Schools - Many schools promote volunteering either through extracurricular clubs or through service-learning in the classroom. Schools are good sources of potential "coaches," such as teachers and administrators, and of resources like supplies, space, phones and computers.

Community-Based Organizations - Community-based organizations can range from the Council on Aging to the local hospital to a homeless shelter to a religious organization. As you think about community-based organizations, keep in mind their focus and how the issue you identified connects with that focus. Many community-based organizations already are looking for volunteers. Places to find community-based organizations in your community include:

• Yellow Pages
• City and local government
• Volunteer Centers
• United Way

Volunteer Centers - As the name suggests, Volunteer Centers are a key resource for volunteer involvement in a community. More than two-thirds of Americans live in an area that has a Volunteer Center. Centers do many things for their communities including promoting volunteering, helping nonprofit organizations work with volunteers, connecting volunteers with opportunities, recognizing volunteers, and lots of programs designed to get volunteers involved in solving specific community problems.

Government - This may include local elected officials or the departments that provide services. For example, if you're interested in doing a sports-related program, check with the parks and recreation department. Or if you want to start a recycling program in your school, your contact may be the city or county government solid waste department.

Businesses - Many companies are active in helping their communities. Some even have their own employee volunteer programs and philanthropic foundations, which allow them to give back to their community. You can ask local businesses for help, including materials, money, people-power and know-how. And don't ignore large companies that may have offices or factories in your area.

3 of 6