what should i volunteer for?

Question

i just finished my art degree and i'm taking a year out before training to be a teacher. I want to do some character building stuff, maybe abroad as well but not for too long a time. I also want to help people and communities. any ideas?

Answer 1

It depends on your commitment. If you like animals then try an animal rescue shelter, sometimes hospitals and care homes like volunteers to cheer up the patients. Go to your citizens advice bureau as they may have some leaflets which can give you ideas. There are also loads of different charities ranging from animals, to children to old people who are crying out for volunteers.

Answer 2

What are your hobbies & interests? Most every museum has a dozent program. If you are into art check out the local art museum. If you wish to help people check out the Red Cross, and most community hospitals welcome volunteers. AT election time people are needed to man polling places. If you have a political bent join your favorite party. The Peace Corp is a great way to learn about life while helping others. The world is full of possibilities.

Answer 3

Go to your local recreation club or library to see if they need any help with activities over the school holidays for kids or with disabled groups going on days out. I'm not sure what kind of checks they would have to do but they have groups of special needs kids that go on activity holidays, you may be able to go along as a helping hand. Try doing a search for Down Syndrome clubs in your area and just phone them up and offer your services, or another type of group, diabetes, leukaemia patients etc. Or helping the aged, some old peoples homes welcome new faces, you may just be sitting with somebody while they have a chat with you, or reading the paper to them a few times a week. Try your local council as well they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Good luck, hope you do wonders.

Answer 4

I had a friend that took a year off and taught to children in an island in the Pacific. That could incorporate both helping people, getting experience as a teacher and travelling.

You could get involved in some of the tsunami projects, which could get you travelling and helping.

There are a lot of projects that need volunteers, you just need to look for them

Most importantly find something that's right for you.

Answer 5

There is a work share program that a friend of mine did for several years while getting her psychology degree. It's amazing the things that you can trade your time for, everything from planting tulips in Holland to teaching basketball to Lakota Sioux children in South Dakota. As she did, because she was on a athletic scholarship at Rhodes. Usually it only requires you to pay for your own transportation/flight and you will have room and board provided for you.

Answer 6

There are loads of overseas community fundraising opportunities.
www.charitychallenge.com offer community projects in Africa and Indonesia.

Or do something fun and raise money for charity doing it. Trek the great wall of china for instance. I'm doing a trek to the Ecuadorian Andes to raise money for Diabetes UK. Local charities will also benefit.

www.justgiving.com/andytoecuador

Answer 7

YES! Go to your local public school and see if they have a mentoring program. There are so many kids now in single parent homes, having to spend so much time with caregivers. Our children need our help! Especially someone like you who is educated and has a heart to want to make a difference.

Answer 8

Peace Corps

Answer 9

Depends on what pops your corn but find the nearest children's home and ask what you can do for them. There are TONS of abused, neglected children being cared for and the homes need help and you'll be richly rewarded.

Answer 10

Volunteer the tornado victim or flood or what else by money, clothes, drugs, or other things that will be useful