Volunteerism

Volunteers make a community.  There can be no better way to get to know your neighbors, solve community problems, make lasting friendships and connections and transform the lives of others through your commitment to the best possible quality of life in Viera.

First and foremost, you can start close to home by getting involved with your HOA board or committees.  Whether you like landscaping or crunching numbers, your HOA is comprised solely of volunteers who take time out of their busy lives to make sure you live in a beautiful community filled with parks, trails and social activities.  We all care deeply about our community and the investment we made in our homes.  Consider volunteering your talents to this worthy cause.  Contact the management company or your board members to discuss these valuable positions within your homeowners' association.

In addition to the opportunities to help your neighborhood HOA, Brevard County is filled with worthwhile non-profit organizations that make Viera and Brevard County the best place to be.  Here are just a few to consider:

• The Brevard Zoo / East Coast Zoological Society of Florida, Inc.
• Brevard County Government
• Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County
• United Way of Brevard
• Brevard County Guardian ad Litem
• Brevard Alzheimer's Foundation
• Harmony Farms
• Brevard 2-1-1
• The Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science
• SPCA of Brevard, Inc.
• Take Stock in Children
• Brevard Achievement Center
• Sharing Center of Central Brevard

To help you determine how to volunteer your time, below is a list of tips to consider.

1. Research the causes that mean the most to you.  Are you passionate about environmental issues such as the health of the Indian River Lagoon?  Maybe you prefer to work with animal rescues or help children in need.  Look for a group that addresses issues that concern you.
2. What are your strengths?  Do you like to work outside?  Maybe you enjoy teaching others.  Think about what you can offer these organizations to best support their mission.
3. Not sure what you want to do?  Start by contacting an organization you are familiar with and see what needs they have.  There may be an opportunity to volunteer for programs that you are not even aware of.
4. Talk to your friends and neighbors.  Where are they volunteering and what has their experience been?
5. Similar to vetting a new job opportunity, ask for an interview in order be able to describe your strengths and weaknesses and also be prepared to answer questions about yourself.  Don't forget to ask your interviewer about their organization and any benefits they can offer their volunteers.
6. Consider using volunteerism to expand your skills and professional development.  Volunteering can provide a chance to learn about a subject or issue you are interested in but never had the opportunity to explore.
7. Make sure the volunteer activity fits your schedule.  We all have families and busy lives to consider so make sure you fulfill any commitment you make.  There are many different levels of volunteer commitment and certainly one that will work for you.   Whether you spend several hours a week or maybe only a few hours a year, there are opportunities out there.
8. Volunteer as a group.  Friends and family working together on a project make for a rewarding experience.
9. Don't give up!!  Maybe your first experience wasn't all you expected.  Talk to the volunteer coordinator for the organization about the appropriateness and the fit.  Are there other duties you can perform for them?  And, if you determine the organization isn't a good fit, there are always many, many more that need your help.