What is Volunteering?
Volunteering is a way to commit and spend time working with non-profit organizations to give back to the community.
How to Find Places to Volunteer:
- Use our Volunteering Exploration worksheet to brainstorm volunteer options that align with your goals, interests, and work for you logistically.
- Check out the following websites:
- GivePulse
- Hands on Twin Cities
- Volunteer Match
- Contact the Center for Experiential Education for assistance: ExperientialEducation@normandale.edu, or call 952-358-8119.
Why Volunteer?
There are many benefits to volunteering in the community! Here are a few:
- Build and Enhance Your Resume
- Volunteering is a great way to build your resume and skills. Volunteering allows you to build on skills you already have and create new skill sets. Many employers and organizations like to see volunteer experience on your resume and if you are thinking of transferring, many college or university applications ask about volunteering experience!
- Develop a Career Network
- Through getting involved in volunteering, you will gain first-hand experience networking. Networking allows you to connect and interact with other people for information about jobs and careers. Not only will you build a network, many students who volunteer at an organization are offered permanent positions after graduation.
- Enhance Your Education
- Applying what you learn in the classroom in real practice is one of the best ways to learn. Volunteering at an organization of your choice that fits your needs and interests will allow you to connect learning in the classroom with hands-on experience.
- Create Positive Change
- Nonprofit organizations rely on volunteers like you to make a real difference. Volunteering allows you to give your time in exchange for creating a positive impact in others' lives. Nonprofits cannot function without the help of individuals from the community.
- Be an Active Member of Your Community
- Community engagement is one of the best ways to feel connected to your community. There are many diverse communities surrounding the Normandale campus and in the Twin Cities and the best way to learn about them is to become a part of them.
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