With summer fast approaching, it’s a great time to start thinking about what you’ll be doing for those three glorious months of vacation. Maybe you’re going home, taking classes, or scored an amazing internship. Maybe you still have no idea. Whatever your plans, consider volunteering this summer. Without homework, exams, papers, and extracurricular eating up your schedule, you’ll have more time to do what you love, and maybe do some good. As the weather gets warmer, there are more and more ways to get involved in your community. Now that the unending winter is finally over, you can even volunteer outdoors! Spending time volunteering, however many hours you can, is a wonderful way to give back to your community and learn more about yourself. And yes, it looks great on your résumé.
Step 1: Find out what you care about. Children’s education? Animals? The homeless? Head to http://www.volunteermatch.org and enter your city and the issue you’re most passionate about, and get matched with amazing volunteer organizations and non-profits.
Step 2: Get out there! Start now! April is Global Days of Service Month. Here are some cool upcoming opportunities in Boston:
Marathon Daffodils Friday, April 18th
To support Boston Strong at The Boston Marathon 2014, Marathon Daffodils is planting “Marathon Daffodils” from Hopkinton to Boston. The 26.2 mile route lined with bright yellow, cheerful flowers will serve as an inspiration to runners, residents, participants and visitors.
Help them plant bulbs along the final .2 mile stretch!
www.bostoncares.org/marathondaffodils
#MilesofGood
Boston Cares, the volunteer organization behind Marathon Daffodils, is inviting volunteers of Boston to show how Boston has overcome the tragedy of last year with good deeds. The campaign ran for 26 days last year after Marathon Monday. Continue the tradition and share your experiences on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #milesofgood
http://www.twitter.com/bostoncares
Global Day of Service Saturday, April 19
Volunteer at one of the largest one time volunteer opportunities at Boston University! Global Day of Service on April 19th is a day for undergraduate students to volunteer along side other undergrads, as well as graduate students, faculty and alumni. Sites are all around the Boston area with varying time commitments during the day.
http://www.bu.edu/globaldaysofservice/
Also check out these Outside Opportunties from the CSC: http://www.bu.edu/csc/opportunities/outside/