What You Want and Need to Know from a Volunteer-involving Organization

You may unexpectedly hear appeals for volunteers on the radio or see an advertisement or poster. Or you may intentionally search for volunteer roles in the newspaper or through a volunteer centre or online or through people you know. Or you may wish to directly approach a charity or non-profit and offer to volunteer with them.

However you seek-out or happen to hear about opportunities to volunteer, you have every right to have questions related to volunteer involvement, and you should ask them.

It’s a good idea to write down or print-out any of the below suggested questions, and any unique questions you may have, so you are prepared when you visit or contact an organization about volunteering.

Questions you may have:

  • What volunteer opportunities do you have available?
  • What kind of time commitment do you require?
  • What hours do you expect your volunteers to be here?
  • Is there any flexibility in those expected hours?
  • How often could or would I volunteer?
  • What experience or skills do I need to volunteer with your organization?
  • What skills and abilities could put to good use?
  • Can I learn new skill and abilities?
  • What are the benefits to volunteers who volunteer here?
  • Can I offer an idea of a volunteer role that I can do that you aren’t asking for?
  • How would my volunteer involvement benefit the non-profit and community?
  • How do your volunteers contribute to the organization’s purpose and vision?
  • What is your organization’s address and office hours?
  • Is it okay if I make notes while I ask my questions?
  • Could I volunteer if I don’t own a computer or cell phone?
  • How many volunteers does the non-profit engage?
  • Do your volunteers work alone or with other volunteers?
  • Can your volunteers volunteer in more than one role?
  • Do you have virtual* volunteer opportunities as well as onsite opportunities?
  • Are all of your sites close to public transit routes?
  • I have concerns about COVID. What precautions does your organization take?
  • What does your organization do?
  • How long has your organization been in operation?
  • What kind of orientation and/or training would I receive?
  • Are your volunteers covered by your organizations insurance policy?
  • I am new to Canada and have professional qualifications in my home country. I would like to get some Canadian experience in my professional field. Are there opportunities here to do this?
  • Is there a bathroom nearby where I’d be volunteering?
  • Are your buildings fully accessible**?
  • Can your non-profit accommodate me and my physical needs?
  • Do you cover mileage or transit costs?
  • Are there any associated costs*** to me volunteering with you?
  • Are there any risks associated with volunteering?
  • Would I be able to resume volunteering if I were to go away for a period of time?
  • How do you show appreciation to and recognition of your volunteers?
  • Could I receive a reference from you for my involvement?
  • Could I invite my friends or family to volunteer with me?
  • Is there anything I can read to learn about your non-profit organization?

Regardless of age, experience or skills, each person who wishes to volunteer has unique expectations, requirements and questions. If you have questions, just ask them.

Volunteer-involving organizations usually have at least one person in charge of coordinating or managing their volunteer program. Your first stop, as a prospective volunteer, may not put you in touch with this person or the volunteer resources team immediately but there are helpful things you can most certainly find out from a receptionist. That person will eventually put you in touch with the person in charge of volunteers or a member of the volunteer resources team.

Bear in mind that some of your questions may be answered ahead of time when you look for opportunities to volunteer — those answers may be on the advertisement or posting call for volunteers. For instance, most calls for volunteers include a list of the tasks you will be asked to do, the hours and days they would want you, the skills or experiences sought and the benefits to volunteering.

 *See our article, “Virtual Volunteering” found HERE.

**See our article, “What is Accessibility?” found HERE.

***See our article, “Will it Cost Me Money to Volunteer?” found HERE.

For more helpful information, please see our article, “What to Expect from an Organization as an Older Person Who Wants to Volunteer” found HERE.