Animal shelters struggle from over population and lack of funding. There are many ways to help them. You can donate items they need or you can support by volunteering in your spare time.

The first thing you should do is to find animal shelters in your vicinity. Each shelter is different; there are many organizations, leagues or local animal groups that operate them. Check the yellow pages or the internet to find them by zip code.

Once you have chosen a shelter of your choice, call them and ask about their volunteering process. They may ask you to come in and apply to make sure that you are well suited for their organization. While you are there, get to know the staff, system and working conditions.

Choosing how you will volunteer will depend on the work or activities needed because some require specialized training. Shelters often have an age requirement for volunteers. They must be 16 years old or older. The working hours also depend on availabilities or their volunteering rules.

Cleaning cages, the facilities, admin work such as filing papers or making phone calls are some tasks you may do. Fundraising or collecting blankets and supplies are also other options. Other tasks include feeding, grooming, walking the animals, playing or spending time with them.  You may also foster them if you wish.

Each minute you spend trying to help these organizations will help the animals and definitely make a difference.

Image from  daveparker

Categories: Animals, Charities, Ideas, Volunteering | Tags: animal home, animal shelter, How to Volunteer at an Animal Shelter, pet shelter, volunteer at an animal shelter

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Christmas is often associated with sharing. It is a time to give back and share the blessings that you have received. But who says that you cannot share all-year round? It’s been almost a month since the holidays, but you can still help many people who are less fortunate. Here are some charities or causes that would greatly appreciate your help.

Many calamities have struck nations around the globe. Earthquakes and floods for example have displaced many people. They have no homes and are badly in need of food, clothing and other basic necessities. Ease their hardships by sharing what you can. Check the internet or social media networks for places of immediate need.

Orphanages foster many children and look after them. You can donate gifts, books and even small items such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other items. Visit an orphanage nearby and ask them what they need or simply make a donation that you feel will help.

Soup kitchens often have abundant food, but it would be awesome if you can make it more special. You don’t have to donate monetary or material things. Simply donate your time in cooking and feeding the homeless and it will make a big difference.

Organize a fundraiser for a deserving recipient. It may be someone who is sick or anyone who is in need. You can also ask friends to make donations to a chosen cause instead of giving you gifts for your birthday or other occasions. The greatest present that you can receive is the thought that you made a mark in someone’s life or the fact that you put a smile on someone else’s face.

Image from  markcos1o

Categories: Charities, Disaster Relief, Volunteering | Tags: donate time, help others in need, ideas on how to help others, The Season of Giving

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When looking to find a job in the non-profit world, the first step is to ask around. Network by telling people you know ( family, friends, colleagues) and consider doing some unpaid volunteer or internship work to get your foot in the door, so to speak.

Although most internships are not paid (or paid very little, perhaps just covering food and/or transportation expenses), it can be a wonderful opportunity to also discover your strengths and become aware of the roles and environment when working in the non-profit industry.

The next best resource for work in the non-profit world is obviously the internet. Nearly all of the non-profit organizations and groups have websites which post career opportunities and volunteer positions, and job sites are also useful as many of them have sections featuring jobs in the non-profit sector.

Not only does online research make sense financially (it costs nothing to email!), but it also allows you to learn about the various organizations to discover what suits you best.

Other good places to look are local newspapers, non-profit organizations magazines and newsletters, and bulletin boards at your community center or church.

Remember that only 20-25% of jobs use advertising, so it pays to think out of the box and be resourceful. Perhaps after finding organizations which interest you, you could contact them directly to know first-hand if they have any possible openings. Their websites should also have some useful information and contact details.

And lastly, don’t give up! Always check up on your resources often as new jobs and openings appear daily. Keep on researching, and don’t be afraid to apply even if you are worried that your qualifications won’t suffice. If you have passion and commitment for the job, you could be the best person for it.

Categories: Ideas, Jobs, Organizations, Tips, Volunteering | Tags: career, Jobs, non-profit

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If you are trying to raise funds for your favorite charity there are many ways that you can do it. You can go door to door and ask for help which is tiring and may not bring in a lot of money. You can have cans for donations on every counter of every store that you can convince to support your cause, but that brings in very small change.

The key to fund raising is to create events that people will want to take part of. Create an event that people will be willing to pay to be part. This means that they have to feel that it is worth their time as well as their money because as you know, we want people to give not just once, but as often as their generous hearts and pockets can allow.

A favorite event for fund raising is a golf tournament. Many people play golf. They will play no matter what the weather, no matter what the season, no matter the time of day. They will play if you put them on a good green at a reasonable price. They will play if they have decent competition. They may even play if they are competing against celebrities or masters just to test their own performance. They will pay to participate, you just need to make sure they have fun and don’t forget lunch.

You won’t be able to pull it off alone. You will be able to raise more if you have sponsors. Your sponsors can include the company that owns the golf course, the catering company and some companies to give prizes, giveaways or just cash donations.

Categories: Events, Fundraising, Volunteering | Tags: Fundraising

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I have always believed that it is not really considered charity if you do not do good out of your own volition. If you are forced into doing something OR if you do good works because you feel that you have to do it, then that is defeating the purpose of charity. However, I am also a pragmatist and realize that if people do good even if they were only urged to do it, then that is better than nothing.

And I think this is what is happening (in some cases) with a UK organization called Do Good For Debt. The idea behind this group is brilliant, really. What they do is provide the opportunity for those with students loans (which are usually immense) to pay back their debt and at the same time, do good work. Inventor Spot has this feature on them:

The non-profit UK based organization was started by Ian Wallace, who found himself so constricted under the weight of his 14,000 GBP student loans that he took a job in a factory while looking for a job in his chosen field; law. With his life decisions completely surrounding making his debt payments and keeping a roof over his head, this innovative entrepreneur decided there had to be a way to look after his best interests, and give back to his community at the same time.

Do Good for Debt was created, with a main goal of working with charities to encourage recent college graduates to give back, while taking a little something for themselves in the process; complete student debt repayment. Perhaps monetary compensation for charity work, defeats the purpose and takes away from the philanthropist mentality, but hey, recent grads have a better chance at making a contribution to society if they don’t have the burden of student loans hanging over their heads.

As I said, this is better than nothing. More so, I am sure that many of the people who participate in the program would willingly help out in other circumstances anyway. Call it providing an opportunity. By the way, Do Good For Debt has a MySpace account – add them!

Categories: Charities, Programs, Volunteering | Tags: Charities, debt

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