“For many people, volunteering is something they feel positively about, but don’t always prioritize or think they have time for,” says Matt Bertram, vice-president of volunteer services for the American Red Cross.

Common misconceptions about volunteering, he says, are that you don’t have the right skills to contribute, or that you have to make a huge time commitment.

“In reality, there are many flexible volunteer roles to fit all interests and skill sets,” he says.

So how do you start volunteering? We asked experts.

How do you figure out where to volunteer?

First, think about the causes or issues you care about. And think broadly.

“The sense of what counts as volunteering has shifted,” says Boram Kim, vice-president for volunteer and institutional engagement at Habitat for Humanity International. Volunteering is no longer limited to traditional, formal roles through large, international organizations. “Increasingly, people mobilize around smaller, immediate issues close to home and within their own communities,” she explains.

After Covid arrived, the number of mutual aid organizations in the US ballooned from 50 to 800, according to the National Education Association. These groups are diverse: some run food pantries, while others help with disaster relief or exchange services and resources. Find a group in your area through directories like Mutual Aid Hub in the US, or Mutual Aid in the UK.

Whether you’re interested in volunteering with a large organization or a small local group, consider your motivation and what you hope to gain from the experience.

“For some, it’s a chance to build skills or strengthen their community, while for others it’s about social connection,” says Kim. “The most essential thing to consider is [the organization’s] alignment with the issues that matter more to [the volunteer].”

As you look at groups and organizations that appeal to you, be realistic about how much time and energy you can offer.

“Keep in mind that every organization has unique needs,” says Julie Sonenberg, senior manager of volunteer engagement at the ASPCA Adoption Center. “Try to find alignment with what you’re able to contribute and what the organization’s needs are.”

When you find a group or organization you like, check their website for volunteer signup information or, if this doesn’t exist, send them an email expressing your interest and availability.

“Once people have a good idea of where and how they want to volunteer, they shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to organizations they are passionate about,” says Kyle Gardner, senior vice-president of development at Charity Navigator.