It’s summertime, and now’s the chance to get out and do something really creative! Mountain biking in Vermont, sitting on a beach in Miami, or how about our personal favorite: Volunteering?
It’s no secret that volunteering reduces stress and anxiety, and makes people feel happier so why not jump in to a local project that will make a real difference? Here are four tips we put together on how to make it a great experience.
1) Do Something You’ve Never Done Before
Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If you’re an avid volunteer, you may have developed a particular comfort zone or area of expertise: Be it education, environmental, or even a career-related aspect of volunteering. If you want to really spice up your volunteering, try something completely different. If you volunteer in marketing, try copywriting instead. If you volunteer at an educational agency, try an environmental one. You’ll broaden your horizons, discover new things, and best of all: You’ll be able to work efficiently with other volunteers and agencies even if you go back to your old volunteer comfort zone!
2) Make It A Summer-Long Affair
Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
If you volunteer on an ad-hoc basis - a day event here, folding clothes there - why not commit to an entire summer of volunteering? Many agencies have programs that last one, two, or even three months. These are even the types of programs you can credit for if you’re in high school or college, so don’t forget to ask your academic Dean if it could work!
3) Travel Locally
If you volunteer in Ridgefield, why not try an agency in Norwalk or Fairfield? Your commute may be longer and you may have to get used to a new set of directions, but it’s a fresh perspective and will give you some new exposure.
4) Bring A Friend, or Friends
Who says you have to volunteer alone? Invite a friend out to volunteer in lieu of drinks or a movie. Not only is it a fun, enriching activity and a great way to spend time with friends over the summer, but you’ll overjoy volunteer agencies who need groups of people for large volunteering events. We have plenty of of those on VolunteerSquare!
These are just some starter ideas. We’re sure you can come up with your own unique spin on volunteering over the summer when you probably have the most available time. Feel free to get started at www.volunteersquare.com! Be sure to check us out on Facebook & Twitter, too.
