How To Choose a Charity

While working individuals make up the backbone of our civilization, volunteers make up a core component also. If there were no people willing to give of their time and resources, many programs would cease to operate which would eventually cause many people to suffer. While these individuals often go unrecognized there is a constant, although silent, appreciation for each person that takes time to give back to the community. With so many worthy causes available and in need of assistance, the question becomes how one should choose a charity.

The first question that should be addressed is if one will be an active or passive participant. If the person is passive, then he may donate his resources such as monetary donations, physical items or ideas to get a project off the ground. Generally, when donating anything, a person will want to support the vision of the organization because donating support implies one agrees with the mission. The most popular form of monetary giving is to churches or other religious organizations. The IRS allows taxpayers a write-off for up to a certain amount each year as incentive to contribute. Places such as thrift stores that accept clothing and furniture donations may offer the donor a tax receipt as proof of giving.

If one chooses to be an active participant, then the volunteer must decide how where he will offer his services, how often and for how long. A good place to start for those trying to figure out what type of career they wish to have is to look for a position in their field of interest. For instance, if one is considering childcare, a church nursery or nonprofit daycare would be an optimal choice. This provides the person with an inside look into the operation of the business and what is expected of workers without investing years of study and hundreds or thousands of dollars into coursework for a career the person does not like.

For those that have a career and wish to branch into a different area, it is suggested that they choose to work in an organization that permits them to use their talents not normally used at work. For instance, a lawyer has little opportunity to play the piano during a counseling session with clients. However, he may have plenty of chances if he plays at a nursing home to entertain the residents. This will give him a break in the routine of his everyday life while allowing him to put his unused skills into action to benefit someone else.

While some people instinctively know where they wish to volunteer, others may be overwhelmed by the many options or desire to help as many people as possible. In this case, making a list of strengths and preferences will help cut down on the choices. Additionally, services such as career counseling can help a person decide. One should also talk with workers and employers of the organizations to get a feel for what they expect so the volunteer can make a well-informed decision. Bulletin boards, libraries, churches and state social service agencies usually have lists and numbers available for anyone interested in working with a charity.