Many people would like to volunteer in the San Diego community, but have no idea where to begin. How about volunteering at the YMCA, the largest nonprofit community service organization in America? The Mission Valley YMCA is always seeking volunteers. They offer such a wide variety of opportunities, anyone can find their humanitarian niche, from coaching youth basketball to driving a bus.

To become a volunteer, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Review the available positions on the YMCA website, at missionvalley.ymca.org. Select which ones you’re most interested in.

2. Visit the YMCA Customer Service desk and fill out a volunteer application.

3. Once you’re contacted by the Volunteer Program Director, you’ll undergo a couple interviews to confirm your interest and determine suitability for volunteering in the program.

4. You will be contacted, after reference checking, to complete volunteer paperwork (including fingerprinting) and attend a mandatory volunteer orientation and training session.

Remember, once you’re actually helping people, it will all be worth it!