The pandemic has taken a toll on so many areas of life. Students lost ground in their studies. Employees lost jobs and professional development opportunities. And you can make a difference helping people regain that lost ground. Here are several ways you can help people bounce back from the pandemic.
The pandemic disrupted learning for many students who shifted to online instruction, with low-income areas being hit the hardest. Local schools and community centers may need volunteer tutors to help students catch up, so if you have a particular aptitude for math or love of literature, your skills may be in demand.
Organizations like Reading Rockets also help inspire students. If you’re a volunteer who is age 50+, check out AARP Foundation Experience Corps to give back as a reading tutor. Consider sharing your skills with students as a member of the national tutor registry at Atutors.org or join the Citizen Teacher program, to help turn kids into young scientists, architects, lawyers and business owners. As a Reading Partner, you can become one of thousands of volunteers who help students learn specific skills necessary to become proficient readers.
In addition to tutoring, you can help people catch up by using your expertise and experience as a mentor. Mentoring.org gives you a one-on-one opportunity to build a child’s self-esteem and form stronger connections with their community and their peers. Help motivate and mentor a small group of college students as they take their first steps toward the professional world. Sign up to be a career coach or volunteer with Bebraven.org. Programs like iCoudBe and MENTOR’s virtual mentoring program has opportunities with young people ages 12 and under and 13+. CollegeBound’s virtual mentoring program helps high school students prepare for college.
You can use your skills to help people who have experienced the loss of a job or professional development opportunities. Volunteer to help a friend or colleague by critiquing their resume or conducting mock interviews. Organizations like Jobless Warrior also offer resume-writing services free to veterans and are looking for volunteers. StreetWise Partners offers structured mentoring programs to help people advance economic mobility. The program boasts an impressive success rate: 70 percent of participants become employed within a year of completing the program.
If you’re a professional or business owner, consider volunteering with SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives or a Small Business Development Center where you can help someone get their small business dreams started.
Mentoring can make a real difference in someone’s life. For more volunteering ideas and inspiration, visit www.createthegood.org and search for your ideal volunteer opportunity.