Information, Tips and Articles to Ensure The Tasks and Place are Right for You
Want to know what questions to ask to get all the information you need about volunteering? We’ve put together some great articles and tips to help you ask the right questions and get the information you need to ensure the place and tasks are right for you before you agree to volunteer somewhere.
Some curated articles just for you, to guide you towards a volunteer experience that is right for you:
Applying to Volunteer Opportunities
If you haven’t volunteered formally before there are details you may not be familiar with and while we’re at it, we’ll answer some of your important questions related to applying to volunteer. Firstly, let’s explain formal vs informal volunteering: Formal volunteering is usually through, with or on behalf of an organization, and it has a formal structure to it — this often involves formally signing up, [read full article]
Why should I volunteer
Do you need some motivation? Rationale? Inspiration? There is no “should” about it but watch the videos below to see what active volunteers, and others, have to say about volunteering — you can’t help but be inspirited and motivated! Enjoy! “The Value of Volunteering: Advice to New Volunteers” found HERE “Mark Bezos: A life lesson from a volunteer firefighter” found HERE “Best inspiring Animated short film [read full article]
YouTube – Getting Started
Whether you are looking to volunteer or are volunteering, there are several reasons why knowing and understanding YouTube will be of value to you. YouTube is like a vast library of videos on the internet. It has everything from educational tutorials and how-to-do-it instructional videos to music and movies. You can watch, learn, and enjoy all sorts of things by simply searching and clicking on YouTube’s [read full article]
Facebook – Getting Started
Knowing how to use Facebook will expand your ways to find volunteer opportunities as most organizations have a Facebook page where they post their opportunities. And some smaller organizations can’t afford a formal website, so they use Facebook instead because it’s free to everyone, including you. Facebook is a social media platform. Setting up a Facebook profile is a pretty straightforward process. If you’re new to [read full article]
LinkedIn – Getting Started
LinkedIn (“linked in”) helps you connect with people, discover opportunities, stay updated in your field, and it’s a social media platform that some organizations use to post volunteer opportunities. LinkedIn is like attending a virtual professional conference where you can interact with others in your industry or the industry you are keen to learn more about. You can get a free basic LinkedIn membership when you [read full article]
How volunteering can help me transition to a new career
Using volunteering as a pathway to transition into a new job or career can be a strategic and fulfilling approach at any age. Can volunteering help you transition to a new career or help you find employment? The short answer is yes; yes, volunteering can help you with your employment goals. The longer answer involves some steps you can take which are laid out below. And [read full article]
Health & Safety Considerations for Volunteering
Is it safe to volunteer since COVID and lockdowns? Is it safe to volunteer in a hospital or anywhere with all those germs and illnesses? What safety considerations should I know or think about when it comes to volunteering? It’s challenging to provide an over-all answer to these good questions as there are many factors involved to consider; everyone is different and our personal safety metre [read full article]
When Can I Volunteer? I’m So Busy!
You really want to volunteer but are finding it challenging to figure out how to amongst your other commitments and competing priorities. Yes, this can be a challenge when you are blessed with a busy full life. We hear you. There are over 170,000 charitable and non-profits in Canada, so you have choices! Some first steps you can take: Make a list of your priorities and [read full article]
How to Manage Challenges in My Volunteer Role
So, you’ve encountered a difficulty — it’s more common than you may think. First of all, it’s so wonderful that you’ve stepped up to volunteer, to make the world a better place, and that you’re actively volunteering! Secondly, it’s so important that you’ve selected this article to seek solutions, and not just walked away from a difficult situation. Not knowing the specifics of your situation, we’ll [read full article]
Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer
As a volunteer, you have the responsibility to: Greet staff or your supervisor when you arrive, so they know you're there Fill in all paperwork and policy sign-offs as required (e.g., safety protocols) Inform your supervisor as soon as possible if you'll be late or absent or want some time off Be reliable, responsible, friendly, respectful and demonstrate integrity Ask any questions to clarify or get [read full article]
What to Expect from the Organization where you are a Volunteer
From the volunteer-involving organization, you should expect to: Feel welcomed Have a clear understanding and expectations of your role and responsibilities — found in a volunteer position description of your role, ask for one if you don't get one Have an orientation to the organization, their policies, and to your specific role Receive training(s) as needed to perform your role Know the organization's COVID protocols and [read full article]
Ageless Access
Accessible Places and Spaces Matter All people should be able to and have the ability to participate fully in all aspects of society. All the ingredients are in place for a renaissance in the world of volunteering, and Canada’s aging population will be a vital element of that rebirth. Canadians who volunteer their time tend to be older and as our population matures into a growing [read full article]
Will It Cost Me Money to Volunteer
The short answer: It might cost you some money, but it depends. The longer answer: There may be associated costs to do with your volunteer involvement, but you won’t be handing over money to anyone in order to volunteer. You can be sure that, if there are any costs required or incurred, they will be in direct relation to your volunteer activity. Each organization is different [read full article]
What to Ask an Organization Before Volunteering
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 [read full article]
