04 Mar Volunteering: “How can I help?”

Volunteers are the backbone of many, if not most, nonprofits.  Ecologically focused or otherwise!  When people think of volunteering, they often think of going outside to pick up trash or plant trees, but volunteering can mean a lot of different things.  At Travis Audubon (the organization I know best!) volunteers lead classes and field trips as well as participating in outdoor restoration efforts.  Volunteers can help with computers, stuff envelopes, and give talks.  Donating time can be just as helpful as donating money for many organizations! 

(Volunteers at a work day at Travis Audubon's Blair Woods Sanctuary)

That being said, volunteers can also mean a lot of work for an organization.  It takes time and effort to manage volunteers, and sometimes volunteers are most helpful when they have a specific, needed skill. 

In the wake of the terrible oil spill in Louisiana last year, many people flew down to help and in some cases caused more harm than good.  This article, and many like it, gave some great advice for where people could look for volunteer opportunities that would be the most help in that criticial time.

But where can you go when you know you want to help, but you don't know how?  Here are some great ways to find out where you would do the most good:

• Austin EcoNetwork's Calendar is a great resource. Many local groups post volunteer events, along with contact information.  It's especially good because it has such a focus on eco activities in Austin.  Websites like VolunteerMatch and idealist.org are more general sites that also have some good local opportunities.  You just have to look!
• Think about what skills you have and what activities you would like to do.  Are you great with power tools?  Do you have an amazing knack with computers?  Are you an expert gardener?  Do you have experience teaching or working with kids?  Do you just want to spend a fun day outdoors?  There are opportunites for everyone, it's just a matter of finding the right opportunity.
• School groups, companies, religious organizations, etc. often volunteer in big groups.  The leaders of these groups have contacts in various organizations, which can help with organization and with finding new and exciting volunteer possibilities
• If your job or organization does not do these sorts of volunteer activites, you can be the one to start it!  Find an organization you would like to work with, and contact the person in their organization who is in charge of volunteering.  They can tell you what events or needs they have and put you on their list for future events. Don't be discouraged if they do not have a place for you right now!
• Talk to your friends/coworkers.  Are any of them participating in a volunteer activity you'd be interested in?  Are they signed up for any email lists that have good volunteer activites?  The Austin EcoNetwork newsletter is one of the best, but there are many other organzations that crosspost volunteer opportunities in their newsletters.

Volunteering is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  There are many kid-friendly activities, too! 

Do you know of some good resources for Eco Volunteering in Austin?  Please post them in the comments!