try to be honest. is it worth it? does it really make you feel like you spent your time well, etc?

 

I used to volunteer, years back, but haven't done it since. Not that I don't thnk it's worth it but I'm really busy now and you have to choose what you're volunteering for very carefully.

If you're volunteering just for the sake of volunteering, or to pad your resume a bit than I think it's a waste. Choose something that you actually care about and that'll make it a worth while experience. I loved volunteering at the local SPCA's and troubled youth centers, but despised working at some homeless shelters simply because I didn't believe the people there were trying to get out of the gutter and were just wasting government resources.

 

I volunteer regularly. Because people need it. They're not always thankful or appreciative. Sometimes you don't get any gratitude. But it doesn't change the internal feeling that you brought some good into the world, even if you don't get the immediate emotional payoff.

 

I perform at charity events frequently: HomeAid Orange County, Eli Home, Orangewood Children's Home, Friendly Center, Canyon Acres, and others.

 

I was a volunteer EMT at our towns first aid squad for nearly 3 years. Then college started and I haven't been able to make time to go down there anymore

 

I volunteered a couple of years ago at my local hospital. And now I go to RMHC.

 

I volunteered for a defensive driving school for young drivers before they were bought out by Richard Petty.

Sure, it wasn't at a hospital or charity like most of you but I felt like I was helping in a way; making young drivers better before they got their license.

In fact, one of the teachers was recently on the show "Setup" on Speed.

 

Big respect from me

 

I do a lot of pro bono work. There are tons of non-profit arts groups in the South Bay Area, and they're always looking for musicians.

I'm not gonna lie: getting paid for my hobby rocks, but when it's a gig like The Children's Theatre or singing for inmates, it's worthwhile.

 

I just started working for a company (BASF) that does a TON of things for the community. I'm going to get involved with it.

The way I see it, is there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. You help others, meet new people, hang out with your friends, build better relationships with the community, even learn new skills.

I can't wait for habitat for humanity to get started up, I've always wanted to do it, but never had the time.