Volunteer Resource Center

Welcome to the Idealist.org Volunteer Resource Center (VRC). This is your starting place for learning more about and finding great volunteer opportunities around the globe—whether you're looking to get involved in your own neighborhood or thousands of miles (or kilometers) away. Begin your search above or check out the free resources below.

Volunteering 101

• What is volunteering?
• Why is volunteering important?
• What are the benefits of volunteering?
• How can I volunteer?

Getting Started

• Why assess your interests before you volunteer?
• Find (or create) your ideal volunteer opportunity
• A volunteer's bill of rights and responsibilities
• Resources for volunteers with disabilities
• Volunteering = Career Development
• Additional resources

More than one way to volunteer

How…

• Board service
• Direct service volunteering
• Disaster relief volunteering
• DIY volunteering
• Online volunteering
• Skilled/Pro bono volunteering
• Volunteering in a community other than your own

Who…

• Employee volunteers
• Family volunteers
• Older volunteers
• Student volunteers
• Youth volunteers

For volunteer resource managers

Volunteer Management Resource Center
Do you work with volunteers? Check out these effective practices, resources, and professional development opportunities for volunteer resource managers

Other opportunities and resources

• Fellowships
• Service corps opportunities