These resources can help you learn about: the benefits of volunteering and things to consider before volunteering; teach you skills valuable to non-profit organizations; and assist you in your pursuit of the perfect volunteer opportunity.
The Corporation for National and Community Service published many reports on volunteering in American, detailing data and statistics on numbers of volunteers, effects of serving for the volunteer and for the organization that use volunteers, and the nationwide trend in volunteering. Some that may be of interest are below:
- http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/role_impact/performance_research.asp
- http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0307_boomer_report.pdf is a report on volunteers that belong to the Baby Boomer generation
http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr.pdf is a report outlining the health benefits of volunteering
The Greater Good Science Center studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.
- http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/another_reason_to_volunteer
- http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you
Know How Network fosters skills-based giving and provides training to volunteers. http://knowhownetwork.org/
PublicHealth.org - http://www.publichealth.org/volunteering/
Without volunteers to rely on, it is hard to imagine how the public health industry could fulfill its mission. This website helps readers find:
- How volunteering makes a difference
- How volunteering can be personally beneficial
- Things to consider when looking to volunteer
- How to find the right opportunity
- List of volunteering resources
Volunteer Match allows you to take a look at the findings of a study on volunteering among older adults, including why they volunteer, their experiences of volunteering, and how agencies can support older adult volunteers.http://www.volunteermatch.org/nonprofits/resources/greatexpectations/