University of Colorado Denver

A volunteer is someone who offers his or her service for the benefit of a community organization or cause. Volunteering can mean spending two years as an international development worker in the Peace Corps, or two hours on Sunday planting trees in a local park. Volunteering in the Metro Denver area is an amazingly simple yet rewarding thing to do. Volunteer opportunities are available in almost all of the areas that make this diverse city such a wonderful place to live, so do yourself and your community a favor, get out there and volunteer!

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Volunteering helps students bridge the knowledge they receive in classrooms with hands-on everyday experiences within the community.
• Volunteering helps students have a meaningful and enjoyable experience while meeting and networking with others who share the same values. Volunteers explore and get exposure to possible future careers and like-minded professional organizations.
• Volunteers get to witness firsthand the positive impact they have on the community.
• Volunteers earn the sense of pride and satisfaction that comes when serving a greater good.
• Volunteering enhance your overall education and looks great on a resume. Remember, potential employers are looking for the well-rounded individual who can make a positive impact in a variety of different settings.

Tips for Volunteering:

• Use volunteer time as an opportunity to explore career options, gain training and professional development. Volunteering is a great way to experience first-hand what a potential position in a particular career field could be like.
• Contact different organizations. Look for one-time events or long-term commitments. Don’t feel limited.
• Think outside the box! Research the causes or issues that are important to you. Look for a group that deals with issues about which you feel strongly.
• Utilize your skills. Whatever you are good at – computers, working with youth, environmental work – can be put to good use with nonprofits and local agencies. Similarly, you may want to think about your specific personality and how your organization skills or communication style might fit with different organizations or activities.
• Commit to a project, but don’t over-commit yourself. Make sure you come through as a dependable volunteer. Find the volunteer activity that fits your schedule.
• Meet new people! Volunteering provides a great atmosphere to meet people with similar interests.
• Ask your friends to help. Studies show that the number one reason that people volunteer is because they were asked. So go ask someone to volunteer with you and make a difference together.
• Serve with your campus clubs, fraternities, sororities, community groups, dorm-mates, or church.  If there is nothing planned yet, it may be fun to organize an activity or fundraiser together.
• Plan an Alternative Spring Break with your friends. Volunteer in a place with special needs or in some part of the country or world you’ve never been. Help out while learning about the local economy, local needs, and cultural differences.
• Don't assume that your volunteer service has to be directly related to your major to work
• Don’t give up! If you find that your volunteering experience is not all that you expected, look for other options or ideas to make it better.

(Adapted from “Volunteering in America: State Trends and Rankings”)