Sam Gray of Boulder believes in the value of volunteering, both as a rewarding experience for the volunteer and as beneficial exercise of community involvement, an action that can a real and positive impact on the lives of an individual or family that depends on community organizations for services and/or survival.

Below, Peace Corps volunteer Sam Gray of Boulder shares some advice on wiser ways to enter, and be effective, in the volunteering community. You can read about Sam’s work in the Dominican Republic at http://kayaklimon.wordpress.com/.

Research Only the Opportunities That Are Important to You
Local organizations and causes, says Sam Gray of Boulder, depend on the help of volunteers to function, yet they are also always in dire need of people that have a true vested interest in the future of their cause or services. Be sure, he says, to look into the opportunities that truly beckon your interest. This ensures more passionate, and perhaps more effective volunteering, which is always of better use to the organization.

Determine Your Talents, and How Best to Use Them
Make a list of the skills and/or talents you currently possess, says Sam Gray of Boulder, and use that list to determine how those skills can best be used by a community organization, or in a charitable event. Many organizations are lacking in people who possess certain skills, and could certainly use someone who has a better understanding and experience with certain aspects of operation.

What Do You Want to Learn or Try?
A helpful way to narrow down your opportunities for volunteering, says Sam Gray of Boulder, is to seek out those that provide the chance to learn about or experience something new. Find a position, event or task you’ve always wanted to try, and determine if any local organizations offer that opportunity.
Get Your Family Involved

A great way to strengthen family bonds, says Sam Gray of Boulder, is to look into opportunities to get the whole clan involved. An organization that provides multiple members of your family to give back to the community not only provides that group with more volunteering support, but also allows you to work alongside people you already know and trust. This can also help to instill a sense of community pride and involvement into members of your family.

About: CU graduate and dedicated Peace Corps volunteer Sam Gray of Boulder works to stay active and involved in the community.