There’s nothing quite like helping others for making you feel good about yourself. Getting involved in community service projects can build your self-confidence while you improve the world around you.

Some community service opportunities require an ongoing commitment while others are one-time events. Once you’ve decided how much time you can give, one way to decide on a project is to decide what issues are most important to you. Do you feel most passionate about the environment, education, health, domestic abuse, the elderly, poverty, animals, or any number of other issues? Now wouldn’t it increase your confidence if you felt like you were doing something to improve this important problem?

Some larger cities have volunteer placement agencies that work much like job banks. They act as the intermediary between non-profit organizations and volunteers who would like to help. Sometimes you can find volunteer opportunities by reading your local paper. If you have a specific organization in mind that you would like to help, then the best way to become involved is to simply call the organization and ask what they need.

If you’re interested in educational issues, the project that best fits you will most likely involve students. Try not to feel good about yourself when confronted with a child who thinks you’re amazing. If you’re interested in tutoring or otherwise volunteering in a classroom, you can call your local school for more information.

If you’re looking to create more of a mentorship relationship, Big Brothers/Big Sisters is the most popular choice. If you want to take part in a fun environment without the steady commitment of a mentorship program, look into Boys and Girls Clubs and after-school programs held by school districts, churches and communities. Be ready for background checks before you’re allowed to work with children in any capacity.

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