Where To Volunteer In Chicago

Are you one of those people who always thought you would make a difference and are considering different ways to volunteer in Chicago’s nonprofit scene? Are you looking to give back, help out, or change a life? Chicago has a rich and vibrant nonprofit community. And it can be more challenging than expected to find the right organization to lend your skills and talents to. Not only do you want to make a difference, but you want to feel like you’re a part of something special. When deciding what organization to get involved with, there are a lot of things to consider. One of the most important is understanding the difference between a non-profit organization and a volunteer driven organization.

So what is a volunteer driven organization?

Volunteer driven organizations are dedicated to making sure you have a positive experience while working with them. They realize that their success is directly related to your success. Their mission is being carried out by you, so they’re going to ensure you feel inspired and part of a team.

For example, Open Heart Magic, a Chicago area nonprofit whose volunteer Hospital Magicians use magic and laughter to help sick kids in hospitals is a volunteer driven organization. What sets Open Heart Magic apart from other organizations is the community-feel that their volunteers experience. It starts with Magic U when experienced hospital magicians take the time to train incoming volunteers in the best practices of sleight of hand and up close magic used at the kids’ bedsides.

What do you get out of it?

Of course when you’re considering where to volunteer in Chicago, you’re doing it because you want to help others. But with Open Heart Magic, it’s not just the kids who feel better. OHM Magicians say they look forward to their hospital visits all week long. They say that after a hospital visit they basically float for the rest of the day. Not only do you get to be the bringer of so much joy, you’ll also get to know a group of funny, energetic, interesting 30-something magicians who – besides being dedicated to this important cause – know how to have fun. A Magician’s Conference, happy hours, and an annual appreciation dinner where OHM treats their volunteers to an evening of good times all help their volunteers feel connected to one another and the cause.

Your success is their success

In a volunteer driven organization, there are opportunities for advancement when volunteers are successful. The new Open Heart Magic Professional Board is being spearheaded by those volunteers who have been successful with OHM and are now able to contribute and develop a program that will help grow the organization to a new level. They’re putting together a dedicated group of inspiring professionals and philanthropists that are committed to bringing the healing power of laughter to hospitalized children throughout Chicago. And with Open Heart Magic supporting them just like they’ve supported the organization, they’re bound to be successful once again.

The main thing to consider when deciding where to volunteer in Chicago is where are you going to truly feel a part of change that’s happening. Find a volunteer driven organization like Open Heart Magic and you’ll find the inspiration you’ve been looking for.

By: Niki Xenakis

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