Choosing an Organization
Questions to consider when looking to volunteer
Do you have the time?
Consider when you can volunteer. Are there certain hours you prefer to volunteer? Would you like to volunteer after work, after school, during the day or evenings, weekdays or weekends? Are there certain hours that you are available?
Think about time commitment. Can you volunteer for one-time events or short-term projects? Are you interested in volunteering once or working on a project over a period of time? Would you like to commit to an ongoing volunteer opportunity? Are you more flexible and can volunteer when you're most needed?
What cause do you want to support?
Are there specific issues, causes or events that are important to you? For example, animal rights preservation. What activities interest you? For example, caring for the elderly. Think about an issue you care about. Maybe you want to help battle illiteracy or homelessness and hunger. Some people volunteer because of something that has affected them through personal experience or through the news. Perhaps they know someone who has overcome challenges in life. Some examples might be domestic violence, breast cancer or AIDS/HIV.
What skills can you offer or learn?
Do you have any specific skills or knowledge you feel would be useful? Volunteering can be a great way to practice your skills or learn new ones. Perhaps you're skilled in giving presentations or maybe you're interested in enhancing your web design skills or your communication skills.
Are you a college student or professional looking to build your resume? If so, you can look for a position that will provide practical training and experience.
Where would you like to volunteer?
Consider if you want to volunteer somewhere close to work, school or your home. Make sure you have access to reliable transportation. If you don't want to travel anywhere, there are virtual opportunities where you can volunteer with the convenience of a computer. There are also tasks that could be primarily completed from your own home. Is there a particular location that would be a convenient or fun place for you to volunteer?
With whom would you like to work?
Think about what type of interaction you would like to have while volunteering. Do you enjoy working with children, senior citizens, families or animals?
Would you enjoy working more with older adults, teens, children, or another age group? Some people find more satisfaction in volunteering for the cause and not necessarily directly working with a client. Maybe you're interested in working in an office, serving on a board or committee of a nonprofit agency, or would prefer advocating for the environment or fundraising for a human service agency.
Consider if you would prefer to volunteer on your own or with others in a group.
Once you've chosen an opportunity through Volunteer211.com, what's next?
Learn as much as you can about that agency. Then contact the agency and ask about available opportunities. Arrange for an interview or sign up for a volunteer position. Ask for a brochure. Visit the actual location if you interview with them. Ask about the agency's requirements of volunteers.
Do your part. Successful volunteering takes cooperation.
Fulfill requirements asked of you by the agency (e.g. complete a background check, take a tuberculosis test).
Attend the agency's orientation and required training. These will help you better understand the agency, its clients and your role as a volunteer.
Arrive on time.
Keep communication lines open between you, the volunteer coordinator, staff and/or clients.
Ask questions when appropriate.
And remember…"how wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world". -Anne Frank |
