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Keen about helping others? Why not volunteer in your community
Last updated on Thursday, 03/02/2022
Do you have free time at your disposal? By offering some of your time, you can gain a useful experience, meet new people and be proud of doing something meaningful for your community.
There are numerous organisations and initiatives that depend on volunteers, in particular on young people to actively help them. Anyone can volunteer. All you need are motivation, compassion and the willingness to work and learn from the people in the community.
Define your goals
People decide to volunteer for different reasons, usually to give something back and make a difference in the lives of others. You can volunteer in a number of areas such as addressing homelessness, defending human rights or supporting refugees. The first thing to do is to focus on the causes or issues important to you. For example, if you're concerned by homelessness, you could volunteer at a local shelter.
You should also consider the skills you have to offer. Are you a natural born teacher, mechanic or simply gifted with people? Who could benefit from those skills? Most organisations looking for volunteers expect a specific skill set and of course a good dose of motivation from you!
No matter when you decide to volunteer, or what you decide to do, it will bring you countless benefits. By volunteering, you will be making a real difference in the lives of individuals and your community. You will have the chance to meet new people, while raising your social awareness. Even an hour a month is enough to offer your valuable help.
Make things happen
Before you get involved with an organisation, make sure you understand what it stands for and what it's trying to achieve. Based on your interests, you can choose the organisations and opportunities that suit you best, reach out to them and play your part.
For instance, if you're interested in climate change, check out 350.org or Greenpeace for information about existing campaigns and actions across the world.
What about helping refugees? With the growing influx of refugees into Europe, a number of local organisations are providing various types of support (you can also check the European Solidarity Corps database on this topic).
Or fighting discrimination? Several movements undertake terrific projects to fight discrimination such as Amnesty International.
You cannot find the organisation to solve the problem you have identified? Why not start your own project? You can rally your neighbours, fellow students or friends to organise activities in your neighbourhood, elderly house, plant a community garden, etc. Have a look at the Solidarity Projects, part of the European Solidarity Corps programme! Make sure to check it out and contact your National Agency for support.
Looking for inspiration?
All you have to do is go online and check the voluntary activities proposed on the European Youth Portal and on the European Solidarity Corps database. On the Portal, you will also find stories from young people who shared their volunteering experience.
You can also look for various organisations, either local or the local branches of international organisations.
Alongside these EU opportunities, in many cities you have local branches of international movements that are looking for volunteers. You can check for instance the national page of those organisations:
There are of course many more organisations looking for a helping hand from motivated young people. You can check generalist platforms such as Meetup.com to find activities near you or volunteering platforms (again, check national platforms).
Why not volunteer abroad?
If you want to join the growing number of young people who volunteer in Europe and across the world, there are many places online where you can choose the best opportunity for you!
17-30 years old can register for the European Solidarity Corps. After completing a simple registration process, you could be selected and invited to join a wide range of projects, such as assisting in centres for asylum seekers, helping to prevent natural disasters or addressing different social issues in communities. Registering for the Corps also enables you to proactively apply for opportunities you are interested in.
There are several international volunteering programmes for young people that enable you to join a mission of 6 to 12 months. It can be in the social, environment, cultural or humanitarian aid field for instance. Where to look for volunteering opportunities: