Don't think you are a skilled volunteer? Think again! The most sought after volunteers are skilled ones who specialize in law, medicine, teaching or construction, but that doesn’t mean your area of expertise isn’t valuable too.
By: Emily Christianson
The next time you volunteer, consider seeking out a job that fits your abilities, rather than offering yourself as unskilled labor. You will have a much greater impact when you take on projects you're qualified for with organizations that vet volunteers and do background checks.
Take a look at our list of skilled volunteer examples, intended to help you come up with ideas about how your own talents could be of use.
Event Planning: Not everyone can plan a great event! Many groups could use a volunteer like you to take charge, whether it is for a fundraiser or a holiday party for seniors.
Dog Training: Whether you are a pro or just fancy yourself a dog whisperer, you can foster precious pups who need a little training before moving into their forever homes.
Gardening: Community gardens need a skilled volunteer and oftentimes unskilled volunteer to plant and tend to vegetables, lay mulch and pull weeds. Offer your expertise, and you will be providing healthy produce to those in need.
Marketing and Public Relations: Don’t let a wonderful organization flounder because they don’t know how to get their message out. A successful marketing or public relations campaign could take the group to new heights.
RELATED: How to be a Responsible Voluntourist
Social Media: A social media presence is an important part of a nonprofit’s identity, but often times those behind the scenes could use some help honing their skills. Volunteering as a free consulting or training might be all it takes to get them up to speed.
Audio and Visual: Photography can be key to a program’s fundraising materials and website, while a person with a videography background could shoot a promotional video for YouTube or their website. The possibilities are endless.
Web Design: A pro bono web developer or SEO expert would be a blessing to any organization, whether it is building a new site, enhancing an existing one or improving SEO.
Cooking: Take your love of cooking to those in need, in your hometown or abroad by assisting at a soup kitchen, shelter or senior center. A skilled volunteer in the kitchen is always needed!
Volunteers in Lesvos, Greece
Styling: If you have a flair for fashion, consider becoming a volunteer personal shopper with an organization like Dress for Success, which helps disadvantaged women get back into the workforce.
Hair and Makeup Artists: Assist those who are disadvantaged and experiencing homelessness for a job interview or to help them feel their best. A skilled volunteer who can do hair and makeup is an amazing way give back to others.
MLR Artists giving free makeovers to a local community in Puerto Rico Photo by: Nathan Alan
Athletics: After school sport programs need coaches, mentors and volunteers for young, underprivileged athletes. Schools across the country are cutting back on physical education, making these programs even more vital to the community.
Accounting: Many small nonprofits need bookkeepers and accountants to keep their organization running smoothly. A professional skilled volunteer like you could make all the difference in their operations.