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Health & Fitness

Volunteering: Look Before You Leap

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times – volunteering is rewarding, fun and a great way to give back to the community - but it’s also a big commitment. So how do you know if you’re ready to make the leap into a service project? We’ve put together 6 questions to ask yourself before you get going.

1. Am I Choosing The Right Agency?

With so many fantastic nonprofits in our region, there is no shortage of volunteer opportunities. You can find information on dozens and dozens of them on VolunteerSquare. We suggest you take your time and get to know an agency, its mission and its staff before you take on a project. The more you know before you start, the better off you’ll be.

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2. What Are My Goals?

It’s great that you want to volunteer and help people, but if you’re using volunteering as a pathway to a career or to help pave your way to college, you should have a game plan. We’ve talked at length about how volunteering can give you a career boost. Follow some of our guidelines: establish deliverables, make sure you’re doing relevant work, ask for recommendations, and most of all, make sure you give it your best!

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3. Is This the Right Environment?

Consider what type of environment you're looking for. Is it a vibrant, kid-filled agency like Domus? Or maybe you’d prefer a role that allows you to work alone or in a more quiet setting like a library or museum? This goes back to #1 – spend a bit of time interviewing the agency, too!

4. What Can I Bring To This Agency?

In addition to our more specialized opportunities on VolunteerSquare, such as accountants and marketers, there are also a lot of generalist volunteer roles, either on an ongoing basis or for one-time events. The requirements for these types of opportunities are usually varied and flexible, so ask yourself what you can do. Anything that can benefit the environment in which you’re volunteering is a viable skill to talk about and put to use!

5. Do I Have The Time?

This is a big one. A lot of people want to volunteer, but aren’t sure that they have the time for it. The good news is that volunteering doesn’t have to be a 9-to-5 thing. There are tons of time slots like weekends, evenings, and even holidays available. Be realistic about what you have time for and find an opportunity that matches your schedule. Consider other factors like travel time to and from the agency, too.

6. Do I Need Special Training?

This sometimes surprises people. Whether you will be tutoring or helping with a fundraiser, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to have at least some training prior to your first shift. You may not be getting paid for your work but it’s important that you are as familiar with the agency and its policies as possible before you start. Also expect to fill out paperwork and a formal application. Depending on the volunteer role, you may also be subject to background checks.

We hope asking yourself these questions before you embark on your volunteer experience will go a long way toward making it a happy one.

If you’re still looking for your volunteer project, visit us at VolunteerSquare.com and check out our most recent postings. Be sure to sign up for our free, custom e-alerts that will keep you updated on the volunteer projects that interest you most. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter, too! 

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