How to find ways to volunteer
In the world today, it can be difficult finding time to volunteer. But when you intermingle giving back to your community with something you’re passionate about, volunteering instantly becomes rewarding and fun!
That’s exactly what Dr. Andrea Poulson-Port, a family medicine physician at Aurora Health Center in Manitowoc, Wis., did when she and her husband moved to the area about seven years ago.
“It started with a colleague referring us to the hiking trails at the Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve and evolved into a more active role at the nature preserve after our son was born,” says Dr. Poulson-Port. “We wanted to share our love of nature with our children, too.”
In addition to using the hiking trails and being official members of the Woodland Dunes, Dr. Poulson-Port and her family enjoy the various events offered at the nature center, such as the Raising a Wild Child Preschool Program, Snoga at the Dunes and Candlelight Night.
“The educational coordinator is amazing at planning and is great with little kids,” says Dr. Poulson-Port. “Many of the events teach families that, no matter what kind of day you’re having or what the weather looks like, you can make the most of it.”
But where should you start?
With all the volunteering opportunities out there, it can be difficult and overwhelming to find ways to get involved.
“One of the best ways for people to get started with volunteering somewhere is to find something they’re passionate about and go from there,” Dr. Poulson-Port says. “Friends, family, colleagues, Facebook events and even the library are fantastic resources and can provide great ideas for volunteering opportunities.”
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About the Author
Bonnie Farber, health enews contributor, is a communications professional in the Public Affairs and Marketing Operations Department at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. In her free time, Brianna enjoys living an active lifestyle through biking, hiking and working out at the gym, but even more than that, she especially loves spending quality time with her two cats (Arthur and Loki), son and husband.
