Article by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator
(Posted 2026 April)
Our community grows stronger when we show up for one another. April is Volunteer Recognition Month, and April 19-25, 2026, is National Volunteer Week, when we celebrate the individuals who give their time and energy to make a difference. Volunteers are woven into the fabric of our society, supporting neighbors, strengthening local organizations, and helping our community thrive. We are deeply grateful for all that volunteers do.
When people give their time to improve the lives of others, they often discover unexpected rewards themselves, including new connections, fresh perspectives, and a deeper sense of purpose. If you haven’t yet volunteered or would like to expand how you give back to the community you may be wondering where to begin.
What should you think about when choosing a volunteer role?
Before you begin, take a moment to think about what you enjoy and what feels comfortable to you. The best volunteer experiences are a good match between your interests, abilities, and availability. Consider questions like: Are you a social person, or do you prefer a supportive, behind-the-scenes role? Do you enjoy working with children, teens, adults, or older adults? Would you rather be outdoors, participating in nature-based activities? Do you love animals? Are reading, math, or tutoring your strengths? Do you feel called to advocate for others? Do you have a reliable car and want to help others with errands or transportation to medical appointments? Would you like to share a skill at one of our senior centers?
Where can you find a volunteer opportunity?
There are many ways to find a volunteer role that’s right for you. One of the easiest is through the Fairfax County Volunteer Management System (VMS), which is designed for Fairfax County government agencies, departments, and community organizations to recruit, track, and manage volunteers serving local needs. It helps residents connect with opportunities that align with their interests.
Through this centralized platform, volunteers can search for opportunities by interest area or type of service, making it easy to get involved close to home. To explore available roles, visit bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER and enter a keyword in the “find an opportunity” tab. The site also offers a video tutorial and other helpful navigation tools. Please note that Fairfax County Public Schools maintains a separate volunteer webpage at
bit.ly/FCPSVol. For additional volunteer options, visit bit.ly/VOLFAIR for a list of participating organizations from last year’s Venture into Volunteering event.
Word of mouth is another great way to find a volunteer opportunity. Personal connections are often one of the best ways to discover a good fit. Ask someone you know where they volunteer and what they enjoy about it. And each month, you can find new volunteer ideas and featured opportunities here in the Golden Gazette.
What should you expect when becoming a volunteer?
Depending on the role, a background and driving record check is often required, along with an orientation or training. The level of time commitment, both during the initial vetting process and once serving as a volunteer, varies according to the position.
Some opportunities are one-time or short-term, while others involve a regular schedule. You can choose what works best for you, whether that is a couple of hours a month, a weekly commitment, or helping at special events when your schedule allows.
Volunteering is more than an act of service; it is an investment in the well-being of our entire community. Whether you can give a few hours a month or make a longer-term commitment, your time and compassion truly matter. By sharing your experience, skills, and compassion, you help build a community where everyone feels supported, connected, and valued, at every age.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).