Seven ways to volunteer before the London 2012 Olympics

With less than two years to go until the London Olympics, there’s loads of talk about the vital role that volunteers will play.

London 2012 is recruiting 70,000 volunteers for the Olympics and Paralympics through its Games Maker programme (applications open on 15 September 2010), and the London Development Agency is looking for 8,000 London Ambassadors (register now, applications start in January 2011).

But what about between now and 2012? If the volunteering bug has bitten, and you’re dead keen to get started, what are the options for right here, right now?

Here are seven suggestions for volunteering roles that will be fun and useful, and might also beef up your application when it comes to the Olympics.

1. A sporting chance

Every sport in this country relies on volunteers. From coaching to driving minibuses to stewarding events, without volunteers stuff just doesn’t happen. So if you’re excited by the Olympics, why not choose an Olympic sport and find out how you can help. Sport England has lots of useful links, or you could just check locally for clubs.

Remember, you don’t need to be able to play the sport to help out as a volunteer. And if you can’t find an Olympic sport that needs help, try one that’s not part of the Games. You’ll still be helping out, and getting some useful experience on your volunteering CV

2. London calling

If the capital city that inspires you rather than sport you can also find lots of volunteering options. The obvious starting point is your local Volunteer Centre – they’ll be able to tell you what’s available in your local area. Or just spend some time searching online. Roles are as varied as London itself, from volunteering at the British Museum to being a Special Constable with the Met or helping out with arts projects in Lambeth.

3. Go local

You might want to think about your little corner of London. Are there organisations in your neighbourhood that need help? Try searching do-it.org.uk with your postcode – you might be surprised at how many voluntary organisations there are right up your street.

4. Meeting and greeting

Perhaps it’s the idea of the ambassadorial role that appeals to you, making newcomers to the city feel welcome. If so, then look for roles that need the personal touch. For example, Home Start involves volunteers to support parents who, for a variety of reasons, are struggling to cope.

5. Use the skills you have

If you apply to volunteer for the Olympics they’re likely to ask about what skills you have. These might be specific skills that you’ve gained through work, or more general life skills. If you make a list now, you’ll be ready for the application process when it opens. Meanwhile, you can look for other organisations looking for what you have to offer.

6. Try something completely different

Volunteering can also be a chance to branch out. If your paid work is office-based, you might want to volunteer outdoors. If it’s very cerebral, you might want something where the emphasis is more on the social side. Trying something different could also help with your Olympic application, showing that you’re flexible and open to new volunteering experiences.

7. Embrace the Olympic spirit

The Olympics aren’t just about competition, they’re also about taking part.

So is volunteering.

It’s a way to take part in a group, an organisation a neighbourhood and society as a whole. So in the run up to the Games, embrace the Olympic spirit by finding something – anything! – that you can do as a volunteer. There are tens of thousands of opportunities. One of them will be right for you. And here on i-volunteer you can get advice, support and inspiration from 1000s of other volunteers and organisations.

Got any other suggestions? Are you excited by the prospect of Olympic volunteering? And what will you be doing between now and 2012?