Triangle volunteering groups asks: 'What are you passionate about?'

Amber Smith got the idea to start Activate Good, a Raleigh-based nonprofit group, after she and a friend spent more than two months driving around the country, volunteering for various causes, 10 years ago.

“Along the way, we always heard the same thing – people want to get involved. They do. They care, but they aren't quite sure how to get started,” Smith said.

That journey jolted Smith into action when she returned to Raleigh.

“Activate Good is a nonprofit volunteer center, and we will connect individuals, groups and companies to volunteer needs around the Triangle,” she said.

Her organization works with 170 different charities and asks prospective volunteers specific questions.

“Well, what are you interested in? What do you like to do? What are you already passionate about?” Smith said. “I would say don't be afraid to just dip your toe in. Explore options that don't require too long term of a commitment at first.”