a volunteer group I founded years ago is devouring my life by Alison Green on April 12, 2017 A reader writes: Almost five years ago, while I was in college, I founded and incorporated an all-volunteer nonprofit (“AVO”) in my hometown. A group of friends wanted to do it because we liked the field but couldn’t find another organization that provided appropriate opportunities, and I was cajoled into leadership. Now, it’s a drain […] Read the full article →
I feel guilty that I flaked out on a volunteer job by Alison Green on July 8, 2016 A reader writes: My first year of college, I signed up to volunteer as a hotline operator at my local rape crisis center. I went through the required online training, the in-person training, and applied/paid for all of my required clearances. However, once I actually started volunteering, I realized that, due to my own experiences, […] Read the full article →
my favorite cover letter tips, and why you should volunteer if you’re unemployed by Alison Green on January 18, 2016 Two miscellaneous things: 1. In this article in Self, I do a round-up of my favorite tips for writing good cover letters. 2. And a reader sent me this interesting news release from the Corporation for National & Community Service, which mentions research showing that unemployed people who volunteer over the next year have 27% […] Read the full article →
can I leave a volunteer position with a not-great manager, but stay involved with the organization? by Alison Green on July 31, 2015 A reader writes: I’m hoping you could help me with some questions I have about a volunteer position I’ve been doing for about 1.5 years now. It’s a newsletter/communications position for one of the departments (Department A) of a local nonprofit that I really admire. I developed the newsletter program and it was a great […] Read the full article →
are there legal issues with volunteering at my yoga studio in exchange for free classes? by Alison Green on January 26, 2015 A reader writes: I volunteer a few hours a week at my local yoga studio as a front-desk worker, and was recently made aware of an opportunity to pick up a part-time manager position at the yoga studio. When discussing this with the owner, I stated that I would want some sort of compensation for […] Read the full article →
what kind of volunteering is most helpful? by Alison Green on October 24, 2014 A reader writes: I know you’ve spoken extensively about how volunteer work is important and can lend a substantive note to your resume and work experience. But can you discuss a little what kinds of volunteer work are more “important,” skills-wise, for employers? Is ten years of driving for Meals on Wheels going to be […] Read the full article →
how to find a great volunteer job by Alison Green on August 6, 2012 You should volunteer. First, you should volunteer because it’s a good thing to do in the world, but secondly, you should volunteer because it can be good for your career: You’ll expand your network, get new things for your resume, and potentially learn new skills. I got my first real job by volunteering! It sucked, […] Read the full article →
what can we do about a rude volunteer coordinator? by Alison Green on August 5, 2012 A reader writes: My wife and I volunteer extensively at our church, especially with the children’s activities. We have a small issue with the staff member in charge. We have been professionals for quite a few years, yet, this person treats us like high school students working at a fast food restaurant. For instance, we […] Read the full article →
why you should volunteer by Alison Green on April 4, 2012 If you’re searching for a job, here’s one strategy you may have overlooked: Volunteer. Volunteering for a nonprofit organization in your community isn’t just a way of doing good – although it’s certainly that. It’s also a way to keep your skills up-to-date, expand your network, and possibly even get a paying job. And there […] Read the full article →
am I being exploited as a volunteer? by Alison Green on December 14, 2010 A reader writes: I moved to a new city back in August to be with my fiance. I knew I was taking a chance moving to a new city with few contacts in a down economy; however, I am a very resourceful and driven person and cannot abide sitting around and doing nothing. In September, […] Read the full article →