Now that you know you want to volunteer, you need to take the right steps to make sure your volunteer experience is a good one. Considering some questions and looking at the student resources can help you find a great match that benefits you and the community!

1. Ask yourself some questions about your community service experience, see "Food for Thought."

2. Look through the Weekly Service Update and Online Volunteer Directory.

• The Weekly Service Update lists volunteer opportunities that are upcoming, specific and may only last a day or two.
• In the Online Volunteer Directory, you'll find opportunites that are on-going. These agencies need volunteers in a variety of different areas or times.
• Contact the Center for Community Engagement for group opportunities!
  

3. Research a few agencies that interest you.

4. Contact the agency, using our volunteer etiquette tips.

5. Keep in touch with the Center for Community Engagement.

Let us know how it's going. We're here to support your volunteer effort!

►Have an Idea?
The CCE would love to hear about it. We can work with you to support your social entrepreneurship. Give us a call at 513-556-1559, send an email, or stop by (map)!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT...

• How do you define "service"?
• Why do you want to get involved?
• What do you hope to gain from this experience?
• What do you care about?  What “out there” makes you proud, excited, angry, scared, fired up, inspired?
• What good things do you see going on in our community? What do you want to be a part of?
• What are you good at?  What skills, talents, gifts do you bring to those around you? (Think outside the box!)

TIME

• How much time do you want to give per week?  For how long (one quarter, all school year, just once)?  What times of the day and week are you available?  Think about classes, work schedules, homework and study time, other commitments.  Where will your volunteering fit in?

TRANSPORTATION

• Do you have a car?  Do you know how to use the bus system?  Are you looking to carpool with other UC students?  Do you need to find a service site within walking or biking distance?
  

GROUPS

• Do you want to volunteer as part of a group or with a friend?