Is volunteering one of your goals in 2026?
Northern Michigan has a strong history of volunteer community involvement and support.
Organizations like the National Cherry Festival, Manna Food Project, Father Fred and Habitat for Humanity wouldn’t exist without their volunteers. That’s true of all nonprofits.
Running a service organization is collaborative and collective, not individualistic. The emphasis is on “we” not “me.”
Volunteering means donating your time and talents. Today, with increased need and unstable funding, organizations need volunteers more than ever.
As a lifelong volunteer, raised in a family that nurtured volunteering, I’ve volunteered for many reasons: it’s a tenent of my spiritual beliefs and values, it is a way to give back and to care and serve. Volunteering allows me to learn about other people and topics, to meet like-minded people and follow strong leaders. My husband and I deeply share these beliefs.
As a university student, volunteering provided me with real life job experiences that helped me gain employment. In my sophomore year of college, I volunteered at a busy Detroit area mental health crisis phone line. The training and experience not only gave me professional confidence but also affirmed that I wanted to pursue this field of study and profession.
Begin by selecting a few topic areas that are of interest and start researching. Many organizations have volunteer opportunities on their websites
Volunteer opportunities can also be found at MyNorth.com, volunteers.gov, ngobase.org, michigancreativecoast.com. and idealist.org.
Before generously giving of your skills and time, consider the following variables. Volunteering can start in an organic way. And, the more you know, the better your experience will be. Not all of the points may be important to you.
Checklist: Not an exhaustive list
Look at your life. What do you want to do and why? Explore aspects of your commitmentVisit nonprofit volunteer fairs, try or sample a few opportunities and shadow other volunteersConsider serving on government boards and committees and non-government organization boards. This is also a form of volunteeringLook for opportunities at organizations that are welcoming, respectful and interested in helping you meet your goals for servingHow does the organization define success? Does it meet with your definition?Accessible opportunities. Years ago at United Way, we created a long list of opportunities for the UW Day of Caring. Each opportunity included skills required, time committment and required physical/mental abilities.Study the Charity Navigator website for the nonprofit’s rating and CEO salary, etc.What training and orientations are offered. Are they ongoing?What are the organizational policies on immunizations, vaccines and masking for volunteers? Other safety protocols?What varied opportunities are within the organization or amongst agencies?Policies related to background checks, licenses and insurance. Does the volunteer pay for these? What’s required? Are there official laminated I.D.credentials?Is the organization truthful and clear about what the organization needs? Or does there seem to be multiple agendas and a lack of transparency?Are there reimbursements for expenses such as mileage and what tax ramifications exist?What are the commitment expectations-time, duration, etc.?Are available volunteers hours tied to staff union contracts? Limited in any way?What do the annual reports/websites/fundraising, etc. and all materials say about volunteers?Are volunteer hours monetized so the organization can apply for grants and other financial assistance. Details.
At the end of 2025, I watched how area nonprofits acknowledged their volunteers. In one way or another, much was expected of all of us in 2025. While volunteers don’t expect pay, there are countless ways they can and should be recognized. First, ask volunteers what type of recognition would be meaningful for them. Examples can include organizational logo wear, volunteer gatherings, gift cards, plaques, newspaper/social media features and other public recognition, educational development credit certificates, donations in their name and invites to organizational events/trainings.
Here’s to you achieving a life changing goal in 2026 that also improves our community.