Our Five Favorite Places to Volunteer During the Summer

Sure, the beach is a nice place to catch some relaxing rays during the summer months, but consider doing something more valuable with your extra time than working on your tan. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, gain valuable work experience, AND expand your horizons. Not sure where to star? Here are some places where you can lend a helping hand.

5. Special Olympics (Perfect for special education majors, teacher types, and school athletes)

Special Olympics is an organization that gives people with intellectual disabilities the chance to compete in sports and strive to achieve athletic goals while being celebrated and treated with dignity. Volunteers are typically matched up with an athlete whom they assist throughout an event. Click here to find a Special Olympics near you and contact the group to see how you can help.

4. Big Brothers Big Sisters (Great for social worker wannabes, future pyschologists, teachers, and former camp counselors)

Make a difference in the life of a young person by volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters. The organization pairs a child with a role model (that could be you!) who can become a positive influence in the child’s life. Spend time together, play games, share in fun experiences, and build a friendship. Research found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, Little Brothers and Sisters in the program were less likely to skip school, hit someone, or begin using drugs or alcohol. Imagine the difference you could make in a kid’s life just by having fun with them and being a supportive friend! Click here to find a volunteer opportunity in your area.

3. Your local Humane Society/SPCA (Right on track for PR and marketing majors, legal eagles, and students with vet aspirations)

Are you an animal lover? Consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Shelters need lots of help to keep operations running smoothly, but most importantly, the animals at the shelter need lots of love! In addition to clerical work, fundraising, and marketing/public relations assistance, volunteers typically socialize (read: play with!) the animals, take them for walks, act as adoption counselors, help with feedings, and assist the shelter staff in keeping their homes clean and comfy. Many shelters also need volunteers to foster animals: You provide a loving home for a pet until it’s been adopted.

2. Habitat for Humanity (Just the right fit for engineering students, architect majors, and anyone else that's super-crafty)

Habitat for Humanity is an organization committed to the belief that every man, woman, and child deserves a decent, safe, and affordable home of their own. Be a part of that mission and help build homes for low-income families. You’ll get your hands dirty on the construction site but don’t worry — no expertence is required.

1. Offer your help abroad (A great opportunity for everyone!)
Why not turn volunteering into an adventure? Get out of the States — and your comfort zone — this summer by volunteering abroad. From panda preservation projects in China to rainforest conservation programs in Ecudaor, you’ll have the opportunity to see the world while still making a difference.

-- By Ali Straka, University of Missouri