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.

========================================= We are excited to formally extend to you an offer to join Bank of Ameria
 

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.

 

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.

 
ReluctantMBA:

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

 
IvyGrad:

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.

Volunteermatch is probably the most efficient way to find a good gig for you: Here's the website http://www.volunteermatch.org/
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.
Yes, it is absolutely possible, but note that "over time" is the relevant point here. Lots of volunteer organizations are plagued by attrition. If you are consistent and open in your efforts, most non-profits will offer an opportunity to lead teams and projects.
Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!
 
Betsy Massar:
IvyGrad:

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.

Volunteermatch is probably the most efficient way to find a good gig for you:
Here's the website http://www.volunteermatch.org/

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.

Yes, it is absolutely possible, but note that "over time" is the relevant point here. Lots of volunteer organizations are plagued by attrition. If you are consistent and open in your efforts, most non-profits will offer an opportunity to lead teams and projects.

Wow. Thanks a lot for the great info. I will def use this website.

 
HerSerendipity:

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).

 

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.

 

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.

-------------- Either you sling crack rock or you got a wicked jump shot
 

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