Volunteering is a great way to gain personal and professional experience while making positive changes in your community. The vast array of volunteer options provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved and develop technical skills and educational insights not taught in the classroom. Volunteering creates lasting impacts on the health and well-being of communities, and betters the lives of all involved—including the volunteer.

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Volunteers have a vast impact on local and global communities. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 62.6 million Americans, or 25.4% of the adult population, gave 7.7 billion hours of volunteer service worth $173 billion in 2013. The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated that the value of volunteer time averaged $23.07 per hour in 2015. The value and amount of time spent volunteering inarguably makes a difference.

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This guide aims to inform you how to find a volunteer opportunity that best fits your comfort, abilities, and interests to create a positive and productive volunteering experience.