Do you have a passion for giving back to your community but aren’t sure where to start? Volunteering is a great way to make a difference and help those in need. Not only does it benefit others, but it can also provide personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose. But with so many volunteering opportunities out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top volunteering opportunities near you. Whether you’re interested in working with children, animals, or the environment, there’s something for everyone. From local food banks to animal shelters, these organizations need dedicated volunteers to help them achieve their mission. So, if you’re looking to make a positive impact in your community, read on to discover the top volunteering opportunities near you.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering offers a multitude of benefits, both for individuals and the community as a whole. Firstly, volunteering provides an opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on society. By donating time and skills, volunteers can contribute to causes they are passionate about and help those in need.
Additionally, volunteering promotes personal growth and development. It allows individuals to gain new experiences, acquire valuable skills, and broaden their perspectives. Volunteering also fosters a sense of connection and belonging, as it brings people together with a shared purpose and creates strong bonds within communities. Ultimately, volunteering is a fulfilling and transformative experience that benefits both the volunteers and the recipients of their selfless efforts.
Volunteering Opportunities For Animal Lovers
Dogs & Cats Forever: https://dogsandcatsforever.com/volunteer/
” We can always use more help cleaning and caring, walking our dogs, giving animals extra attention and enrichment, showing adoptable animals, and an extra hand at our feline displays at PetSmart in Port St. Lucie and Vero Beach. This position could be filled by someone 18+ or someone who is able to have a parent present while volunteering.”
Humane Society of the Treasure Coast: https://hstc1.org/Volunteer
” The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast could not operate at our current, far-reaching level without our volunteers. There are many opportunities to volunteer and support our organization and the animals. This can include helping in cat care, community events, court-ordered community service, critter care, dog walking, front desk and administration, mobile adoptions, pet therapy and humane education, public spay & neuter, shelter pet photography & wrangling, and our thrift stores.”
Little Medical School of the Treasure Coast: https://littlemedicalschool.com/treasurecoast/volunteer-application-main/
“Be the creator of change and help inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes by joining our team! Volunteers help make a difference by helping our instructors teach our after-school programs, classes, and summer camps in different disciplines of medicine (including veterinary medicine). We’re looking for fun, driven and detail-oriented volunteers to help teach programs like Little Veterinarian School to kids in areas like St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County looking to get inspired about careers in veterinary medicine.”
Paws Fur Recovery Dog Rescue: https://pawsfurrecovery.org/volunteer/
” Paws Fur Recovery Dog Rescue is a not-for-profit organization. Our volunteers help support our mission of giving recently rescued dogs their second chance at life! We are passionate about helping these dogs recover and find their way to new homes.
If you are a person who wishes to become a volunteer with Paws Fur Recovery and to support our mission to help these dogs in need, we need help in these areas: on-site dog walkers, cleaning kennels and bathing dogs, handling dogs at outside adoption events, recruiting volunteers, coordinating fundraising opportunities, donation support, grant writing, organizing events, promoting our dogs on social media, taking photos or videos of dogs to promote for adoption, dog training (must have experience), transporting dogs, fostering, and more.”
Smithsonian Aquarium: https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/parks-recreation-department/aquarium-smithsonian/aquarium-volunteers
“A variety of volunteer opportunities are available for individuals aged 16 and up. No experience is required, and all training is provided! We are looking for touch tank interpreters, aquarium guides, husbandry and animal carers, feeding specialists, help in digital photography and media, and special projects volunteers.”
Treasure Coast Wildlife Center: https://www.tcwild.org/volunteer
“As a 501(c)3 non-profit, we would not be able to continue the life-saving work for our community’s wildlife without your help! Our staff will be pleased to share their knowledge in the field of wildlife rehabilitation with you, as you embark on this journey of discovery.
Ways you can make a difference include animal care, docent tours, public education events, participating in fundraising efforts, grounds maintenance, construction or other skilled work, and offering your professional services.“
Volunteering Opportunities For Environmental Enthusiasts
Little Medical School of the Treasure Coast: https://littlemedicalschool.com/treasurecoast/volunteer-application-main/
“Be the creator of change and help inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes by joining our team! Volunteers help make a difference by helping our instructors teach our after-school programs, classes, and summer camps in different disciplines of medicine (including wilderness medicine). We’re looking for fun, driven and detail-oriented volunteers to help teach programs like Wilderness Medicine School to kids in areas like St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County looking to get inspired about careers in wilderness medicine.”
Volunteering Opportunities For Those Interested In Healthcare and Wellness
Hands of St. Lucie County: https://www.handsofslc.org/volunteer/
“We are community supported and volunteer driven. Our volunteers are the heart of the care provided by the HANDS Clinic. We are always seeking Physicians, APRN, PA, RN, PCT, mental health professions, and dental professionals. Clerical volunteers and students are also essential. We welcome part-time, full-time, and seasonal volunteers. Join our HANDS family as we work to improve the health of our community. ”
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital: https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/st-lucie-hospital/for-visitors/volunteers
” The Medical Auxiliary, a group of more than 300 dedicated community volunteers at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, devotes thousands of hours to our patients every year, bringing a warm, caring atmosphere to our facility. Our Auxiliary provides services such as greeting patients and visitors, hospital campus shuttle service, transporting patients, special educational outreach programs and more.”
Little Medical School of the Treasure Coast: https://littlemedicalschool.com/treasurecoast/volunteer-application-main/
“Be the creator of change and help inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes by joining our team! Volunteers help make a difference by helping our instructors teach our after-school programs, classes, and summer camps in different disciplines of human medicine. We’re looking for fun, driven and detail-oriented volunteers to help teach programs like Little Doctor School, Little Dental School, Sports Medicine School, Little Pediatrician School, Little Nursing School, and more to kids in areas like St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County looking to get inspired about careers in medicine.”
Volunteering Opportunities For Those Interested In Community Outreach
CASA/GAL: https://guardianadlitem.org/volunteer-with-guardian-ad-litem/
” Through our dedicated volunteers, we meet our mission to represent Florida’s abused, neglected, and abandoned children. When a child is in the dependency court system due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, the judge stands in the parent’s shoes, must protect the child and make the decisions a parent normally would.
Volunteers gather facts surrounding a child’s case, review reports, find out the child’s wants and desires, visit a child’s home, school, or placement, and provide the court with an unbiased recommendation on what is required to serve the child’s best interests. The volunteer assists in providing the judge with the information needed and what the child wants, so the judge can decide what is in the child’s best interests.
To become a volunteer, you must pass a background check, provide three letters of reference, participate in an interview, and complete free, online training.
Every child needs a stable adult; you can be that person.”
The Farmlink Project: https://www.farmlinkproject.org/root-fellowship
(***Virtual opportunity)
“Every year, we recruit a selective group of qualified individuals to join our ROOT Fellowship (Running Our Operations Together!). The Farmlink Project connects farms with surplus to food banks to feed people in need, reduce carbon emissions & empower the next generation of changemakers. Whether it’s helping place food where it is most needed on the deals team or bringing attention to our mission on the media team, all our teams are helping in the fight against food insecurity and food waste. Teams include food program, sustainability, and media.”
Translators Without Borders: https://translatorswithoutborders.org/meet-the-twb-community
“By becoming part of the TWB Community, you’ll join over 100,000 people from around the world, and get a chance to make meaningful change through language.
You’ll provide language support to local and global organizations, helping bridge communication gaps between them and people living through a crisis – and beyond. You’ll contribute significantly to making information accessible, inclusive, and useful to people who need that information in their language.”
Upchieve: https://upchieve.org/volunteer
” Volunteer as a tutor and help over 30,000 underserved students succeed in school and beyond. Most can’t afford or lack access to private tutoring, which starts at $20 an hour and easily reaches over $100 an hour in some subjects. Without academic support, they face challenges that will limit their chances to attend college and receive a higher education.
With UPchieve, you’ll work directly with students to help them overcome their academic struggles through 1:1 online tutoring and college counseling.”
How To Get Started With Volunteering
Here are some tips to help you get started on your volunteering journey:
1. Identify your interests: Start by reflecting on causes or issues that you are passionate about. Whether it’s the environment, education, animal welfare, or community service, choosing an area that resonates with you will make your volunteer experience more fulfilling.
2. Research local organizations: Look for local or nonprofit organizations, community centers, hospitals, libraries, or animal shelters in your area that align with your interests. Explore their websites or reach out to them directly to learn about volunteer opportunities they offer for high school students.
3. Check with your school: Many high schools have their own volunteering programs or partnerships with local organizations. Check with your school’s guidance office or community service coordinator to learn about existing volunteer initiatives or seek their guidance on finding opportunities.
4. Start small and gradually increase involvement: Begin by committing to short-term or one-time volunteer opportunities. This allows you to gain exposure, understand the organization’s mission, and assess your level of interest before making a more significant commitment.
5. Network and seek recommendations: Talk to friends, family, teachers, or mentors who might have connections with local organizations or have volunteered in the past. They can provide recommendations or introduce you to relevant volunteering opportunities.
6. Attend volunteer fairs and events: Many communities organize volunteer fairs or events where organizations showcase their work and recruit volunteers. Attend these events to explore various opportunities, meet representatives, and learn more about their volunteering requirements.
7. Contact organizations directly: If you have a specific organization in mind, reach out to them directly. Send an email or call to express your interest in volunteering and inquire about any available opportunities or upcoming projects.
8. Keep track of your volunteer hours and experiences: Maintain a log of your volunteer activities, including dates, hours, tasks performed, and any notable achievements or challenges faced. This record will be useful for resumes, college applications, and scholarship opportunities.
9. Stay committed and be reliable: Once you commit to a volunteering opportunity, be punctual, reliable, and dedicated. Treat your volunteer work with the same level of responsibility and professionalism as you would with any other commitment.
Remember, volunteering is not just about fulfilling graduation requirements or building a resume; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the community. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and create lasting impact through your volunteering efforts in high school.