When you think of volunteering, you likely picture someone ladling up hearty bowls of soup at a food pantry or caring for pups at an animal shelter. But while these are among the most popular opportunities out there, there are myriad other ways to give back to society in your free time — and no matter how obscure your passion or skill set may seem, we’d bet there’s a position that fits it.
Sure, volunteering is a selfless contribution, but it’s also a chance to share your unique gifts with the world, especially if your career doesn’t check that box. And evidence suggests that donating your time and energy improves well-being, boosts cognitive functioning, and even helps reduce mortality.
“Volunteering offers tremendous benefits, both personally and for the community,” Rick Cohen, chief operating officer at the National Council of Nonprofits, told Nice News, adding, “Most importantly, volunteering allows people to see the impact of their efforts firsthand. Whether supporting a local food bank or advocating for safer streets and pedestrian safety, volunteers often experience the difference they are making in their own neighborhoods.”
And one key to finding a fulfilling position that maximizes your contribution? Searching inward. In practice, that could mean identifying your purpose, what you’re good at, or something “that brings you joy or reflects a cause you care about,” Cohen said — and then looking for an opportunity that matches.
“There are more than 1.5 million nonprofits in the United States working on issues ranging from the arts and education to environmental protection and animal welfare. If there is a cause that matters to you, there is almost certainly a nonprofit doing that work that could benefit from your time or expertise,” Cohen said, also noting, “Opportunities exist both in person and virtually, on weekends or on your own schedule. The key is to find a cause you believe in and a way to engage that feels meaningful to you.”
Below, we’ve rounded up five niche areas that may inspire you to think outside the box and start giving back in your own unique way.
Tax Advisor
If you’re an accounting whiz, there are plenty of outfits with finance-focused opportunities that could use your services. One of the biggest in the U.S. is the IRS — through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs, volunteers provide free tax assistance to those who need it, such as older adults and folks with limited English proficiency.
You may find other positions via the American Red Cross, which sometimes looks for volunteer accountants to help its accounting division, and a variety of nonprofits that aim to educate young people about finance (such as Junior Achievement USA) and equip small businesses with the financial knowledge they need to succeed (like Operation HOPE).
Curriculum Writer
Calling all educators: Plenty of academic entities need curriculum writers to help volunteer teachers and after-school program leaders structure their lessons. For example, this opportunity from Words Alive, a book club program that helps foster literacy skills for children, teens, and parents, calls for a volunteer with a strong education background to create curricula centered on graphic novels.
And as a bonus, while Words Alive is based in San Diego, the position is entirely remote and self-paced. So if you’re looking for a specific role but not finding any in your area, you may want to take a page out of this organization’s book and delve into the world of online volunteering.
Mock Interviewer
Recruiters, HR generalists, and anyone with experience helping others develop their careers may want to consider putting their prowess to use as a mock interviewer. You could assist immigrants and refugees by providing feedback, shaping answers, and explaining cultural nuances in this role for nonprofit Upwardly Global. Or perhaps you’d like to help college students prepare to enter the job market by donating your time at a campus through Braven, a nonprofit helping graduates kick-start their careers.
And the options don’t end there: If you have career development experience, you could help out as a professional mentor, resume or LinkedIn profile reviewer, career coach, informational interviewer, or HR generalist.
Pet Adoption Photographer
Who doesn’t love taking pictures of adorable animals? Shelters all over the U.S. need photographers and videographers (professional or not) to capture adoptable pets in the hope of attracting forever families. For instance, this New Jersey nonprofit is currently seeking photographers, videographers, and other volunteers to make online adoption posts. Don’t worry if you don’t own fancy equipment — many shelters are fine with high-quality photos from your phone.
And as valuable as it is to help deserving animals connect with new owners, photo shoots can also be a treat for the pets themselves. “The animals love it,” Regan Blessinger, marketing and content manager for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, told vet education org Fear Free. “They get pulled out of their kennel and come up to our humane education room because it’s the biggest and quietest, and they get to run around, eat treats, and play with toys. It’s all very fun for them.”
Adaptive Ski Instructor
Those who love to hit the slopes can turn their penchant for skiing into an opportunity to give back by introducing the sport to people with disabilities. Organizations like the United States Adaptive Recreation Center, Achieve Tahoe, and Wintergreen Adaptive Sports rely on volunteers to teach ski lessons — and if you’re new to the role, they offer free training and support. Another potential pro: Some nonprofits, like Wintergreen Adaptive Sports, subsidize instructor certification.
And if you enjoy outdoor recreation but skiing isn’t our thing, many of these types of open-air facilities offer other ways to contribute. You could help to plan summer activities like kayaking, archery, or sailing; assist with miscellaneous tasks like serving lunch and snacks; or fundraise and help organize special events.
The opportunities listed here are just a starting point for ways in which you can lend a hand, so don’t be discouraged if we didn’t cover a skill or org that speaks to you. To start your search, browse this list of 30 websites that post a wide range of volunteering positions, or go to SamaritanScout or VolunteerMatch to seek out more specific opportunities.
RELATED: Through Games of Catch, Volunteer Dads Are Helping LGBTQ+ Pride Attendees Heal
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