Also read: corporate responsibility, volunteerism, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, GLSEN, Habitat for Humanity, United Way of America, mentoring, talent development
If current economic conditions have taught us anything (no matter what your professional experience is), it's this: You have to think outside the box to enhance your career. For some, that means creating video résumés and posting them to YouTube; for others, it's leveraging social-networking sites to reach decision makers. But the real creative job seekers are beefing up their résumés and making a difference--they're volunteering. "Volunteering not only teaches individuals leaderships skills but also helps them with releationship development and community activism" says Ana Valdez, executive director for the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility.
"Volunteering tells recruiters and hiring managers that you are willing to stretch yourself beyond what your current role," she continues.
Here, DiversityInc has compiled a list of organizations that not only help traditionally underrepresented communities but also provide you with professional-development opportunities.
Click here to read "How Mentors Can Change Your Career (VIDEO)."
Click here to read "What Are 4 Ways to Get Your Online Résumé Noticed?"
American Red Cross
Since 1881, the American Red Cross has helped people receive critical medical treatment and has become the world leader in preparing communities for emergencies. Volunteering with the Red Cross offers the experience of working with people from different backgrounds--a skill that's essential as the corporate world becomes increasingly global--and helps you to work better within a team.
What's required: Opportunities are varied, but many jobs have no skill prerequisite. Red Cross volunteers provide disaster relief and trains/educates people to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Main phone: 202-303-5000
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America (BBBS)
A stint with Big Brothers and Big Sisters will hone your mentoring and leadership skills. This organization, which has connected positive people with inner-city youth, offers a structured mentoring program that provides volunteers with critical feedback from students and program coordinators--real-world advice that will make you a stronger leader, mentor and mentee.
What's required: Although responsibilities vary among local chapters, each BBBS volunteer is typically matched up with a youth. Divided into school-based or community-based matches, volunteers are responsible for spending quality time with their "littles." This can include reading in libraries, going to lunch or the movies and attending sporting events. Main phone: 215-567-7000
Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
From advocating for legislation to training/educating local schools or communities, GLSEN is the national leader in helping LGBT youth. In its 19-year history, GLSEN has registered more than 4,000 gay-straight alliances and accredited more than 40 chapters. Experience with GLSEN will provide allies with insight into the LGBT community, a prerequisite in inclusive workplaces.
What's required: Programming varies by chapter, but the work generally remains the same: making schools safer for LGBT youth. GLSEN's volunteers help organize events, support GLSEN's research, and train students, parents and community members on issues affecting LGBT youth. Main phone: 212-727-0135
Habitat for Humanity
If you want to sharpen your team-building and coordination skills with a diverse group of volunteers, then Habitat for Humanity may be for you. This organization has sought to end homelessness and poverty since its inception in 1976. Volunteers have constructed more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing shelter for more than 1.5 million people in 3,000 communities.
What's required: Known primarily for its home-building projects, Habitat for Humanity offers a variety of opportunities for those who are home-improvement challenged. These responsibilities range from organizing youth programs to interning at the national or international headquarters in Atlanta and Greece, respectively. Main phone: 800-422-4828
United Way of America
With 1,300 boisterous chapters across the country, United Way of America works on the grassroots and national levels to provide access to education, promote financial stability and improve the quality of healthcare--issues that overwhelmingly affect Blacks, Latinos and other traditionally underrepresented groups. Volunteering responsibilities vary by chapter needs, but most projects will help develop your leadership and team-building skills, while widening your personal and professional network.
What's required: Volunteers may be asked to read to children, lead financial-literacy classes, deliver meals to homebound seniors, and more. Main phone: 703-836-7112
