IU Corps has created this guide with frequently asked questions (FAQ's) to help you explore options of how you can start your own volunteer journey.
If you have additional questions that are not addressed below, email IU Corps at iucorps@indiana.edu.
There are many resources available to help you narrow your search and find the perfect fit. Here are just a few places to start:
Volunteer Central (accessed through Handshake) is IU Bloomington's online database where organizations post their needs and students can respond.
Join Volunteer Corps and become a leading advocate for volunteerism and actively share the importance of service and service opportunities that are available to all students.
START works to leverage the skills, passion and time of students to support the community and build a stronger future. Students involved in START practice skills learned in the classroom while building relationships with campus and community members. START teams work on a variety of projects throughout the community.
City of Bloomington Volunteer Network connects individuals and groups to 100's of volunteer opportunities, trainings, events, and more. Visit the CBVN online database to search for opportunities at ~300 nonprofit community partner organizations.
The BeINvolved website can help you find student organizations and opportunities at IU. There are hundreds of student organizations at IU, many of which participate in volunteer work and community service.
Idealist.org is an online database where you can search for various volunteer opportunities across the globe. Idealist provides hundreds of opportunities with descriptions and links to apply.
Catch-A-Fire is an online resource for virtual volunteer opportunities. Choose filters based on causes, skills, and length of opportunity ranging from 1 hour phone calls to full-length projects.
Are you ready to visit a community partner off campus but you're not quite sure how to get there? Bus transportation through Bloomington Transit is free to all students when you show your CrimsonCard. Check out this list of routes and additional information about transportation options to help you get around town, on campus, and off campus.
Specific community partners may have transportation available upon request. Several community partners are located within a short walking distance of campus and some of them offer remote volunteer options that will allow you to work from wherever is most convenient. Most volunteer matching sites have filters where you can search for these.
There are many different ways to volunteer. Your contribution is significant and impactful, whether it’s a regular part of your routine or something you do one time.
Many volunteer matching websites have search filters and descriptions to help you find opportunities of various time commitments. No matter where you find your opportunity, if you have a specific organization in mind, reach out directly and ask how much time they require. Many organizations are flexible and willing to work around busy schedules.
Volunteering can be very rewarding. Here are just a few of the benefits that come with volunteering:
Volutneering can help bring fun into your life and give you a sense of accomplishment from helping others. It can also open the door for many other opportunties and provide an opportunity for you to build skills in a variety of areas such as communication, project management, and leadership.
Volunteering is a unique experience that can take place in many different forms. While some people have lots of experience, if you’ve never volunteered before, it can seem a bit overwhelming.
The experience of volunteering is unique to each and every person. In reality, there are unlimited numbers of opportunities available. Whatever your situation, interests and skills, there is a place for you.
If you are interested in volunteering and have questions about what it could look like for you, IU Corps is here to help. Check out this list of our Frequently-Asked Questions, or contact us directly.
While most volunteer experiences are positive, we recognize that some people may have had negative experiences in the past. Whether your concerns stem from poor organizational leadership, not seeing the value of your work or from simply expecting a different experience than the one you got, your concerns are valid. However, each experience is different. Giving volunteering a second chance might lead you to the right one for you. If you’re hesitant about volunteering for any reason, ask questions and be transparent. Knowing what to expect going in and being familiar with the organization means there’s a better chance you’ll enjoy it.
If you have a mental or physical disability, illness, health condition, or need support another way, reach out. Disability Services at IU can help you navigate accommodations when it comes to on-campus opportunities, and the people/organization you’re volunteering with are also likely to support you however possible. Whether you need to choose the kind of work you do, need a flexible schedule with breaks or need to make sure the place you’re volunteering is accessible, there is a place for you to make a difference with the support and resources you need.
Before reaching out to fill a volunteer role, international students are advised to review the Office for International Services’ guidelines for volunteering to review the rules and regulations of volunteering and employment. Federal regulations limit the types of work international students can participate in; these limits differ depending on immigration status. Check out the guidelines for employment and work authorization to be sure the work you want to do does not interfere with visas or other elements of your status as a student.
