Getting volunteer opportunities
I've found a community development non-profit that I'd quite like to volunteer with but I'm struggling as to how to go about asking if they have any volunteer opportunities.
I would call them but they don't seem to have a phone number listen other than a general one that goes straight to voicemail. I'm planning on just emailing them but again, do I include a resume? Do I give them my legendary elevator pitch (jk) or what?
Sorry, this might be a dumb question but I'm not used to this volunteering business.
unless it's one of those get-me-into-hbs-don't-really-give-a-fuck-about-poor-africans-shell "microfinance" horseshit run by altruistic and benevolent ex-bankers, you don't need all the formality.
just e-mail them or leave a voicemail and express interest in volunteering. simple.
Not sure how it'd be with yours, but one non-profit I am working with has very little idea/gameplan about how to use external resources effectively. I'd at least have something ready on what you can contribute and how you can help them to improve, etc. But before you jump deep in there, you'll obviously need to find out more details about their situation.
Volunteering at a non-profit organization over weekends (Originally Posted: 05/31/2013)
I was wondering if it is feasible that I can volunteer at a decently sized non-profit organization on weekends? If so, in what kind of ways or in what job function can I volunteer, typically? How do you get a volunteering job at a large non-profit?
I am a consultant so I travel mon-thurs every week. I really want to start volunteering at a large non-profit, but I am not sure if there are non-profits that would welcome volunteers over weekends only.
Also, what is the best way of contacting potential non-profits where you wish to volunteer? I am new to this, so sorry about asking all these questions once.
Lastly - is it possible to reach a 'leadership' level of at a non-profit organization by just volunteering during weekends, over time? (top MBA programs dig this) Thanks.
Btw, my reasons for wanting to volunteer at non-profit are:
1) I am passionate about an area (health care) that many non-profits seek to cover, 2) it is nice to help out people 3) it strengthens my MBA application profile. I plan to apply to B-school in 2-3 years.
Why does it have to be a large non-profit organization?
Because I heard that small non accomplished non profits don't have much room for volunteers to do meaningful work and responsibility but rather do mostly admin assistant type of jobs. I could be wrong though
Wow. Thanks a lot for the great info. I will def use this website.
what city are you based in? Minds Matter is another one that I know a lot of finance/consulting folks tend to get into because it meets on weekends. Additionally, the kids are really smart and it's a pretty hands-on volunteer experience.
I am based out of NYC. Would appreciate more info
IvyGrad - Minds Matter is actually headquartered in NYC, so it might be a good fit. It's a great org because it gives you a hands on experience and the potential for leadership positions that aren't extremely time consuming. Plus, you actually get to see the progress/accomplishment of your mentee.
http://mindsmatter.org/
They recently received some major donations (namely from Pershing Square) so they're pretty well-known. Also, they're well-recognized in all the major b-schools (i.e. a LOT of people who volunteered at MM went on to the top bschools).
Extracurriculars while working (Originally Posted: 04/04/2008)
Are any of you guys involved with extracurricular activities such as volunteer work when you have some free time on the weekends? Would like some ideas on getting involved with activities outside of work...
I like how you're calling them extracurriculars - at some point they become hobbies and interests. Drop the resume-padding term =)
As for the spirit of the question... the group I worked for over the summer didn't seem to have a whole lot going on outside of work besides going out with friends and trying to develop relationships with women in between their all-nighters.
But I like your thinking. I hear too many people talk about how valuable their time is, and how much more they can offer to (charities, for instance) through financial contributions rather than time commitments.
Its fun plus they give you free beer at the end of the day!
Someone asked this question during training last summer (SA not FT). The HR rep looked stunned and simply said "you won't have time for that." Work, sleep, drink when you can. That's pretty much it.
I’m an active member of NY Cares, which began as a b-school filler but has evolved into a general interest in coaching sports programs and getting involved in the city. I also coach a youth soccer team on the weekends and began a non-profit designed to collect used sporting gear, clothing and food (also began as b-school filler last year but its picked up steam as a general interest of mine). It wasnt until recently that I've really come to realize the true value of helping other people and getting involved (in college I was generally a self-centered arrogant prick who was adamantly against hippy liberal volunteerism).
PS I'm still against hippy liberals
Drinking until I can't even see straight and chasing skirts.
In all seriousness though, once you get past exercise and sleep, you won't have much else going on. If you are studying for GMATs or trying to watch a little TV.. you're at negative hours.
Suggestions for Volunteer Work (Originally Posted: 03/11/2011)
Do you guys have any suggestions for volunteer work in NY for someone already working? I recently started feeling that I have an obligation to do something for the less fortunate and really want to help in some way or another. I'm born and raised in NY but don't know the first thing about volunteering here and don't know yet how much time I would be able to commit. Also, I don't really plan on pursuing an MBA but would like to do something that could improve a bschool's view of me should I change my mind down the road.
I would like something military related, thought of working at a VA Healthcare system, but not much info on that online. Open to everything though. Thanks.
I don't live in NY anymore, but I volunteer doing Junior Achievement. I started doing it just for MBA apps, but have actually found it to be refreshing from the usual day to day and enjoyable helping set a positive example for kids.
For military stuff, You could probably just call the VA hospital and see about volunteering. Or check out the Wounded Warrior project.
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/content/view/1120/1152/
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