IU Corps makes volunteering in our community easy and accessible for everyone! Check out 7 ways to get the most out of your experience.
1) Find a cause you are passionate about.
There are so many opportunities in our community (more than 300, actually). Within those, you are sure to find something you love. What’s one thing you wish you could improve? What keeps you up at night? What makes you the happiest? Channel those questions to help find your passion!
2) Plan ahead.
Sometimes you’re going to spend long days outdoors tracking invasive species for Monroe County - Identify and Reduce Invasive Species, sometimes you’re going to work with dogs and cats at the Monroe County Humane Association, and sometimes you’re going to make arts and crafts with kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington. The environment you’re working in can change for every opportunity, so it is important that you take note of appropriate attire – and if you should pack water and snacks.
3) Be there on time.
Most opportunities have a briefing at the beginning, where you learn about what you will be doing for the day. Some even include trainings. You definitely don’t want to miss this!
4) Be engaged!
You’ll be participating in an opportunity that you are passionate about, so this definitely won’t be a problem. But, just a reminder to talk to everyone you can. The people you’ll spend time with are absolutely amazing – you never know what you might learn!
5) Ask questions.
Now is your time to learn! The coordinators and staff are excited to answer your questions and are eager to share how their nonprofits are engaged in the local (and sometimes even global) community.
6) Do your best work.
With volunteering, you get out of it what you put into it. It is incredible to see all that you can accomplish in a short amount of time – especially when you are surrounded by passionate and like-minded people.
7) Take a minute to reflect.
Once the experience is over, take time to reflect on your experience with the nonprofit. You will probably be very busy, and likely exposed to new ideas that you haven’t considered before. It can be a lot to process, so journal, talk to a friend, or even draw a picture outlining your day. Drawing can subtly improve your problem-solving and communication skills and help with stress relief!