Reaching Out

If you’ve decided you want to do volunteer work--but you’re not sure exactly what--here are a few questions to answer, gleaned from conversations with Ventura County volunteer coordinators.

Have you hobbies or other activities you really enjoy?

If you’re a crack bridge player or craft worker, amateur gardener or journal-keeper, for example, you may be able to teach a class at a local senior center. If you’re a bibliophile and eternal student, consider working in your local library.

You may be drawn to spending time with children, or love animals, or want to spend more time outdoors; seek a volunteer position that brings you into contact with what you enjoy.

If you are no longer working, would you prefer volunteer work that is similar to your former career or different?

If you would rather do something new, consider a program that involves training and the opportunity to learn a new skill.

Is one of your motivations in doing volunteer work to meet people? Or would you just as soon stuff envelopes or enter data into a computer?

Either way, take this into account.

Do your friends find you easy to talk to and say you’re a good listener?

Have you helped a loved one through a terminal illness or a friend with a substance abuse problem? You may have acquired valuable listening and support skills that could be put to use in agencies that help clients cope with these problems.

Are you someone who has never worked and therefore see yourself has having no skills?

Look more closely at your life. If you’ve been a housewife and mother, for example, you may have worked at many unpaid jobs--such as with the PTA or keeping the household budget--and in the process gained “hidden” organizational and management skills.

Are you afraid you can’t commit to volunteer work because you work full-time?

Many jobs call for weekend or evening hours, and most volunteer coordinators are sensitive to your time restraints.

But remember, those served by volunteer organizations seek help year-round. According to Debbie Hill of HELP of Ojai. “The need is great--and growing.