Visit the agency you are interested in before committing yourself. Get a sense of the staff, clients, and overall environment you will be working with.

Be realistic and clear about the amount of time you can commit. It's easier to start small and increase your commitment than to have to backout because your schedule is overwhelming you.

Find out what the agencies purpose is and how your role as a volunteer fits into that mission. Sometimes, what may seem as an insignificant contribution to you, makes all the difference to those people or that program that you are serving.

Ask for a job description of your volunteer work. It helps you to decide if the work will be an appropriate fit for you, and provides a set of standards or expectations when you do volunteer.

Volunteering should be an opportunity for your personal and professional growth as well. Don't be reluctant to request an evaluation of the work you perform, or a letter of recommendation, should you decide to list your volunteer service as a future work reference.

Enthusiasm is the key! If you are not excited about a program, the chances are you are not going to be thrilled with giving up time in your day to go there.

Go for it! You get out of volunteer work what you put in to it. Volunteering requires no special degree or prior experience. It''s simply a willingness to want to help.