It’s really cool, especially if you volunteer at a really fun event so you get in free (even though you may not get to do whatever you want).

If you like a specific cause, like for me it’s animals and vegetarianism, sometimes you can find a group and go to events with them. I’ve volunteered for an all-vegan event where I got a free juice bar and I got to taste the desserts after the rich people were finished. I’ve also volunteered to work at an information table in the middle of a street fair. I even had the opportunity to table at a music festival but I couldn’t get there…

I have also volunteered for one-day things with my college group, and we filled up bags in a food pantry, cleaned up a homeless shelter, threw a party for homeless kids, and other things I can’t remember.

I tried doing a long-term volunteer gig for an animal shelter, but they were very disorganized and were unable to utilize my time, which was a shame. I’m still looking for a nearby organization to volunteer with but I haven’t found any.

However I’m really looking forward to starting my own organization, and then I’ll be the one looking for volunteers! At least now I know how volunteers want to be treated, and I won’t be taking anyone for granted.