You can search the Idealist volunteer database by geographic location, area of focus (children & youth, human rights, environment, etc.), or a keyword that describes what you would like to do.
Recent volunteer opportunities listed on Idealist included working as a photographer for a nonprofit TV production company in New York and monitoring dolphins in New Zealand.
Before you contact any organizations that you find on Idealist, please be sure to read our Privacy and Safety Statement.
Another great place to look for volunteer opportunities is your local volunteer center. Volunteer centers are dedicated to connecting people with their community's volunteer needs.
United Way International Use the drop-down menu in order to find your local United Way international affiliate.
Australia
Go Volunteer Click on "About Us" on the homepage and then "VA's Network" on the next page, you will be brought to a listing of regional volunteer resource centres throughout Australia.
Canada
United Way Canada Click on the dot that represents your city or do a search by postal code or community.
United Kingdom
do-it.org
Find contact details for your local volunteer bureau using the "VB Finder" on the left and then call your local center.
Another way to find volunteer opportunities is to go straight to the source: nonprofit organizations. A nonprofit organization is a group of people working together to help their local and/or global community, its people or its environment.
Searching for nonprofit organizations is a great way to find people in your community who are working on issues that are important to you. After finding one whose mission interests you, give them a call and ask if they need any volunteers.
p.s. Be sure to let someone know (a parent, teacher etc.) before you make any appointments to meet anyone in person.
