How I did it: 1. Thought about what kind of experience I would like to gain, because all volunteering provides experience. For example, I knew that I wanted to be a Social Worker so I looked to volunteer with various social groups, many on the outskirts of society.

2. Find the website for your local area. This is often packed with various volunteering opportunities.
Eg. http://www.torbay.gov.uk/volunteering

3. If this is unsuccessful into www.google.com type in the name of your area and 'volunteering'. This can provide a broad range of activities which can be beneficial if you don't have a particular activity in mind.

4. If you do know the kind of activity you are looking for, for example food-related, you can type into google your postcode and 'restaurant'. This will come up with companies near to you that you can contact to find out whether they accept volunteers. This can often land you in paid work if you work hard too!

Lessons & tips: Think on the wacky side a bit - make your CV really stand out by having a variety of different sorts of events you've volunteered at. Think charity duckraces etc!

Once you start volunteering for local organisations it becomes so much easier to find others that may be of interest you. If you're hardworking and enthusiastic you may find yourself in demand! People talk -and I've noticed they tend to show off about excellent volunteers!

Resources: If you're from Devon, you may find this site very useful to find relevent organisations near you that you can offer to volunteer for:
http://www.devonline.gov.uk/community/?action=keyword&keyword=youth+work&searchtype=all&go_keyword.x=10&go_keyword.y=5

If you're 16-25 this excellent organisation can help you find local volunteering opportunities and accredit you for all your hard work. http://www.vinspired.com/

If you're interested in traveling whilst volunteering then check this out! : http://www.idealist.org/volunteer/travel.html

Aug 18, 2009, 04:57PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer