1. Research the causes or issues important to you.

Look for a region or activity that you feel strongest about. We are developing operations globally to meet the needs of a global crisis. If there is a particular region you have personal ties to, you will of course feel more passionate about raising  funds for those people in need. Global H2O is not about drilling wells. We also work to provide rain collection equipment, sanitation and hand washing facilities. It is also critical to understand the issues in the regions you wish to help, by understanding what facilities are lacking and which are most critical.

2. Consider the skills you have to offer.

Many positions require a volunteer who has previous familiarity with certain equipment, such as computers, or who possesses certain skills, such as ability in planning, marketing, fundraising or communications. For one of these positions you might decide to do something comparable to what you do on the job during your work day, or something which you already enjoy as a hobby. This sort of position allows you to jump right into the work without having to take training to prepare for the assignment.

3. Combine your goals or Learn something

Look for our volunteer opportunities that will also help you achieve your other goals for your life. For example, if you are looking for key management experience, perhaps taking on an end to end project makes sense. You can learn, marketing, fundraising, planning, budgeting, and project management during the course of a project.

4. Don’t over-commit your schedule.

Make sure the volunteer hours you want to give fit into your hectic life, so that you don’t frustrate your family, exhaust yourself, shortchange the organization you’re trying to help or neglect your job. Do you want a long-term assignment or something temporary? If you are unsure about your availability, or want to see how the work suits you before making an extensive commitment, see whether the organization will start you out on a limited number of hours until you get the feel of things. Better to start out slowly than to commit yourself to a schedule you can’t – or don’t want to fulfill.

5. We may have questions, too.

While we are eager to find volunteer help, it is necessary for us to be careful when accepting the services you offer. If you contact us with an offer to donate your time, you may be asked to come in for an interview, fill out a volunteer application, describe your qualifications and your background – just as you would at an interview for a paying job. It is in our interest and more beneficial to the people we serve to make certain you have the skills needed, that you are truly committed to doing the work, and that your interests match those of this nonprofit.

6. Consider volunteering as a family.

Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity suitable for parents and children to do together, or for a husband and wife to take on as a team. When a family volunteers to work together at a nonprofit organization, the experience can bring them closer together, teach young children the value of giving their time and effort, introduce everyone in the family to skills and experiences never before encountered, and give the entire family a shared experience as a wonderful family memory.

7. Virtual volunteering

Yes, there is such a thing! If you have computer access and the necessary skills, we offer the opportunity to do volunteer work over the computer. This might take the form of giving free legal advice, searching for relevant grants, or simply updating our database files. This sort of volunteering might be well-suited to you if you have limited time, no transportation, or a physical disability which precludes you from getting about freely. Virtual volunteering can also be a way for you to give time if you simply enjoy computers and want to employ your computer skills in your volunteer work.

8. Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering!

Bring your heart and your sense of humor to your volunteer service, along with your enthusiastic spirit, which in itself is a priceless gift. What you’ll get back will be immeasurable! We are truly grateful for all of your efforts.