Could you see yourself being part of the government's Big Society plans? Or taking a key role in the London 2012 Olympics?
No, we're not talking about training as a top athlete or becoming a politician but how a flourishing volunteer movement has been seen as key to both of these.
After all, up to 70,000 volunteers — so-called Games Makers — are being recruited ahead of the 2012 event.
And going by reports about the soaring numbers of people taking an interest in voluntary work, those keen to fill these opportunities shouldn't have to look far.
As more people found themselves out of work due to the recession the number of applicants to volunteering organisations rocketed, the BBC reported, with research showing people wanted the experience of volunteering to help them find a job.
It's certainly a job seeking strategy that employers agree with, as three-quarters of employers in a recent survey confirmed volunteering can give a boost to career prospects, according to a Guardian Money article.
So, if you want to make the most of these increased opportunities we've assembled a panel of experts to tell you how you can enhance your skills through volunteering — join them on 16 August at 1pm.
The discussion is now open for advance questions.
Our panel:
Sophie Hulm is corporate responsibility manager at the City of London Corporation, which acts as the local authority for the Square Mile. Sophie manages the City Action team, which provides a free volunteering matchmaking service for City-based companies and community organisations. Sophie also manages the City of London Corporation's own employee volunteering programme.
Andrea Grace Rannard is senior student volunteering manager for Volunteering England. Andrea also writes for several publications to raise the profile of volunteering and community engagement, including The Independent and The Big Issue. She is involved with a range of voluntary work in her spare time.
Stuart Murray is student liaison officer for learning provider Warrington Collegiate. Stuart recently took part in a 10-week volunteering programme in India. Part of his experiences included volunteering in classrooms and working on rebuilding projects.
Clare Whitmell is a qualified business communication trainer who specialises in writing and presentation skills coaching. She also blogs CV writing and job hunting tips on JobMarketSuccess.com.
Kate Bowgett is volunteer management adviser for London Museums Hub, a partnership between four London museums. Kate's role involves supporting the development of volunteer involvement. She has been working in volunteer management for the last twelve years and has written several books about volunteering.
Laura Owen is a volunteer manager at online charity YouthNet, which offers advice and information to young people aged between 16 and 25. Laura's role involves supporting YouthNet staff in creating volunteering opportunities and recruiting and managing these volunteers.
Kelly Ventress is communications officer for NCVO Working For A Charity — an organisation which promotes careers and opportunities within the charity sector.
Alison O'Brien and Danielle Azanuwha are personal advisers at Greater Merseyside Connexions. Connexions provides impartial information, advice and guidance (including careers advice) to young people and supports them in planning for the future.
Helen Timbrell is head of volunteering at the National Trust. More than 60,000 volunteers supported the National Trust last year in over 200 different roles. As well as working in volunteering, Helen is also a volunteer herself as a Trustee of YWCA, the national charity for disadvantaged women and girls.
Caroline Moody is a volunteering adviser in the National Trust. Caroline heads up the team looking after the National Trust's local supporter groups and is leading work looking at diversity in volunteering. Prior to the Trust, Caroline worked in the field of community engagement and fundraising, and volunteered on the committee of a community action group in Birmingham.
