As college students, it seems like we are always on the go, filling up our schedules with classes, work, extracurriculars, homework, and parties. What if we were to press pause for a few hours and take that time to help out someone in need? Not only is volunteering self-rewarding, but it can be a lot of fun! You get to meet new people and find out a little about yourself. There is also the opportunity to make new connections, which could lead to future internships and job options. So no matter how you look at it, volunteering is a win-win situation. Here are four volunteer opportunities in and around the area.
Girl Power United
One of the best feelings in the world is knowing you gave someone else confidence and the tools they needed to believe in themselves. Becoming a mentor for someone younger than you has more positive outcomes than you could believe. Girl Power United is a non-profit organization that works in the community, empowering teenage girls by helping them realize and achieve their goals. Even though Girl Power United originated in the Hampton Roads area, they also have a Northern Virginia/Fairfax chapter. Students on the GMU campus are also lending a hand and taking part in mentoring, so it’s very easy to join. For more info, check out http://www.girlpowerunited.org/
Washington Humane Society
This one is for all of the animal lovers! If you have a pet, you understand the importance of love and companionship for any kind of animal. Visit the Washington Humane Society in Washington DC to help cats and dogs find loving homes of their own. You can participate in their PACK (People and Animal Cardio Klub) programs by taking dogs for morning walks, or you could help with their behavior and training programs. To help out our four-legged friends, visit http://support.washhumane.org/site/PageServer for more information.
Habitat for Humanity
For the students who live on campus, this organization is great because we have a chapter right here at George Mason. When we think about all of the people who have lost their homes to fires, natural disasters, or other unfortunate events, how could we not want to help out. Habitat for Humanity helps families get back on their feet by helping build and maintain homes. This organization is mainly a team effort, so you can get active and make friendships as well. Look up the GMU chapter of Habitat for Humanity or visit http://www.restorenova.org/.
Volunteer at Rock Creek Park
When you need it, getting in touch with nature can be the best thing ever. Campus gets kind of crowded at times, so a nice trip to Rock Creek Park is a nice stress reliever. Why not chill out and give nature a little TLC at the same time? Rock Creek Park (located in DC) is a very popular and very beautiful park filled with trails, wildlife, and gorgeous trees during the fall. Rock Creek Park is always looking for volunteers to help clean up and keep it beautiful. Check out their website for more information http://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm
Photo credit:
http://techimpact.org/2013/01/18/organizing-volunteers-to-feed-people-with-critical-illness/