If you just finished the bar exam and are anxiously awaiting the results, one of the best ways I’ve found to keep an anxious mind occupied and contribute to the greater good at the same time is giving back and taking a necessary break from the legal realm. Where should you look? What should you do? Here are a couple of websites to help you get started.
VolunteerMatch is the matching website for volunteers across the United States. Its technology allows you to find the best volunteer opportunity based on your interests. All you need to do is plug in your city and favorite causes. You can choose between in-person or virtual options. You can narrow your search by various skills, cause areas, and age groups. VolunteerMatch also offers a platform for businesses, agencies, and the public sector to garner volunteers and register large groups for work-volunteer events. It is a great way to start your volunteering journey and get involved.
Are you up for a bit of travel and adventure? International Volunteer HQ serves many people and connects you with volunteer opportunities abroad. Its programs are incredibly diverse and can range from environmental conservation to women’s empowerment. They offer fully hosted experiences across many countries, including the Middle East, Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. You can also choose the duration of your volunteering. Whether you are willing to tutor underprivileged rural kids or provide easier health access for older adults, there are various ways to help.
Idealist is another wonderful search engine filled with endless local and worldwide opportunities to make a difference. Also known as Action Without Borders, Idealist’s international network hosts over 10,000 charitable organizations. Idealist’s purpose is finding practical solutions to global societal and environmental problems. It connects those who want to do good without governmental, religious, or political ideologies. It also offers remote and in-person projects.
Catchafire utilizes your skillset to the fullest. Skills can range from accounting to event planning and even translation. You can volunteer for an hour remotely or dedicate yourself to a long-term project. This can be ideal for professionals with busy schedules who still want to give back. Topics of interest are racial justice and focus on our most vulnerable communities, such as women and girls and LGBTQI+ groups.
United Way is one of the largest private charities in the world and one you may already be familiar with. With thousands of chapters in the U.S. alone, their primary mission is to offer opportunities to underprivileged communities. Their volunteer efforts primarily focus on improving people’s lives through health services, finances, and education opportunities. You can also donate and participate in social policy reform that promotes equality and quality of life.
Whatever path you choose or wherever you go, you will make an impact when you volunteer your time and talents. As future and new attorneys, you are advocating for clients and their interests and shaping public policy that ultimately has a real influence on our world. Volunteering will positively impact communities and make you a better, well-rounded attorney. It will show you different perspectives, the reality and effects of our decisions, and how our contributions to society truly make a difference. It is up to us to decide what kind of future we want to see. As such, it is better to do than to not. Volunteering is the first step.
