Tips on looking for volunteer experiences

[yellow zinnia]

Hey there!

I am a Second Year student currently studying in Western, and I have a specialization in Psychology and a minor in Linguistics. I would really like to start building up a strong extracurricular experience, and I was thinking about volunteering at a speech clinic over the summer. I was wondering if any current SLP students/applicants can give me any tips on looking for volunteer experience of this kind? What are some other extracurricular activities that may be helpful? Thanks a ton!

[draySLP1]

Hi! I tried but didn't have any luck finding volunteer opportunities at any speech clinics. I recently started volunteering at a nursing home. I don't get to do anything relating to speech therapy, but I still find it helpful for getting more comfortable with this population and better understanding their needs. A few people in my classes have volunteered in rehab centers or school programs for children with autism. I think that even if it's not a speech clinic, you can still get some good experience that way. 

[Rezzy S.]

Try connecting with your local hospital's volunteer coordinator and asking her if it would be possible to volunteer with the SLP. That's what I did  You may also want to try reaching out to some private clinics to see if there are any opportunities.