What Types of Volunteering Count for Community Service Hours?

There are many reasons why you may need to complete community service. Many schools and universities require students to complete a certain amount of volunteer hours before graduation so they learn how to give back to local communities and understand the value of service. Certain membership or religious organizations have volunteerism embedded into their missions, and even some courts are providing opportunities for individuals to complete community service hours as an alternative to incarceration or paying a fine.

Outside of these obligations, community service can also make you feel good. It’s an incredible feeling to have a positive impact in your local environment, and volunteering is a great way to meet others.

But do all forms of volunteering count as community service? We dive into the details below!

What is community service?

First, let’s dive into what exactly is meant by “community service” so you don’t waste your time inquiring about a volunteer opportunity that doesn’t count for hours.

It’s all in the name—community. If you’re trying to complete community service hours for a high school or university, chances are they want you to be focused on making a positive impact right in your city, town, or state. That likely means partnering with local nonprofits, parks departments, government agencies, and other organizations that are headquartered nearby.

If you need to complete community service hours as part of a membership organization—like Scouting America or Girl Scouts—you may want to narrow the scope even further. Perhaps they ask that you assist neighbors or fellow members with tasks or projects, or join a park clean-up, housing development, and other local projects.

As long as the project is unpaid, involves direct service, and benefits others in a specific community, you’re on the right track.

What types of volunteering count for community service hours?

Based on the definition above, park clean-ups, assisting neighbors with home improvement projects, and volunteering at the local library should be in the clear. Collecting donations or interning for a for-profit organization? Not so much.

That said, the easiest way to identify what types of volunteer opportunities count for community service hours is to ask the assigning person or organization. Your school may want you to focus on specific volunteer projects, while local courts have different requirements in order to fulfill your hours.

When you have those specifications in mind, take advantage of Idealist’s search filters to narrow down 70,000+ volunteer opportunities by location, cause area, associated skills, and more! There’s sure to be a volunteer opportunity that aligns with what you need to complete community service hours.