Career

Volunteering gives you work experience that can be valuable to a future employer who is viewing your resume. Work experience is important if you’ve never had an actual job.

“But I need to make money NOW.”

Volunteering leads to networking.

“What even IS networking?”

Networking means you get to meet MANY other people that can open important doors for you soon. They might be volunteers just like you, who possibly own their own businesses, are in a work field that you’re interested in, who know what organization or business is currently hiring, you can use them as a reference, or you might do such an amazing job that you could be offered employment. Sometimes getting a job is about WHO you know.

“Why do people volunteer if they’re not getting paid?”

Probably because they’re all concerned about a specific issue or topic. Volunteering can help a community, a cause, and help with social and economic issues. Sometimes volunteering saves LIVES, and in many cases, volunteering just makes people feel GOOD and gives a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

“Where should I volunteer?”

You should pick an organization that feels near and dear to your heart. Whether you are an animal lover, an environmental activist, love working with kids, or simply want to help those who need it the most, there are hundreds of organizations to choose from, who ALWAYS need more helping hands.

Here are some animal-related volunteer opportunities you can consider:

PAWS Animal Shelter: Volunteer to help with various tasks at the shelter. You can apply to volunteer through their website.

Best Friends Animal Society: They offer various ways to volunteer, including transporting and fostering animals in your community. More information can be found on their website.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: They have numerous volunteer opportunities for all ages and interests related to wildlife conservation. You can search for opportunities by location on their website.

Fresno TNR: They are “feline focused” organization offering volunteer opportunities in cat transport, community outreach, education, and more. You can find more details on their website.

These organizations provide a variety of ways to get involved and make a difference for animals in need.

Are you more of a “people person?” Here are some opportunities to help people in your community:

Terry’s House: located directly across the street from Community Regional Medical Center. It's our “home away from home” for families of critical care patients — a place where they can eat, sleep and recharge, helping them stay strong for their loved one in the hospital. They’re always in need of volunteers. Visit their website if you’d like more information.

The Poverello House: Students may complete community service or service-learning hours at Poverello House. Students involved in social work, psychology, and recreational therapy courses must attend an orientation individually. Volunteer hours will be tracked, and timesheets will be available upon request. Please bring any service-learning forms that need to be signed and completed to orientation.

To learn more, contact the Community Engagement Coordinator:
volunteer@poverellohouse.org (559) 498-6988

The Boys & Girls Club: Just a few hours a week in a Club can have a tremendous impact on a child’s life. They offer opportunities to work directly with youth as homework helpers and tutors, activity assistants, and mentors. There are many ways to get involved at every level. Visit their website and fill out an application either online or take one in-person.

These are just a few ideas to help you get started on your journey to volunteerism. Many organizations also offer valuable training and information on various forms of certification.

Depending on your interests and future career, there are many options and organizations to choose from.

If you’re still uncertain on where to begin, come by the College and Career Center for more resources available to you, or send me an email or message on Teams.

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