkers if they are involved in community service and how they got started. See if they have connections to organizations that interest you. Many organizations will give you a tour of their facilities and welcome a chance to interact with potential volunteers. You could also schedule an appointment with the Executive Director or Board Chair of the organization to learn more about their programs , projects, and plans for the future.

Sometimes volunteering doesn’t work out because we try to do too much too soon. Be honest with yourself about the other demands in your life––work, school, exercise, socializing, resting––and decide if and where volunteering can fit in. Maybe you have a couple of hours once a month when you can do something hands-on, or maybe you can perform some tasks remotely on a regular basis. Knowing your bandwidth before you jump in can help ensure the right match. After finding a potential match, be sure to get a full understanding of what will be expected of you as a volunteer. Take special note of the hours or number of meetings you are agreeing to and make sure you are comfortable that you have the time to serve and fill the responsibilities you are committing to.

Besides helping others, the opportunity to serve and get involved is a benefit to you. One of the great joys in life is knowing you have been able to do something to serve others and have played a role in helping to make your community a better place to live and work for everyone.

After you have found a match, fill out that form, send that email, or show up to that event to give it a try. Giving your time is a gift no matter how little or how much, and once you start, it will get easier to keep it going!

Now that you are ready to dive in, we would love to hear how it goes! Please send us your volunteering/community service story to alumni@wilmingtonfriends.org or DM us on Facebook or Instagram.