The December holiday flurry of gift buying, giving, unwrapping and returning is over. Do you really need more things in your life? Many of us have resolved to volunteer more of our time and talent in 2007 to make the world a better place. That's because, like Oprah, we're tired of writing checks and want to forge personal connections through our charitable efforts.
At Eons, we have combed the Internet to find online resources that can connect you with local folks or people on the other side of the world. Click through the links below to find volunteer opportunities that will take you out of the house or put you to work for causes you care about right where you sit at your computer.
Local
One of the best places to start looking for volunteer opportunities is VolunteerMatch, which boasts of being the largest online volunteer recruiting network. This partnership of nonprofits, business and government has been around since 1998. In 2005 VolunteerMatch made 475,000 referrals to 37,000 nonprofits.
Finding a service opportunity is as easy as plugging in your ZIP code, the distance you are willing to travel, and your area of interest.
Another huge database of volunteer opportunities is found at Volunteer Solutions under the United Way umbrella. A quick search turned up a senior center that needed garden help and a Kosher Meals on Wheels program looking for drivers.
The Network for Good uses VolunteerMatch's search engine, but offers additional unique resources. Under the drop-down menu for volunteers, you'll find 10 tips for volunteering wisely. Track your volunteer hours with the site's Record of Service. Look for Tax Tips under the Donate dropdown menu to find out if you can deduct expenses while volunteering.
55+ volunteers
Americans aged 55 and older can find one-stop access to local volunteer programs through the SeniorCorps Retired and Senior Volunteer Group (RSVP). Search by ZIP code and travel distance, keyword or service area. Just as if you were shopping online, store the opportunities that interest you in a cart. You'll need to register -- it's free -- to express your interest, which automatically notifies selected programs of your availability. Then just wait for them to contact you by email.
The Experience Corps is looking for Americans age 55 and over to help tutor and mentor children. If they don't have a project in your town, you can organize one.
Abroad
United Nations Volunteers (UNV) share their skills with people in other countries.
Six percent of all Peace Corps volunteers are over age 50. Lillian Carter volunteered at age 68 to spend two years serving in India.
Virtual volunteering
Are you ready to volunteer in your pajamas? Read 12 Myths about Online Volunteering to find out what's involved. You may be surprised to learn that you don't have to be a tech whiz to volunteer online.
Discover a wealth of resources for online volunteers at the Virtual Volunteering Project. Be sure to check out their general tips for virtual volunteers.
Searching the above databases will yield online volunteer activities that you can perform from your home. For VolunteerMatch, highlight "virtual" in the distance search box. Input "virtual" as a keyword for advanced search at Volunteer Solutions.
Work on sustainable human development projects with the UNV's online volunteering service.
Nabuur represents 155 communities in 23 developing countries that are looking for help online. This Netherlands-based, not-for-profit organization encourages virtual ties between global neighbors and the villages they choose to help.
Calculate the value of the work you donate using the Economic Impact of Volunteers Calculator at the Points of Light Foundation.
