1 Ask yourself if you want to: directly serve people in need serve behind the scenes with technical support or other assistance use the talents and skills you already have learn new skills that you can apply as a volunteer work for a local organization that is addressing community problems work for an organization with a national or international focus		2 What would you like to gain by volunteering? help someone feel needed lend support to a cause or issue make new friends learn new skills make use of skills not being applied in your present job make good use of your leisure time		3 What do you enjoy most? working by yourself or with others working indoors or outdoors working with children people with disabilities or the elderly talking, telephoning researching topics or issues writing, editing, typing computer entry, tutoring giving advice, counseling
4 When you volunteer your are giving a precious commodity - your time Consider how much time you can give: a few hours a week one day or one evening a week one weekend a month a block of time a winter/summer vacation or during school breaks		5 Consider the following: Transportation to and from your volunteer activity Miscellaneous expenses (parking, meals, child care)		6 What special skills and/or resources can you bring to the volunteer experience legal, accounting medical clerical maintenance event production personal contacts in the community organizing transportation child care companionship teaching experience arts and crafts athletic instruction

7 What should I expect?

• Each agency handles inquiries about volunteering differently. Some will send you written information, some will schedule an interview.
• Agencies screen volunteers to meet their own needs and to protect their clients.Don't be suprised if the agency asks for references or runs a police check.

For more information send E-mail to: United Way Of Lake County

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