Many people imagine volunteering as travelling abroad or joining large international organisations. In reality, most volunteering begins much closer to home.  

Every community has organisations working to improve people's lives. These may focus on education, environmental protection, youth work, culture, social inclusion, health, animal welfare, sports, or many other issues. Volunteers help these organisations expand their activities and reach more people. 

Local volunteering offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience, understand community needs, and discover the type of work you enjoy before exploring larger national or international opportunities. 

Common places to volunteer include: 

• youth organisations; 
• local NGOs; 
• youth centres; 
• schools and universities; 
• libraries and museums; 
• environmental organisations; 
• cultural festivals; 
• sports clubs; 
• municipal volunteer programmes; 
• community centres. 

Remember that volunteering does not always require a long-term commitment. Some organisations welcome volunteers for one-day events, while others look for regular weekly support. 

Tip

Don't wait for the "perfect" opportunity. Your first volunteering experience is often the beginning of discovering what really interests you.