Volunteer now
Tom Green, from do-it.org.uk, explains why you should volunteer. Now.
I never really believe people who say that they like giving more than getting.
It is always going to be better to open presents than to watch someone else doing it. It will always be better to find a £50 note than to lose one. And, personally, I'd much rather eat a meal than cook it.
There are only two exceptions to this rule. The first, is in the bedroom, where it is, of course, better to give than receive. (At least, that's what I tell my girlfriend.)
And the second is volunteering.
Not that there's anything wrong with receiving someone else's voluntary time - for many people it's a lifeline. But to give your time really is fantastic. It's better than getting presents or finding money. Well, almost.
There is an incredible range of things you can do. Volunteers are involved in pretty much every area of life - from conservation to health advice, football coaching to web design, youth work to hospital radio. You can find details of volunteering opportunities all across the country at www.do-it.org.uk, which has the national volunteering database. Juts put in your postcode and discover what's on offer near you.
It tends to be fun (if it's not, you can leave). You meet people you wouldn't normally come across and often get responsibility that wouldn't be offered in paid work.
If you're looking to get into a certain area of work volunteering can be a foot in the door, giving you the chance to learn about the job and make vital contacts. Even if you don't have a particular career in mind, voluntary work always looks good on a CV or job application.
do-it has information on all these things, as well as a directory of organisations that run volunteering programmes overseas. Want to teach English in China, map coral reef in Fiji, or help conserve the ecosystem in Ecuador? It's all possible. Some overseas volunteering can be expensive (the cost of travel, accommodation and living expenses etc) but if you can save or get sponsored you'll have the experience of a lifetime.
do-it also lists places in this country where you can do residential volunteering. It's a great way to get away from home for the summer (or even longer) and while some programmes do require payments, others are completely free.
Most of us have some spare time. So why not trade it in for something better?
Article produced by the Choose Action Alliance.
