I agree with Jane. Donating a little time to a not for profit organization is a great way to get your feet wet, and to do some good at the same time.

Here are my recommendations if you choose to do some Pro Bono work for a not-for profit organization:

1. Make sure that it is an organization that you support wholeheartedly.
2. Make sure that you give them a great site. Don't short change them. They can become a great portofolio builder and advocate for you.
3. Make sure that you take advantage of networking opportunities that may arise out of the organizations. If they have events where other donors attend, make sure you are there, and meet other donors and tell them what you are doing. These donors usually have money and like to spend it with people who give back to the community especially if you both support the same charity.
4. Make sure you check to see if there might be grants that could underwrite future enhancements to the site. If not, it's not a big deal, but it never hurts to check.

Good luck!

Vi Wickam
Principal Web Solutions

PS. Freelancing and Open Source contribution are also great ideas for getting some experience and gaining credibility.