CHESTNUT HILL, MASS. -- If you're having trouble finding truly engaging community service opportunities in greater Boston, come check out TeenLife Boston's annual Community Service Fair on Sunday, February 7, 2010, from 12-4 pm at the Mall at Chestnut Hill.
The Fair will feature 40 non-profits who are looking to recruit teen volunteers and interns for their summer programs and ongoing volunteer opportunities. Chat with members of Heifer International about how you can help end worldwide hunger and poverty; find out how you can make an artistic difference in the community with ArtSpan at the Munroe Center for the Arts; learn about how you can help maintain beautiful woods, trails, peaks, and waterways that are part of the Hale Reservation's environmental and teambuilding programs. You’ll have the opportunity to be directly recruited by attending non-profits for both ongoing and summer opportunities.
Even if you already know what you want to do, it's a good idea to explore your options and keep an open mind. In addition, meeting with representatives from an array of organizations can help you develop your interviewing and networking skills. We know that approaching representatives can be intimidating; here are some tips to help you plan for TeenLife Boston's annual Community Service Fair.
2)Research the Exhibitors in Advance - It's a good idea to think about what you are hoping to gain from a volunteer or internship experience, and also about how you can contribute to an organization. Peruse the list of participating organizations beforehand and visit the websites of organizations that grab your interest. Use that research to develop additional questions you would like to ask. Some general questions that can be applied to any organization are listed below:
What kind of volunteer/internship opportunities do you offer for someone my age?
What skills would I gain and talents could I contribute to working with your organization?
Why do you enjoy working for this organization?
3) Come with Contact Information - Each table will have a sign up sheet asking for interested volunteers to list their name and contact information. Be prepared to provide an email and/or phone number where you can be reached. If you want, you can bring a copy of your resume or make a mock business card to take with you. You'll have an easier time remembering your skills and previous experience if you have them on hand. Plus it will impress the representatives.
What to Take From the Fair:
Business Cards and Organization Information - Collect informational materials and business cards from organizations that interest you. Jot down notes about what you like and don't like about each organization on the back of their business card or informational brochure. Try to get contact information from the representatives with whom you are speaking so that you can follow-up with them directly if you are interested in a specific opportunity with their organization.
What to Do After the Fair:
Follow-Up - If you really enjoyed meeting a specific representative and are interested in a volunteer or internship opportunity with their organization, be sure to follow up with them after The Fair. If they gave you a business card with their email address, contact them directly to let them know that you are interested in a volunteer or internship opportunity with their organization.
Remember to respond promptly if a representative contacts you.
We hope to see you there!
A representative from The New England Aquarium talks with teens at TeenLife’s annual Community Service Fair. Photo courtesy of Jackie Schon
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CHESTNUT HILL, MASS. -- If you're having trouble finding truly engaging community service opportunities in greater Boston, come check out TeenLife Boston's annual Community Service Fair on Sunday, February 7, 2010, from 12-4 pm at the Mall at Chestnut Hill. 
