i volunteer in my spare time.
[{"role": "system", "content": "Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity where an individual or group provides services for no financial or social gain \"to benefit another person, group or organization\". Volunteering is also renowned for skill development and is often intended to promote goodness or to improve human quality of life. Volunteering may have positive benefits for the volunteer as well as for the person or community served. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as-needed basis, such as in response to a natural disaster. The verb was first recorded in 1755. It was derived from the noun \"volunteer\", in C.1600, \"one who offers himself for military service,\" from the Middle French \"voluntaire\". In the non-military sense, the word was first recorded during the 1630s. The word \"volunteering\" has more recent usage\u2014still predominantly military\u2014coinciding with the phrase \"community service\". In a military context, a volunteer army is a military body whose soldiers chose to enter service, as opposed to having been conscripted. Such volunteers do not work \"for free\" and are given regular pay.\n"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Have you ever done any volunteering - it's good for skill development and of course improves the quality of life."}, {"role": "user", "content": "I've been wanting to, but I don't really know where to get started. Can you point me in the right direction?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Some organizations even offer online volunteering opportunities so that could be something you look into."}, {"role": "user", "content": "That would be perfect for me! I'd like to get my kids involved also. I think they can learn a lot by giving back. Are there any opportunities for families?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "This is actually a great family activity, there are benefits for the kids and the community.  One thing my girls love doing is ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Christmas -"}, {"role": "user", "content": "That's a great idea! So many people are in need, especially around the holidays! Do you need any particular skill or training to become a volunteer?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Many volunteers are trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education, rescue, but no you do not have to be at all!  Look into local food ministries, they usually need help unloading food, organizing, etc.."}, {"role": "user", "content": "Thanks for the advice! Is there anything else I should know about volunteering before I get started?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Keep an eye out for places to serve on an as-needed basis, like in response to a natural disaster or an event in your local area.  Those are always good to get involved in."}, {"role": "user", "content": "We often get hit with hurricanes where I live, so I'm sure my family can help with cleanup! "}]