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Features Column 1 "I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar..." Volunteering as a way to enter the nonprofit sector

Hi Cathy,
Right now I'm waiting tables to get by, but I don't want to do this forever! I really want to help run environmental programs, but my schedule makes it almost impossible to get the experience I need to get that kind of job. What should I do?
—Dana from NYC

Well, I know it ain't easy. Waiting tables can be incredibly draining work, especially in NYC where patrons have allergies to things like bread! The last thing you feel like doing at the end of a shift is more work. But unfortunately that is just the prescription this doctor is ordering! Not doing the extra work now will extend your time dealing with those pesky customers! Waiters often have really strange hours, which can work to your advantage. Whether you just have Saturdays, evenings, or every other holiday off, there is a volunteer job waiting for you. Not necessarily the ideal volunteer position, but a position nonetheless.

The important thing is to get your foot in the door and volunteering is a great way to do that. It's even better when you're clear on what specific kind of environmental work you have a hankering to do. In addition to the tons of volunteer listings on Idealist, it can be really helpful to do some web research to find organizations whose missions pull you in. It doesn't hurt to call an organization that may not even have a posting, after you've thoroughly researched it. You can let them know how much their work speaks to you and see if they need an extra hand to stuff envelopes or do some filing. Once you've been volunteering for a couple of months—working hard, asking lots of questions, and learning all about the organization's values, current projects, and big dreams—you'll probably notice that a whole lot more than just your foot is inside the door!