If you enjoy getting involved in interesting work for worthy causes, helping others and meeting new people, then volunteering with local organizations might be perfect for you.
Volunteering is a great way for individuals and families to give back to their communities, foster personal and professional growth, and make a positive contribution to social change.
When you live at The Reserve at Leonard Farms, you’ll discover plenty of volunteer opportunities near you to keep you busy and connected with your community.
Keys To Being a Successful Volunteer
Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned veteran, it’s important to keep a few points in mind to be your best at it.
- Assess how much time you can realistically commit. Social impact volunteer work can easily become a passion, but devoting too much time and effort can quickly lead to burnout.
- Choose work aligned with your interests and skills. You’ll be more motivated and maximize your impact if you choose volunteer work that you enjoy and for which you can put your existing skills to use.
- Utilize results measurement. Many organizations keep track of and report on the impact their volunteers are having. Use these impact statements to help you maintain a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Why Volunteering Is Important
Helps Build Community
When individuals volunteer to come together to work toward a common goal, they form personal bonds and strengthen the social fabric of their community, making them stronger and more resilient. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Bristol!
Fosters Personal Growth
Becoming a volunteer gives you plenty of opportunities for personal development. It allows you to gain valuable experience, learn new and useful skills, boosts confidence, and helps you to develop a stronger sense of self-worth, accomplishment and purpose.
Makes a Positive Social Impact
Volunteering can make a real difference in people’s lives and is one of the best ways to help address serious social issues.
Networking and Professional Development
Volunteering provides a powerful networking opportunity, leading to new friendships, career opportunities and a broader professional network.
Finding Volunteer Opportunities in Bristol
Here are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities near you to get you started.
Become a Museum Volunteer at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Address: 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA 24201
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum invites you to explore a world of opportunity through its diverse volunteer program. Fuel your passion for music while gaining valuable skills and experience, working alongside dedicated professionals in a dynamic cultural institution. Our comprehensive Museum Volunteer Training Sessions provide the perfect platform to discover your strengths and explore potential career paths within the exciting world of museums and music.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to act as gallery assistants, help in archives and collections, help in exhibitions and special events, assist in The Museum Store, help with administrative tasks, and lead guided tours around the museum.
Volunteer with Ballad Health and make a critical difference in a patient’s life
It is open to all, at least 14-year-old, including high school students, college students and senior citizens, except for court-appointed community service hours.
The variety of volunteer opportunities available include, but are not limited to:
- courtesy shuttle drivers
- clerical support for staff
- assistance in cancer centers
- gift shop volunteers
- providing support for patients in hospice care
- pet therapy program volunteers
- serving as a volunteer in the Center for Spiritual Health Services
- assisting hospital staff
- singing or playing an instrument for patients, or sharing your artistic talents to brighten patients’ days and support their well-being
In addition to that, high school students and recent graduates can experience job shadowing in the Observation and Shadowing Program at Ballad Health.
Feed the Hungry at Bristol Emergency Food Pantry
Location: 155 Washington St., Bristol, VA (in front of First Baptist Church)
With the help of supporters, partners and volunteers, Bristol Emergency Food Pantry can help many hungry people in Bristol, the majority of whom are women, children, seniors, the working poor, and people with disabilities.
The Postal Workers Food Drive is happening on the second Saturday of May and the residents are invited to participate. Your mail carrier will be collecting nonperishable food donations for the Pantry, right at your mailbox! Your generous contributions will significantly impact the Pantry’s ability to serve those in need in our community. They also accept donations through Paypal, Visa, and Mastercard.
Volunteer at the YMCA of Bristol
Here are some of the volunteering opportunities at the YMCA of Bristol:
- Volunteer and assume the crucial role of guest relations by welcoming incoming members, conducting informative tours, providing courteous assistance to individuals with disabilities, and guiding people to the swimming pool and dressing area.
- Help with cleaning fitness areas with the potential to cover instructor roles.
- Volunteer as coach or assistant coach, or be a team support volunteer (such as distributing shirts and flyers, and overseeing parent snack sign-ups).
- Volunteer to be a good role model for the teens: start a Bible study, lead or participate in athletic activities, spearhead a book club, or simply hang out with them to foster positive growth and encourage personal development.
- Volunteer to assist and ensure the safety of young swimmers during swimming lessons, maintain the pristine pool area, or even teach invigorating water exercise classes.
- Volunteer and help with Kids Gym, Stay and Play, After School Program, Parent’s Night Out, and camp activities anchored toward youth development.
- Paint, clean, do yard work, and help with light-duty maintenance.
- Special event volunteers
- Policy volunteers
Your talents and skills are needed, so explore and choose your cause. There are countless ways to volunteer and time is precious! Volunteer with YMCA Bristol and be a part of our passionate community.
Volunteer at Paramount Bristol
Location: 518 State St., Bristol, TN 37620
Every smile and every magical moment at Paramount Bristol is powered by the tireless dedication of their amazing volunteers. Here are some of the volunteering opportunities:
- greeting patrons and ushering
- scanning tickets
- selling concessions
- be a cashier
- set up for special events, distribute posters and fliers,
- assist with any other needs that might arise
You can also support Paramount Bristol by becoming a sponsor or a season sponsor. Your generosity will help keep the high standard of live entertainment you have come to expect plus benefits and privileges.
Join the Movement To End Littering With Nobody Trashes Tennessee
Nobody Trashes Tennessee is a statewide movement to reduce and prevent littering. Here are some ways you can help end littering in Tennessee:
- Don’t litter.
- If you see litter, pick it up.
- Spread the message.
- Participate in a local cleanup.
- Participate in Adopt-a-Highway.
Be a Part of Volunteer Tennessee
The mission of Volunteer Tennessee is to encourage community service and volunteerism. It advocates for service-learning opportunities and nurtures community service initiatives and partnerships to address educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs.
- AmeriCorps Tennessee
- AmeriCorps VISTA
- AmeriCorps Seniors Programs
- Champion of Service Certificate Program
No matter your interests or passions, Bristol and the surrounding areas offer many opportunities to volunteer and to become an integral part of the broader community. If you would like more information about putting down roots in our gated community, contact us to learn more about living at The Reserve at Leonard Farms.
