Volunteering in the New Year

By Francesca Walton

As the new year rolled around, I struggled to think of resolutions. Not because I couldn’t think about ways to improve, but because I couldn’t narrow down my list. However, the resolution that sat at the top of my list was taking the time to contribute more to my community. Now more than ever, small businesses and nonprofits are hurting. Not only are small businesses, the backbone of our local economies, but they are the threads that tie our communities together. They desperately need help in 2021, and I think it is essential to come to their aid during these uncertain times. 

Last year’s pain is still very much with us as we start to round the corner on COVID-19 and try to deal with an intense civil divide. As our country continues to endure suffering and struggle, one of the best ways to heal wounds is to help those in need. However, figuring out how to help can be a daunting task, especially in a time of minimal social interaction. What we often don’t consider is that there are a multitude of ways that we can reach our communities from our own homes. There are ways we can help our neighborhood, our nation, and those overseas by taking on simple tasks that make a difference. 

Servicing Your Skills

Time may be your most valuable personal resource, but your unique skills are often your most helpful to a charity or nonprofit. Tailoring your volunteering to your professional strengths, whether that’s marketing, finance, or legal (if you’re qualified), is a great way to amplify your impact on an organization. In my search for volunteer opportunities, I found organizations that I was excited about, but that were looking for volunteers with specific qualifications different from my own. I felt like I was spinning my wheels, so I contacted the United Way and VolunteerMatch for help. They connected me to local groups that I was passionate about and needed my specific professional skills.

My search led me to Family-to-Family, a nonprofit that pairs you with a specific family that you get to know very well. You can help support them by delivering groceries, running errands, and covering some essential costs (if you’re able to). Family-to-Family, a local and national group, encourages strong communication between the host family and the “adopted family,” especially since in-person meetings are no longer recommended (given the current pandemic). 

While I dropped off gifts during the holidays and frequently pick up groceries, most of the time I spend with the family is over Zoom. We read books to each other, tell stories, even play online games. I love spending with them and have learned so much from their daughter, with whom I spend the most time. The experience has taught me patience and the importance of family, especially during a year like 2020. I hope I have helped them as much as they have helped me. 

The Power of a Phone Call

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 to help those who may be contemplating suicide. Their network of crisis centers has trained volunteers to assist those who feel lost or helpless. To volunteer, contact your local center (established in most cities). You can become a volunteer for the lifeline and help with any other administrative work they may need.

If you’re interested in sexual violence prevention and survivor support, two of the nation’s largest organizations, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, both have phenomenal volunteering opportunities. Not only can you apply and complete training to be a hotline operator online, but you can also help with a range of functions at the local level. Both organizations have up-to-date lists of local county and state groups that provide housing, therapy, and other services to survivors of sexual violence. These organizations are always looking for help with administrative tasks, hotline assistance, and organizing local fundraising and service opportunities.

The Veterans Affairs volunteering page is full of opportunities to help veterans in your community and across the country. Some centers allow you to prepare and deliver meals to homes, but many centers are looking for volunteers to operate their 24/7 support line. In addition to the support line, you can offer mobile assistance with administrative tasks, such as planning and pitching in for medical appointments. There are several ways to give back to the veterans who have done so much for us.

Beyond Borders

Across the world, there are several terrible refugee crises that are not captured by the media, and as a result, are likely not in the forefront of your mind. But supporting refugees and welcoming them with open arms can be done in many forms. Resettlement organizations are continually trying to build their volunteer base to help in a variety of support systems. The International Rescue Committee, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants and Catholic Charities have local officers dedicated to connecting volunteers to refugees for mentorship programs. These programs focus on teaching English, along with the necessary skills for building a life in America. Volunteers can also offer transportation services, assist in finding a house, and give pro-bono legal advice. 

From Your Home

Administrative work, help with marketing, and social media account management are great ways to help these incredible nonprofits and charities during the nightmare that is COVID-19. And once the nightmare is over, in-person volunteering, such as visiting nursing homes or working in kitchens, will be needed more than ever across the United States. 

These are the organizations I plan to work with this year; I plan to commit five hours a week, with most of my time spent on the phone and some time spent in-person, when allowed. I plan to mainly focus on outreach through social media, and I hope you can join me. While it sounds cheesy, anything you can afford to give, whether that’s time, money, or professional services, means the world to these organizations and can make a difference in your community and someones’ life.

Photo via White House Flikr