Maybe you type 100 words per minute, crochet beautiful gifts, or effortlessly read cursive handwriting. Whatever your talent, you might take it for granted—but nonprofits are actively searching for volunteers with unique skills just like yours. Why not use your personal superpowers for good? Here are a few everyday abilities that can make a real difference.
Handwritten documents throughout history are often in cursive—a skill many schools no longer teach. As a result, fewer people can read this script. That’s where you come in. The National Archives, the nation’s official record-keeper, needs volunteers to transcribe historic documents to make them accessible to all. As a Citizen Archivist, you can help digitize everything from Revolutionary War records to files related to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
Language skills can be lifesaving—especially during emergencies. If you’re bilingual or multilingual, you could help break barriers and ensure critical information gets where it’s needed. The American Red Cross enlists volunteer translators for disaster relief, document translation, and more. Translators Without Borders has mobilized more than 100,000 volunteers to support global communication efforts. Locally, hospitals, first responders, and nonprofits may also need your help to serve diverse communities more effectively.
Ready to make a real difference in a child’s life? AARP Foundation Experience Corps trains older adults to help K–3 students become confident readers by the end of third grade—a key predictor of future academic success. As a volunteer literacy tutor, you’ll receive training and support to work one-on-one or in small groups with students in under-resourced schools. Volunteers typically commit 4–6 hours a week, and in return, they gain purpose, connection, and the joy of seeing young readers grow.
Whether you’re a talented photographer, painter or musician, your creative gifts can brighten lives and strengthen your community. Volunteer to take photos at a local nonprofit event, get involved with your state or local arts council, or reach out to your municipality about painting a community mural. You could also perform or lead a class at a nearby assisted living facility. However you choose to share your talent, your art has the power to inspire, uplift, and connect.
The skills that fueled your career can also fuel change in your community. If you’re passionate about empowering others—especially older adults—to use technology to improve their lives, volunteering with Senior Planet, the flagship program of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS)—a charitable affiliate of AARP—may be the perfect opportunity for you. The program helps bridge the digital divide by offering older adults technology training, support, and opportunities to stay connected and engaged.
Whether you co-host online classes, assist with one-on-one tech support, or greet visitors at a Senior Planet center, your time can help someone stay informed, confident, and connected in today’s digital world.
Reflect on the talents and skills you already have—and consider how you can use them to make a meaningful difference in the causes you care about. For more ways to get involved, visit www.createthegood.org.