Non-profit work eventually pays for itself. After a few months or years of volunteer work, job applicants can truthfully say they “have experience.” To an employer, non-profit work also means that an applicant has a heart.

What follows is a list of charitable organizations in Boston, divided up into focus areas. Choose an area that looks particularly interesting, and research the non-profit groups within it.

Animals
Animal-focused non-profits are often no-kill animal shelters or breed-specific rescue societies. Some animal non-profits introduce pets to disadvantaged groups such as low-income children, disabled persons or the elderly.

     Animal Rescue League: http://www.arlboston.org

Environment and the Outdoors
This category includes non-profit activities that take place outside. For example, Habitat for Humanity volunteers build houses for low-income people. Nature conservancies work to protect the environment.

     Boston GreenSpace Alliance: http://www.greenspacealliance.org/home
     Charles River Conservancy: http://www.charlesriverconservancy.org

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete Atlanta guide.