Like everyone else, students lead busy lives; so the idea of fitting volunteering into your jam-packed schedule can be tricky. But evidence shows time spent volunteering has many benefits – not just for the people being helped, but the volunteer themselves too. So what are some of the main benefits of volunteering for students? Let’s take a look.

Learn about a career you’re considering

Work experience can sometimes be hard to find, and can also feel like it lacks a sense of real responsibility or experience. Conversely, volunteering opportunities can be easier to find and allow you to test-drive potential careers without the commitment of a proper job.

For example, if you choose to volunteer in an aged care facility, it might be because you’re considering a job in health or social work. If you volunteer for Landcare, you might be interested in careers where you can work outside, such as landscaping, agriculture, or even environmental science.

Time spent volunteering provides real-world first-hand experience of the industry, and could help spark your interest (or rule out unsuitable careers). Unlike work experience, you can volunteer over many weeks, months, or even years and build up a solid bank of experience – this can give you more certainty when choosing a career down the track.

Find something you’re passionate about

Regardless of the benefits, volunteering is still a big commitment and requires you to willingly give up your precious time. So it’s important that you feel strongly enough about the cause to really want to make a difference, rather than just doing it because it looks good on your resume.

Being truly passionate about something helps you gain more from the experience. And connecting your passion to your career can also help you feel more fulfilled and happy in your day-to-day work.

If you aren’t sure how to find volunteering opportunities that align with your interests, ask yourself some questions like these to kick-start the process:

• What do you enjoy doing?
• What causes are important to you?
• Do you want work with children or animals?
• Do you mind getting your hands dirty?
• Would you like to be part of a team or do you prefer to work alone?
• What skills do you have to bring to a volunteer role?
• What skills are you interested in developing?

Develop important workplace skills

Unlike school, sport, or other extra-curricular activities, volunteering placements are usually run more like traditional workplaces. You’re expected to turn up on time, take instructions from people who are not educators, and achieve set goals.

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to build communication and teamwork skills in a work-like environment. You’ll need to listen to instructions, potentially deal with clients or customers, and work alongside other volunteers. This level of accountability is difficult to replicate within the more sheltered school environment.

Volunteering placements that take place on a regular basis could also lead to you advancing in your role, and you could even become responsible for training new volunteers.

All of the skills you develop while volunteering will be useful in the workplace. Additionally, you can confidently add them to your resume knowing you have real evidence to back up your claims. This makes it a win-win for you and your potential new boss – employers usually regard volunteering experience very highly.

Build an understanding of the world (and yourself) outside of school

Volunteering often allows you to come face-to-face with existing problems and needs within the community. It can also help you develop an appreciation for your own opportunities and circumstances. Spending time in the community, gaining first-hand experience of the issues that affect people around you, can be truly character-building.

Unlike school, many volunteering roles often allow you to test-drive multiple different tasks and types of work. This way you can find which ones resonate with you the most.

For example, if you volunteer with a homeless charity, you may find you prefer to spend time talking to clients and providing that much-needed human interaction. Alternatively, you may find your strengths lie in sourcing food and goods to supply to clients, or in caring for their animals, or in handling the social media for the volunteer group.

Learning that multiple solutions and roles are required within a single workplace could expand your understanding of the world of work and yourself.

Access networking opportunities

It’s no accident that the most exclusive university scholarships offer integrated networking opportunities as part of the package. We often find ourselves relying on our networks, particularly in the professional world.

Understanding the importance of networking and knowing how to develop connections early on means you can use your networks for everything, from securing part-time work to finding internships, sourcing referrals, and even finding new clients down the track.

Your time spent volunteering will also allow you to meet people who could one day be the key to finding your next position or opportunity. 

The benefits aren’t limited to your career

Volunteering also comes with several benefits for students outside of job finding and skill building. It could help you:

• Feel more confident
• Raise your self-esteem
• Find purpose and meaning
• Know you are a part of something important
• Improve your physical and mental health

It’s important to remember that you get the most benefits from volunteering when you’re doing it for the right reasons. You’ll find it much more fulfilling and rewarding if you’re truly doing it for others, not just for yourself.

Find out more

There are heaps of benefits to volunteering for students – it can help you gain valuable skills and experience, and learn more about yourself as a person and your place in the world. If you want to read more, we have lots of other ideas and tips to spark your interest on our website here.

I’m a member of the Study Work Grow team where I work full-time, but I am also a passionate volunteer. I can’t remember when or how it all started, but the first volunteering role I had was collecting stamps off mail (back in the days when people sent post by mail on the regular) which I’d send in to the Guide Dogs and they’d somehow use to generate funds to support their programs.

I’ve volunteered for roles in school, at uni, and have generally had a volunteering role throughout most of my working life. Whether it’s fundraising, working for mental health charities, helping schools through the P&F or in class, donating blood or plasma, helping conservation efforts through tree planting days, clean-up events, or helping to rescue wildlife; it’s been a constant source of happiness and reward throughout my life. Other than the main reward of helping and meeting all the other “helpers” along the way, volunteering has given me a lot both personally and professionally.

Here’s a breakdown of why giving back can be so much more than just another item on your resume, but that is also an awesome bonus as well.

Discover your passions and interests

Volunteering is a great way to explore different fields and causes that might resonate with you. Are you passionate about animals? Volunteer at a shelter. Interested in healthcare? Look into programs that let you assist at a hospital or with elderly care. Whatever the cause, it’s an opportunity to figure out what you love without long-term commitments.

Plus, volunteering can show you sides of the world – and yourself – that you never knew existed. You might find that you enjoy working with young kids, want to pursue environmental science, or feel drawn to helping people in crisis. These experiences can help shape your career goals or even lead to new hobbies and interests.

Build skills and confidence

Volunteering is a fantastic way to build real-world skills. You might learn project management, organisation, teamwork, public speaking, or customer service skills, all of which are highly transferable. Even if you’re not sure what career you want to pursue, these skills are valuable in any field. Not to mention the hands-on experience and behind the scenes experiences that will also help you learn and grow.

For example, if you’re volunteering at an event, you might learn to manage logistics, work to a budget, communicate with attendees, coordinate efforts or work as part of a larger team. These situations push you out of your comfort zone and help you gain confidence in your abilities, preparing you for bigger responsibilities in school and beyond.

Make genuine connections and improve your mental health

Volunteering can help you meet people from different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. Whether you’re working alongside fellow volunteers or connecting with the people you’re helping, you’re likely to form friendships and gain perspectives that enrich your life.

Networking is effective no matter where you are in life. When you get involved with volunteering you just never know when someone you meet along the way will offer you an amazing opportunity. Whether it’s the chance to learn about something you’re interested in, go on a trip, take part in something fun or life changing, it could even lead to job opportunities.

On top of that, studies show that volunteering can actually boost your mood and reduce stress. When you volunteer, your brain releases chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, which help you feel happier and more relaxed. And the sense of accomplishment from helping others can increase your overall life satisfaction. So, while you’re giving back, you’re also taking care of your own mental health!

Don’t believe me or the research? There’s a simple way to test if it’ll work for you – just give it a go.

Wrapping up

Volunteering isn’t for everyone, and that’s OK. If you’re unsure but decide to give volunteering a go, it can be a game-changer, not just for the people you’re helping but for yourself as well. So whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, tutoring younger students, or planting trees in the community getting out and doing your bit is something I’d recommend to everyone. At the end of the day what have you got to lose?

Sure if you give up some time and don’t feel it was right for you could think it was time wasted, but actually it’s still helping you to learn about yourself, you can still add it to your resume, and it might help point you towards something that is perfect for you.

Volunteering is about more than just giving your time. It’s a chance to explore who you are, gain new skills, and make meaningful connections — all while making a positive impact. So next time an opportunity to volunteer comes up, give it a shot! It might just turn out to be one of the most rewarding things you do in high school.

If you’re tempted to give it a try, check out more articles about volunteering to see what inspires you and how to get started.

Interested in volunteering but feeling nervous about putting yourself out there? You’re not alone – many students want to make a difference but feel held back by shyness or social anxiety. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to volunteer that can work for everyone, including those who prefer quieter, less socially-demanding roles. Here are some of our top volunteering tips for introverts.

Why consider volunteering?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at how volunteering could benefit you personally and professionally. You could:

• Build valuable skills for your future
• Become more confident
• Gain meaningful experience
• Meet like-minded people
• Make a difference in your community
• Discover new interests and talents

Tips for overcoming volunteering anxiety

Here are some tips for introverts to help you feel more comfortable as you start your volunteering journey.

Start small

Begin with short-term or one-off volunteering opportunities rather than making a big commitment straight away – this way, you can test the waters without feeling overwhelmed.

Bring a friend

Many organisations welcome pairs or even small groups of volunteers. Having a familiar face nearby is a great way to help you feel more comfortable in a new environment.

Be honest about your comfort zone

We know it can be hard, but most volunteer coordinators appreciate knowing if you’re introverted or anxious. If you tell them up-front, they can help match you with suitable roles and provide extra support when needed.

Choose familiar environments

Consider volunteering at places you already know, like your local library or school. Just like being with a friend, a familiar setting can also help reduce anxiety about the unknown.

Volunteering suggestions for introverts

Here are some volunteering roles that might suit you if you prefer quieter, less socially-demanding environments.

Admin and behind-the-scenes

If you enjoy working independently, consider behind-the-scenes roles like sorting donations at charity shops, organising books at libraries, or helping with administrative tasks. These positions often allow you to work at your own pace with minimal social interaction.

Animal care

For those of us who find communicating with their pet easier than talking to other people, look for roles where you can focus on caring for animals. You could be doing things like walking dogs, caring for foster animals, or helping with feeding, cleaning, and basic care.

Environmental projects

Have a bit of a green thumb and don’t mind getting your hands dirty? Environmental projects offer great opportunities for introverts too. You could join community gardening initiatives, tree planting events, or beach clean-ups – you can often work quietly alongside others without the pressure of constant conversation.

Online opportunities

Virtual volunteering has also become increasingly popular, offering options like digital transcription work or helping charities with their websites and social media. These roles let you contribute from the comfort of your own home, so you don’t even need to worry about leaving the couch.

Getting started

Taking the leap can be daunting, but these simple steps can help you begin your volunteering journey.

1. Research organisations in your area that interest you
2. Email rather than call if you prefer written communication
3. Ask about available roles that don’t require extensive social interaction
4. Start with just a couple of hours a week and gradually increase your involvement as you feel more comfortable
5. Be honest about your stress levels so others can help when needed
6. Remember, you can always step back if you need to – just make sure to give plenty of notice

Learn more

Being introverted doesn’t mean you can’t volunteer – it’s just about finding the right fit for you. Many organisations actually value volunteers who can work quietly and independently, so you might find what you thought was a weakness is actually an asset!

Want to explore more volunteering opportunities? Check out our website for more ideas and resources.

Have you ever wanted to make a difference but felt like you didn’t have enough time? Enter micro-volunteering – a way to contribute to causes you care about in small, manageable chunks of time. It’s perfect for busy people who want to give back to their communities without sacrificing their studies or other commitments. Let’s explore how you can make a big impact with just 15 minutes a day – and you’ll gain some valuable skills and experience along the way too.

What is micro-volunteering?

Micro-volunteering involves contributing small amounts of time to complete tasks that benefit charitable organisations or causes. These tasks are usually quick, easy to do, and can often be done online. The beauty of micro-volunteering is that it allows you to help out whenever you have a spare moment, whether that’s during your lunch break, while waiting for the bus, or before bed.

Why should you consider micro-volunteering?

Micro-volunteering offers a range of benefits that are particularly valuable for high school students looking to make a difference while juggling their busy schedules.

Flexibility

As a student or full-time worker, your schedule can be pretty packed. Micro-volunteering lets you contribute on your own terms, fitting acts of service around your existing commitments.

Skill development

Many opportunities can help you build valuable skills for your future career, such as digital literacy, communication, and problem-solving.

Explore interests

With a wide variety of tasks available, you can try out different types of volunteering to discover what you’re passionate about.

Build your resume

Colleges and future employers love to see volunteer work on applications. Micro-volunteering is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to community service.

How can you get started with micro-volunteering?

Getting involved in micro-volunteering is easier than you might think, and there are plenty of ways to find opportunities that match your interests and availability.

Find a platform

There are several websites and apps dedicated to micro-volunteering. Some popular ones include:

• Be My Eyes: Help visually impaired people with short, visual tasks.
• Zooniverse: Contribute to scientific research projects.
• Translators Without Borders: If you’re bilingual, help translate important documents.
• Freerice: Answer trivia questions to donate rice to people in need.

Choose your cause

Think about what issues matter most to you. Are you passionate about the environment, education, or animal welfare? Look for micro-volunteering opportunities that align with your interests.

Set aside time

While micro-volunteering is flexible, setting aside a specific time each day can help you make it a habit. Even 15 minutes a day can make a significant difference over time.

Start small

Don’t feel pressured to commit to hours of volunteering right away. Start with one small task and gradually increase your involvement as you become more comfortable.

Tips for effective micro-volunteering

To make the most of your micro-volunteering experience and ensure you’re making a real impact, keep these tips in mind as you embark on your volunteering journey.

1. Be reliable: Even though the tasks are small, organisations are counting on your contributions. Follow through on your commitments.
2. Stay safe: Be cautious about sharing personal information online. Stick to reputable micro-volunteering platforms.
3. Track your impact: Keep a record of your volunteer hours and tasks. This can be motivating and useful for college applications or resumes.
4. Spread the word: Encourage your friends to join you – you could even start a micro-volunteering club at your school.
5. Reflect on your experience: Take time to think about what you’ve learned and how your contributions have made a difference.

The power of small actions

Remember, micro-volunteering is all about the cumulative effect of many small actions. While 15 minutes might not feel like much, when combined with the efforts of thousands of other volunteers, it can create significant positive change.

By participating, you’re not just helping others – you’re also developing important skills, exploring your interests, and becoming a more engaged global citizen. So why not give it a try? Your 15 minutes could be the start of something amazing.

Want to learn more?

If you’re interested in exploring more volunteering opportunities or want to dive deeper into how you can make a difference, check out our other resources on community engagement and personal growth on our website here.

Are you a tech-savvy teen looking to make a difference in the world? Good news – your digital skills are in high demand. In today’s increasingly connected world, there are tons of ways you can use your tech know-how to volunteer and support great causes. Let’s explore some exciting opportunities where you can apply your digital skills to help others (and gain valuable experience along the way).

Why volunteer with tech?

Before we dive into the opportunities, let’s consider why tech volunteering is such a great idea:

1. You’re using skills you already have (and probably enjoy)
2. It’s a chance to develop your abilities further
3. You can often volunteer remotely, fitting it around your schedule
4. It looks great on university and job applications
5. You’re making a real difference to organisations that need your help

What kind of tech skills are needed?

Don’t worry if you’re not a coding genius (yet). There’s a wide range of tech skills that organisations need help with, including:

• Web design and development
• Graphic design
• Social media management
• Data entry and analysis
• Basic IT support
• Video editing
• Digital marketing

Even if you’re just getting started with these skills, many organisations will be happy for the help and will provide guidance along the way.

Where can you find tech volunteering opportunities?

Here are some great places to start your search:

1. Catchafire: This platform connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits. They often have tech-related projects like website updates or social media strategy.
2. UN Volunteers: They offer online volunteering opportunities, many of which involve tech skills.
3. DoSomething.org: While not exclusively tech-focused, they often have digital campaigns that need volunteers.
4. Develop for Good: This platform is for university students looking to use their tech skills to make a difference.
5. Local nonprofits: Don’t forget to check with organisations in your own community. Many local charities need help with their websites or social media.

Examples of tech volunteering projects

Still not sure what tech volunteering might look like? Here are some real-world examples:

1. Website makeovers: Many small nonprofits have outdated websites. You could help them create a modern, mobile-friendly site that better showcases their work.
2. Social media campaigns: Help organisations reach more people by planning and running their social media accounts.
3. Virtual tutoring: Use your tech skills to tutor others online, whether it’s teaching basic computer skills or more advanced topics.
4. App development: Some organisations need simple apps to help with their work. If you’re learning app development, this could be a great project.
5. Data visualisation: Help organisations present their data in clear, engaging ways using tools like Tableau or even Excel.

Tips for successful tech volunteering

1. Be realistic about your time: Don’t overcommit. It’s better to do a small project well than to take on too much and struggle to complete it.
2. Communicate clearly: Make sure you understand what the organisation needs and keep them updated on your progress.
3. Ask for help if you need it: If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Most organisations will appreciate your honesty and effort.
4. Document your work: Keep a record of what you do. It’ll be useful for the organisation and great for your portfolio.
5. Be patient: Some organisations might move slower than you’re used to. Remember, they’re often juggling many priorities.

The impact of your work

When you volunteer your tech skills, you’re not just padding your resume (though that’s a nice bonus). You’re helping organisations work more efficiently, reach more people, and ultimately make a bigger impact on the world. That website you build might help a charity raise more funds. That social media campaign you run could inspire more volunteers to join a cause.

Ready to start?

So, ready to put your tech skills to good use? Start exploring the opportunities out there and find a project that excites you. Remember, every small contribution can lead to big changes, and you’ll build lots of valuable skills and connections along the way.

Want to learn more about volunteering? Check out our other blogs on our website here.

Volunteering your precious free time to help worthy causes is a really noble undertaking. You won’t earn big bucks, but there are plenty of other ways that becoming a volunteer could be of value. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we’re going to take a look at some of the ways volunteering can benefit you.

Learn new skills

No matter where you decide to volunteer, there will always be an element of learning and training. While the skills may seem basic or trivial, they could be essential building blocks for future careers.

For example, if you’re collecting, organising, and distributing donations from school fundraisers, you might be learning more than you think about finances, budgeting, and inventory. These skills are useful in almost all jobs – not to mention how they can help in your day-to-day life too.

Then there are the other skills that you might not even realise you’re building, like communication, teamwork, independence, problem-solving, and customer service – the list goes on and on.

Give your resume a boost

Adding a few more lines to your resume can never hurt. Showing commitment to community efforts, or any kind of voluntary work, will speak volumes about your personality to potential employers. If you’re happy to keep showing up without getting paid, this shows you’re dedicated and motivated; qualities that any employer will look favourably on.

Help you stand out in admissions

When you’re applying for further study, chances are you’ll be up against a lot of other applicants. Some might have higher grades than you, and some may have relevant work experience.

So how will you stand out? What you choose to do outside of the classroom could make all the difference.

Volunteering is a great way to show you care about others, and that you can manage your time well enough to balance your volunteer work with your other commitments.

Form connections

Volunteering is a great way to meet people you wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. Those people could become friends, mentors, or your inspiration. The more you get involved with projects outside your school, the wider you’re casting your net. You’ll end up with more contacts that could be helpful in providing you with paid work, work experience, or references.

If you already know what you want to study after school, try finding volunteer opportunities in those areas. For example, if you’re interested in politics, see if you can volunteer with your local politician. There’s every chance your volunteer experience could help you in your future endeavours.

Grow as a person

When you’re at high school, chances are you’re operating within a fairly limited social circle. You’ll be engaging with your family, school friends, teachers, and possibly a few friends outside of school.

Volunteering can introduce you to new situations and ideas – potentially really different to what you’ve known up until now. This could:

• Increase your confidence
• Teach you to communicate more effectively with different people
• Help you become a better listener
• Encourage you to explore your personal strengths and weaknesses
• Make you more aware of and active about social justice issues

Improve your health

Studies have shown that volunteering could contribute to improved mental and physical health. Increasing your physical activity, providing a sense of purpose, kicking goals, achieving good things, and helping others solve problems are all ways volunteering can improve your wellbeing. You could feel happier, have higher self-esteem, and get fitter as well.

Benefit your community

When you volunteer, you’re not only benefiting yourself; you’re having a positive impact on lots of other people around you too. You might be helping an individual or organisation, giving back to your community, and even contributing to the wealth and health of a nation.

When you realise the true benefits of your actions, you might feel humbled – and you should definitely feel proud of your contribution.

Find a volunteering position that works for you

While it has lots of upsides, volunteering is a big responsibility, so it’s OK if you’re not ready to commit yourself straight away.

Before you say yes to any opportunity, make sure you know how much time and effort you’ll need to put in, then decide if it’s something that you can fit around your other responsibilities (and that it’s something you’d actually like to do).

Asking around at your school, local sports club, or other community organisations are all great places to start. Alternatively, you can even find opportunities to volunteer online if there’s nothing suitable near you.

Find out more

If you want to learn more about the ways volunteering can benefit you, or other ways you can build skills and grow, you can read more on our website here.

In today’s digital age, volunteering isn’t limited to physical locations or face-to-face interactions. Thanks to the power of the internet, virtual or online volunteering has become a popular way to give back to communities and causes from the comfort of your own home. Discover virtual volunteering opportunities, and find out if you’d like to get involved.

What is virtual volunteering?

Virtual volunteering involves contributing your time, skills, and efforts to support organisations, projects, or individuals through online platforms, or from home, rather than in-person activities. From tutoring students online and helping the elderly with technology challenges, to designing graphics for non-profits; there are countless ways to make a meaningful impact without ever leaving the house.

The benefits of virtual volunteering

There are lots of positives for virtual volunteering, including:

Flexibility

Whether you have a few hours a week or just a few minutes a day, you can find opportunities that fit into your schedule and lots of ways to contribute.

Accessible

For those with disabilities or mobility challenges, virtual volunteering provides an accessible way to get involved and make a difference without barriers.

Global reach

Even if you live in a rural or remote area, or you’re passionate about causes happening globally, you can volunteer with organisations and causes around the world.

Skill development

As with any other volunteering you’ll develop valuable skills such as communication, project management, and digital literacy while contributing to meaningful projects and building your community spirit and stewardship.

Community engagement

You’ll connect with like-minded individuals and communities, which brings with it a sense of belonging and purpose. It’s also an amazing opportunity to build networks for future work experience or career pathways.

Uncover virtual volunteering opportunities

A quick internet search will throw up hundreds of results but that’s not the only way to get involved.

• Find organisations who specialise in virtual volunteering – like VolunteerMatch – and browse from a wide range of opportunities based on your interests, skills, and availability.
• Reach out to local non-profits, schools, and community organisations to enquire about virtual volunteering needs and opportunities.
• Join online communities and follow social media pages dedicated to virtual volunteering to stay updated on opportunities and connect with other volunteers.
• Let people in your community know that you’re open to volunteering but you’d prefer to help out virtually; you could be amazed at what’s available.

Here are a few organisations to get you started:

• UN Volunteers – help out on humanitarian projects around the world.
• Zooniverse – contribute to professional research projects in fields such as space, physics, nature, medicine, and language.
• Librivox – read and record chapters of books in the public domain (books no longer under copyright), and make them available for free on the Internet.  No previous experience is required and they’re looking for recordings in all languages.
• Kids Circle Foundation – help to create all kinds of resources to enrich the lives of children.
• Learn to Be – become a tutor for other kids struggling at school, you can start from 14 years old.
• TED Translators – are a global community of volunteers who subtitle TED Talks, and enable the inspiring ideas in them to crisscross languages and borders.
• Be My Eyes – be connected with blind and low-vision users who’d benefit from your sighted assistance, through live video and artificial intelligence.
• Writing Wonders – a youth organisation who send artworks, messages, and letters to children, the elderly, and healthcare workers.
• Emergency Support Volunteering – get to the shops or organise help for people who’ve been impacted by emergencies or unable to get out and about themselves.
• Miracle Babies – knit or sew beanies, teddy bears, blankets or other items to support babies in neonatal care and their families.
• DigiVol –  use your time transcribing text from images of specimen labels, field notes and archival material that have been uploaded to the Australian Museum site.
• Trauma Teddies – knit these teddies to provide comfort for children in all kinds of scary, sad, or stressful situations.

If none of those appeal to you, keep searching. There are lots of opportunities out there.

Research virtual volunteering options

Be selective about your virtual volunteering choices before committing to them.

• Decide how much time you’ve got available, and when, in your schedule.
• Investigate the organisation to make sure they’re reputable.
• Understand the responsibilities of the volunteering role so that you don’t over commit or find you’ve taken on too much.
• If you have specific areas of interest where you’d like to help or gain knowledge in, include that in your search too.

Some volunteering positions might require you to be over a certain age or obtain permission from your parents.

You might also need access to a computer and/or the internet, or a phone, if you don’t have these at home you could ask at school, your local library or community centre.

You can make a positive difference online

Virtual volunteering offers a world of opportunities to make a difference, no matter where you are or what your circumstances may be. So why not consider joining the world of virtual volunteering and see how you can make a difference today?

If you’d prefer to volunteer in person, we have lots of other ideas here.

Before we get into some places where you might like to volunteer, let’s have a quick look at the benefits of volunteering.

What’s in it for you?

Well, you won’t get rich financially – but you’ll get rich in many other ways:

• Experience
• Learning new skills
• Reduces stress
• Combats depression
• Mentally and/or physically stimulating
• Provides a sense of purpose
• Helps other people
• Makes you feel better about yourself
• Great for your resume
• Benefits your community
• Make new friends
• Network
• Challenging
• Fun

Whatever your motivation for volunteering and no matter what your interests are, there will be a way you can get involved with something that matters to you, and that will also make a positive difference to you.

Skills you could gain or improve on

Include but not limited to:

• Industry-related skills
• The ability to work in a team
• Leadership
• Problem solving and adaptability
• Communicating with clients and stakeholders
• The ability to plan and prioritise work
• Sales skills
• Time management
• Report writing
• Improved interpersonal skills

Not sure where to start?

Here are some ideas for ways you can volunteer your time:

Environmental initiatives

• Participate in community clean-up events.
• Join a local tree planting or gardening project.
• Assist in wildlife conservation efforts.

Mentoring and education

• Tutor students in subjects you excel in.
• Teach workshops on specific skills (e.g., coding, art, cooking).

Aged care

• Visit nursing homes to spend time with and support the elderly.
• Assist with organising social activities for seniors.

Homelessness and hunger

• Volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen.
• Distribute food and essential items to homeless individuals.
• Help organise donation drives for clothing, blankets, and food.

Animal welfare

• Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organisation.
• Foster animals awaiting adoption.
• Assist with pet adoption events.

Healthcare and support

• Offer companionship and assistance to patients in hospitals or hospices.
• Volunteer for crisis hotlines or support groups.
• Help organise blood donation drives.

Disaster relief

• Join disaster response teams to provide aid in emergencies.
• Volunteer with organisations that provide relief to disaster-stricken areas.

Arts and culture

• Volunteer at local museums, galleries, or cultural events.
• Assist with organising and promoting arts-related programs.

Housing and construction

• Join community projects to build or repair homes for those in need.
• Volunteer with organisations that provide housing assistance.

Digital volunteering

• Offer virtual tutoring or mentoring sessions.
• Help non-profits with website design, social media, or graphic design.

Social activism

• Volunteer with organisations working on human rights, equality, and social justice.
• Engage in voter registration and education campaigns.

Language and cultural exchange

• Help newcomers learn the local language and culture.
• Participate in language exchange programs.

Sports and recreation

• Coach youth sports teams or lead fitness classes.
• Assist with organising local sports tournaments or events.

You’ve got nothing to lose

With so many choices and with so many benefits, why wouldn’t you consider giving volunteering a go? Hopefully some of these volunteering ideas have sparked your interest.

If you don’t enjoy it then you can always try something else (once your commitment is complete), and you never know where it could lead you.

Let’s take a look at some of your options.

Part-time work

 This is something a lot of students already do. Finding a part-time or casual job is an excellent way to start building valuable skills, learning about the world of work, and even making important connections for the future (plus you get to earn some money too).

You don’t need to give up a lot of time for a job. It could be a few hours a week, either after school or on the weekend.

If you’d like to know whether you’re ready to start work, talk to your parents/carers and think about jobs you might like to do. And if you’re ready to jump in, make sure you’re staying safe at work too.

Start a business

 Not too keen on working for someone else? If you have the initiative – and a great idea – you might like to start your own business.

You’re probably not going to become a millionaire overnight, but with some dedication and time you might be able to grow your business into something special.

Interested in starting your own business? Find out how here.

Volunteer

 Volunteering is a great way to develop important work and life skills – and it looks great on your resume or uni applications too.

Sure, you might not be getting paid, but what you get back in experience is more than worth it. Volunteer work might even lead to a paid role down the track, if you show some initiative.

Learn more about the ways volunteering can benefit you here.

Get work experience

 If you already have a career or industry you’re interested in, a great way to solidify that interest is through work experience. It’s a great way to get a taste of working life, and can help you narrow down your future choices.

Plus, it’s another way you can learn useful skills and make future contacts.

Read more about the skills you can get through work experience, and how it can help build your future.

Start networking

 You don’t need to wait until you’re in the workforce to start networking – you can do it now. Try and get to know some of the big names in your industry of choice. You might even like to try and reach out to them for some advice, whether it’s in person or via social media.

Find a family friend or other trusted adult who has a job you’d love and ask them all about it.

You might even be able to attend certain industry events to start meeting people and getting your name out there.

Find out more about the benefits of networking.

Try a microcredential or MOOC

You probably don’t have tons of extra time on your hands for even more study. Not to worry – this is where microcredentials and MOOCs (massive online open courses) come in handy.

These bite-sized learning opportunities are a perfect way to upskill and gain new knowledge quickly and easily.

Learn more about what microcredentials are here, or take a look at our top online course provider picks.

Hobbies

Learning can be fun too! Hobbies can help you build a huge variety of useful skills, from mindfulness to motor skills, as well as improving your focus and mental health.

Want to know more about the benefits of hobbies? Check out our blog here.