Volunteering can be a rewarding experience, but only if you're willing to take the first step.

“Be the Change! Change the World. Change Yourself” ($14.95, Hundreds of Heads Books), edited by Michelle Nunn, co-founder and CEO of Hands On Network, explores the personal transformation of more than 1,000 everyday people, business leaders and celebrities through their involvement in volunteer service.  

Here are some tips from “Be The Change!” on how to get started volunteering:

IDENTIFY MOTIVATIONS
 
The first step in the process is to think about some issues that are important to you. Ask yourself, what is important and really matters to me? Education? Children? Human rights? When you identify a cause that inspires you, it will help you to decide what organization you want to give your time to.

DO PLENTY OF RESEARCH
 
The Internet is a great place to start. Organizations such as Hands On Network affiliates or VolunteerMatch.org can fill you in on specific needs.
 
WHAT SKILLS CAN I OFFER?
 
This doesn't have to be the skills you use on a daily basis in your career, school or at home. Volunteers have found that trying something new can offer a unique professional development opportunity that would not be cultivated in any other setting.

CAN I INVOLVE FRIENDS, FAMILY OR COLLEAGUES?
 
What better way to spend time together than by giving back?

GET READY FOR A PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
 
For most, volunteering is all about selfless giving. But an equally powerful experience is the transformation you will experience while you volunteer.
 
McClatchy-Tribune