Are you a student who is ready to get involved and be part of something bigger than yourself? Are you a community advocate looking for help with a cause?
If you answered yes to either of the questions above, Volunteer Central is for you. Volunteer Central is IU Bloomington's volunteer opportunity management platform where organizations post their needs and students respond.
Volunteer experiences can provide a healthy sense of accomplishment, skill development, and connections with people you would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet. A successful volunteer experience requires planning on the part of the volunteer. Plan for your next volunteer experience with the tips below.
One of the most important things you can bring to an organization is your positive energy and compassion. When you are excited about a cause, your energy will motivate others.
Consider your passions, hobbies, and interests when researching a volunteer organization. Write down all of your top causes, interests, and research organizations that are working towards those same causes and interests. There is a multitude of possibilities out there, find the one that sparks your passion.
Organizations recruit volunteers for a variety of roles. Search for local opportunities online in Volunteer Central (Handshake) or the Bloomington Volunteer Network. Think through what types of opportunities work best for you, like in-person, remote, one-time, ongoing, hands-on, internships, etc. and then narrow it down to your top choices.
Volunteering is a great way to make new friends and connections. If you’re able to meet with other volunteers or team members beforehand, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the experiences others have had and meet people outside of your social network.
Some organizations may require a formal volunteer training series beforehand. Check with your organization beforehand to find out if you need to complete volunteer trainings, CPR or first-aid trainings, or if there are required team meetings or tutorials to complete.
Working out the logistics of volunteering beforehand is a good best practice. Research the physical distance of the volunteer opportunity location and determine how you are going to get there. Your organization may be willing to work with you to find solutions if you need access to transportation. Money is also an important factor—taking part in volunteer activities is often free to you, but make sure to think about factors like gas money, food, and supplies if you need them.
Take some time to think about why you might be drawn to a particular cause or organization and what makes it special to you. Once you have identified the organization that you would like to volunteer with, take the necessary steps to sign up for the volunteer opportunity by following the registration instructions in the volunteer posting.
If you make the decision to sign up for a volunteer opportunity, be sure that you can follow through with your commitment. Volunteer organizations count on your commitment. If unforeseen circumstances happen that make it impossible for you to follow through, contact the volunteer organization ahead of time by calling the volunteer coordinator or the person who is organizing the volunteer opportunity or event and let them know.
IU Corps has created this guide with frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you explore options of how you can start your own volunteer journey.
If you have additional questions that are not addressed below, email IU Corps at iucorps@iu.edu.
There are many resources available to help you narrow your search and find the perfect fit. Here are just a few places to start:
Are you ready to visit a community partner off campus, but you're not quite sure how to get there? Bus transportation through Bloomington Transit is free to all students when you show your CrimsonCard. Check out this list of routes and find additional information about transportation options to help you get around town, on campus, and off campus.
Specific community partners may have transportation available upon request. Several community partners are located within a short walking distance of campus, and some of them offer remote volunteer options that will allow you to work from wherever is most convenient. Most volunteer matching sites have filters where you can search for these.
There are many different ways to volunteer. Your contribution is significant and impactful, whether it’s a regular part of your routine or something you do one time.
Many volunteer matching websites have search filters and descriptions to help you find opportunities of various time commitments. No matter where you find your opportunity, if you have a specific organization in mind, reach out directly and ask how much time they require. Many organizations are flexible and willing to work around busy schedules.
Volunteering can help bring fun into your life and give you a sense of accomplishment from helping others. It can also open the door for many other opportunties and provide an opportunity for you to build skills in a variety of areas such as communication, project management, and leadership. It can be very rewarding. Here are just a few of the benefits that come with volunteering:
Volunteering is a unique experience that can take place in many different forms. While some people have lots of experience, if you’ve never volunteered before, it can seem a bit overwhelming.
The experience of volunteering is unique to each and every person. In reality, there are unlimited numbers of opportunities available. Whatever your situation, interests and skills, there is a place for you.
If you are interested in volunteering and have questions about what it could look like for you, IU Corps is here to help. Contact us directly through email at iucorps@iu.edu.
While most volunteer experiences are positive, we recognize that some people may have had negative experiences in the past. Whether your concerns stem from poor organizational leadership, not seeing the value of your work, or from simply expecting a different experience than the one you got, your concerns are valid. However, each experience is different. Giving volunteering a second chance might lead you to the right one for you.
If you’re hesitant about volunteering for any reason, ask questions and be transparent. Knowing what to expect going in and being familiar with the organization means there’s a better chance you’ll enjoy it.
If you have a mental or physical disability, illness, health condition, or need support another way, reach out. Accessible Educational Services can help you navigate accommodations when it comes to on-campus opportunities, and the people/organizations you’re volunteering with are also likely to support you. Whether you need to choose the kind of work you do, a flexible schedule with breaks, or make sure the place you’re volunteering is accessible, there is a place for you to make a difference with the support and resources you need.
Before reaching out to fill a volunteer role, international students are advised to review the Office for International Services’ guidelines for volunteering to review the rules and regulations of volunteering and employment.
Federal regulations limit the types of work international students can participate in. These limits differ depending on immigration status. Check out the guidelines for employment and work authorization to be sure the work you want to do does not interfere with visas or other elements of your status as a student.
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