I do volunteer work at the weekend.
vo-lon-ta-RI-a-to: stress on fourth syllable. 'Fine settimana' = FI-ne set-ti-MA-na.
Use this to describe community service as a leisure activity. In Italy, volunteering is highly respected and seen as a sign of good character. Mentioning where you volunteer (hospital, library, animal shelter) personalises the statement.
'Fare volontariato' is the standard phrase. 'Volontario/a' is the noun (volunteer). Italy has a strong civil society ('terzo settore') with hundreds of thousands of volunteer-based associations. The verb 'fare' + noun is again used for activities.
Sono volontario/a della Croce Rossa.
I am a Red Cross volunteer.
Specific and widely respected organisation in Italy
Aiuto i bambini a leggere come tutor volontario.
I help children read as a volunteer tutor.
Educational volunteering
Mi impegno nel sociale nel tempo libero.
I am engaged in social work in my free time.
Broader, slightly more formal expression
Voluntarism ('volontariato') is deeply rooted in Italian Catholic social tradition. Organisations like Caritas, AVIS (blood donors), and Protezione Civile (civil protection) depend almost entirely on volunteers. In many small towns, voluntary associations are the backbone of community life.