The path to a career change can be as conventional or unconventional as you like. It can travel through familiar territory and involve a traditional job or it can venture into new and unfamiliar places. One option that's growing in popularity is a volunteer job or career. These days, many social service organizations offer paid positions as well as pro bono positions. If you're thinking of entering the not-for-profit sector, the following organizations can help you match your skills and experience with a part-time or full-time position:
DeepSweep
www.deepsweep.com
This website bills itself as the largest provider of “nonprofit jobs in one place for free.” It features an extensive job bank and allows individuals to post résumés for free. Not-for-profit organizations have been known to comb the site, looking for individuals who match their needs.
Idealist.org
www.idealist.org
“Action without Borders” is the official tagline for this organization, which lists more than 7,400 nonprofit jobs and nearly 12,000 volunteer opportunities in a powerful search engine. You can look for positions by keyword, country, postal code, or language of posting. You can also include skills you have to offer—from cooking to carpentry to writing—as well as languages you speak. Clicking a link brings up a detailed profile of the organization. Also, don’t miss the organization’s e-book, The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for Sector Switchers. It provides details about how to make the switch to the not-for-profit sector. You can download a copy at: www.idealist.org/en/career/guide/sectorswitcher/index.html.
InterAction
www.ineraction.org
This entity represents “the largest coalition of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) focused on the world’s poor and most vulnerable people.” You can learn about agencies and opportunities, including international relief and development agencies.
Global Volunteer Network
www.volunteer.org
This New Zealand-based organization is a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities in more than 20 countries, including Cambodia, China, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Nepal, Tanzania, and the United States. Its website provides information about volunteer opportunities—including program locations and requirements—and helps volunteers connect to positions that intrigue them.
Global Volunteers
www.globalvolunteers.org
If you’re looking for a volunteer vacation or a long-term volunteering effort, this organization can help you find the organization and position you seek. It offers opportunities to teach conversational English, care for at-risk children, paint, repair blighted buildings, or provide healthcare services. It operates links to programs in Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, and the United States.
Network for Good
www.networkforgood.org
This organization serves as a central hub for volunteer opportunities as well as donations to various charities. If volunteerism beckons, it lets you search by areas of interest, zip code (and other geographic factors), group affiliation, and age (including kids, teens, and seniors). The site also features tips on volunteering wisely and personal stories from those who volunteer.
VolunteerMatch
www.volunteermatch.org
Matching “good people with good causes” is the mission of this organization. It boasts more than 3.2 million referrals. Enter your zip code, any distance restrictions (that is, how far you’re willing to travel), and area of interest to view a list of matching opportunities and organizations. Clicking on a link displays a detailed description of the opportunity, including a contact person and a map for the activity or event. You can also create an account in order to receive e-mail alerts and more in-depth information.
For more information, check out my previous blog post, "Clarity via Charity" (http://www.recareering-guide.com/my_weblog/2008/11/clarity-via-charity.html) as well as my book, "Finding the Work You Love." It is filled with strategies and resources for navigating a career change.
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