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This April, National Volunteer Week is observed April 12-18, 2015. But, that doesn't mean that you should limit your service to one week or, even, one month!
The week is all about celebrating service and according to Points of Light, "is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change – discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to make a difference."
There's also a lot of history behind the celebration.
"National Volunteer Week, a program of Points of Light, was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events scheduled throughout the week."
Interested in volunteering or helping out your community? Here are some resources that'll help you help others:
Easy. Free. Still counts as donating.
Amazon Smile
If you ever shop on Amazon, there's no reason you can't do this. Instead of entering Amazon.com as you usually would, enter through smile.amazon.com and Amazon will make a donation to the organization of your choice - they have you designate one upon first entry (local or national) when you make purchases.
You don't need a new account, you can use the one you already have. It's just a matter of entering the site with the word "smile" first. It's absolutely no extra cost to you - they just donate a portion of their profits from your purchase. That's it.
Why doesn't eveyone do that? Not everyone knows - so bookmark smile.amazon.com and spread the word!
Join a community to recognize where change is needed and engage.
All for Good
Affiliated with Points of Light, All for Good, allows you to search and signup for volunteer opportunities, post your own volunteer opportunities or signup to volunteer when a disaster strikes.
The hub connects Americans who want to make a difference with nonprofits, large and small.
If you're able to dedicate an allotted amount of time for a term of service (in exchange for funding):
Americorps
Each year, AmeriCorps offers opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups.
Members who complete service may be eligible for an Education Award of up to $5,730 (to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans) plus living allowances during their term of service.
Does the thought of animal cruelty make you livid? Then, perhaps this is a good opportunity for you:
ASPCA
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world. The site lists ways you can help fight animal cruelty in your community and help save lives!
If you're passionate about pets and animal rescue, why not volunteer with one?
Petfinder
Petfinder.com makes it easy for people to adopt rescued pets, by making them searchable online. But, that's not all they do!
They have resources for those who want to find volunteer opportunities with animal shelters and rescues if that's the type of volunteer work you'd prefer!
Make a splash by volunteering a mobilized movement.
Points of Light
Points of Light is the World's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service. The organization works to mobilize volunteering, making it a movement. They work through innovative programs, events and campaigns to bring people from all over the world together to work for change.
Sign up or search causes on the site to choose which volunteer effort you'd like to join.
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