VOLUNTEER not so you can build your resume, but so you can build yourself

Part of having a great volunteer experience relies on your ability to be a great volunteer. These basic principles good to keep in mind:

• Be professional

• Choose a cause that you're passionate about

• Find an opportunity that matches your skills, interests, and schedule

• Honor your volunteer commitments

• Extend gratitude to an organization for any training or professional development you receive while volunteering

THE BEST REASONS TO VOLUNTEER:

Some of the best reasons to give are the ones you may not have considered the ones that make it worth your while to go that extra step. People who have spent time volunteering for a cause report that they get back in satisfaction and joy more than they ever expend in inconvenience or effort what you get back is immeasurable. You'll also receive these benefits:

• Volunteering makes you feel needed

• Volunteering can lead to learning new skills

• Volunteering can help you deal with some of your personal problems

• Volunteering helps you meet new people and breaks down barriers of misunderstanding, mistrust and fear

• Volunteering can create new contacts that may help your business or career

IT'S WHAT IN THE WORLD YOU CAN DO!

You might be thinking, "The little bit that I can do will never help much!" or "What in the world can I do?" If you've ever spent ten minutes reading a book to a lonely child, you know that even that small amount of compassion and attention can make a world of difference. No one person can solve the world's problems, but what little you do can make your little corner of the world or one far away from yours a happier, healthier, safer place to live for those who need your help. Each of us can right a wrong, fill a plate, visit a shut in or clean up a park and that does make a difference for us all!

VOLUNTEER SERVICE SEARCHES

Tens of thousands of opportunities are available through these online networks every day. Even if you already volunteer, chances are you will find opportunities that you didn t know existed. This site can help you find a great place to volunteer.

VolunteerMatch: Where Volunteering Begins

HOSPITALS

Albany Medical Center: Volunteer Services

Albany Memorial Hospital

St. Peter's Health Care Services

Stratton VA Medical Center

Sunnyview - Volunteer Services

POOR AND HOMELESS

Capital Region Rescue Mission

Equinox Inc.

Homeless Action

Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York

SENIOR CITIZENS

Albany County Nursing Home

Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc.

Teresian House Center for the Elderly

Senior Services of Albany NY

DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED/MENTALLY CHALLENGED

Best Buddies New York

New Visions of Albany

Welcome to Wildwood Programs

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission: Volunteer Opportunities

American Cancer Society

American Diabetes Association

American Red Cross

Capital District Habitat

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society

National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York

National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Upstate New York

Volunteer at the NYS Museum

The Ronald McDonald House Charities

United Way of Northeastern New York

Whiskers Cats and Kittens