You love giving back. You thrive on connecting with your local community on a small or large scale. You’re purpose-driven and don’t mind taking initiative.


The takeaway: When it comes to volunteering, there are so many ways to get involved and give back that match your personality and comfort level.


Volunteers play a major role because they can provide skills, time, and resources that many grassroots or local organizations need but can’t provide on their own. Volunteers are truly the lifeblood of many organizations.


But don’t think that volunteering is JUST about planting trees or cleaning up trash. Organizations need all sorts of help, so there really is something for everyone. See specific examples below.

Volunteer strengths: as a volunteer, you realize the importance of devoting time and energy to a greater cause. You know that many organizations need the help, and you’re there for whatever they need. You find joy in giving back and connecting with your local community.

Examples: Here are just a few examples of roles the volunteer personality can play in the sustainability movement and lifestyle:

• Apply to be on a board, committee, or commission for your local government (or start one)
  
  
• Ask if a local organization needs help with social media, marketing, graphic design, or IT help (assuming those are your strengths)
  
  
• Gather a group of concerned citizens, and go to a local park to pick up trash
  
  
• Write articles or blog posts for your favorite organization
  
  
• Help an organization raise money by tapping into your connections to local businesses for donations
  
  
• Offer your bike repair skills for a kids organization in your area
  
  
• Are you handy? Help gather tools for the local art department
  
  
• Start a small group of concerned citizens that meet regularly to tackle issues in your community
  
  
• Host a climate change-related book club
  
  
• Offer to teach a class or read a book to a local school classroom
  
  
• Start and manage a local Buy Nothing Group, free little library, or other community-focused resource
  
  
  
  
  

Eco-swaps for volunteers: I often see the question of “where do I start?”. Usually, I recommend a trash audit. But as a volunteer, I’d recommend something that not only benefits you, but also the community.

As an example, maybe pledge to only buy books secondhand. When you go to purchase one, buy two instead, and donate the other to a local free little library, or give it away in your local Buy Nothing Group.

The wrap-up: Of course, this list is not all-inclusive by any means. The possibilities are truly endless. My biggest piece of advice if you’re just starting out is to identify what skills you may have, and then start doing some research and asking around to see where there are organizations that need you!

But wait, there’s more: If you’re still feeling stuck, I’ve created a 45-minute, self-guided workshop that is an expansion of this quiz. I’ll walk you through (with actual exercises and activities) how you can apply your creator personality to the sustainable community and movement.