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, or applying, to volunteer in a more official way, being supported in your role, receiving orientation and training, and being recognized for your contributions. Formal volunteer roles are usually posted in some way where potential volunteers can consider if the role posted appeals to them.
  • Informal volunteering refers to activities where individuals contribute their time and skills to help others or support a cause without being part of an organized or structured volunteer program. These activities typically involve personal initiatives and are often carried out on an individual basis or within a small community (e.g., helping a neighbour clear snow or with gardening, doing a community clean-up, baking for a local fund-raising bake sale, offering a car ride to someone who needs to grocery shop, offering support to individuals or families during times of crisis, such as providing a meal, or offering a listening ear, etc.).

Applying for formal volunteer opportunities is a positive and rewarding endeavour.  

  1. Organizations will usually post, or put out a call, for volunteer opportunities in several ways to find the people they need for various volunteer activities.
  2. When organizations put out a call for volunteers, they include important details, requirements and expectations. Carefully read the requirements and expectations for each volunteer role that is posted. Consider factors such as time commitment, skills needed, and any specific qualifications. Do these fit with your interests, availability/time commitment and needs?
  3. Organizations will also tell you what to do to apply. Most formal volunteer opportunities require filling out an application — this may be available online or in-person. Provide accurate information about your skills, availability, and why you’re interested in volunteering. A few organizations may ask you to phone or email them.
  4. Some volunteer positions, especially those involving vulnerable populations, may require more robust screening steps or background checks (reference checks and/or a police records check). Be prepared to undergo this process if necessary.
  5. Some organizations conduct information sessions for potential volunteers. These sessions will provide some details about the organization and their cause and offer ideas for getting involved as a volunteer and tell you how to apply. Attending these sessions, before you officially apply, helps you learn more, and you can ask questions too.
  6. Some organizations conduct assessment interviews as part of the process for those who are applying to volunteer for a period of time in a role with specific responsibilities. Prepare for an interview by understanding the organization’s values and being ready to discuss your skills and experiences. Bring your list of questions for them with you to the interview.
  7. Once accepted to volunteer, read any policies they ask of you and attend any required orientation and training sessions. Then enjoy making a positive impact in your community!

Remember, the process will vary based on the organization and the nature of the volunteer opportunity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and communicate with the volunteer coordinator or manager for guidance throughout the application process. Volunteering can be a truly fulfilling experience, and your contributions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Answers to some of your important questions:

What type of training do organizations provide, and how long is it before I can start volunteering?
Some organizations offer training specific to your role and some offer general types of training to the organization as a whole. These more general trainings could be on topics such as: understanding the challenges of the population you’ll be volunteering with and how to best support the community members (e.g., poverty, disabilities, patients, etc.), policies and procedures (e.g., health & safety, child protection)

What type of training do organizations provide, and how long is it before I can start volunteering?
Some organizations offer training specific to your role and some offer general types of training to the organization as a whole. These more general trainings could be on topics such as: understanding the challenges of the population you’ll be volunteering with and how to best support the community members (e.g., poverty, disabilities, patients, etc.), policies and procedures (e.g., health & safety, child protection, etc.).

How long after the training will I begin volunteering?
It depends on the organization and their policies. If, for instance, you’ll be working with children you will be required to take their children protection policy training before you begin volunteering. So, once that training is done you could start, unless there are other trainings required before you begin. Some trainings are offered once you are volunteering, these would not be crucial to your role prior to starting, they would be “nice to have” trainings that can educate you and enhance your understanding.

What if I can’t fill out the application form?
Remember there are people behind these forms and processes, call them and talk with them and they will help you.

Why do I have to complete so many forms to volunteer?
It may seem like a bureaucratic process, but it serves several important purposes to ensure a safe and meaningful volunteering experience. Organizations want to ensure the safety of both volunteers and the people they serve. Background checks and personal information help establish a level of trust and security for everyone involved. Completing forms helps organizations comply with legal requirements and ensures they have necessary information in case of emergencies or liability issues. Some organizations, especially those receiving government funding or grants, may have reporting requirements. The data collected through forms can fulfill these obligations and demonstrate the impact of their programs to stakeholders.

Can I follow up with the organization once I send in an application to them?
Yes, that’s a good idea, so you’re not left waiting and wondering if it’s taking them some time to get back to you.

How do I do an online interview?
Please read our article “What is Zoom or a Video Meeting?” HERE

Will the orientation occur before or after I become a volunteer?
Usually, orientations and trainings happen once the organization accepts you as a volunteer; however, some provide pre-orientations so you can learn more, ask questions and decide if the fit is good for you.

Will I be required to share my resume with the organization?
Some organizations do ask for a resume, some don’t and some are more flexible. If you don’t have a resume ready to go, tell them. They may tell you it would be a “nice to have” rather than a firm requirement.

What if I don’t have local references?
Organizations, if needed, can reach your references almost anywhere; your references don’t have to be close to the organization. Email can reach just about anywhere and often references are provided by email or that’s an option for an organization anyway. Ask the people who have agreed to be references for you for their email address, so you’re prepared when you apply.

Are their other volunteers who would be willing to talk to me about their experience?
You can ask the volunteer manager at the organization to connect you with one or two of their volunteers who could share their experiences of volunteering there with you. Active volunteers could be a valuable vetting tool for you to make your decision to volunteer there.

If I require a police records check as part of the screening, who covers the cost?
We suggest you read our article, “Will it Cost Money to Volunteer?” found HERE.

What is a cause? What is an opportunity?
A non-profit cause represents the overarching purpose of a non-profit organization, while a volunteer opportunity is a specific role or task within that organization that aligns with the cause. Both elements are integral to the volunteer experience, as volunteers actively contribute to the cause by participating in volunteer opportunities that support the organization’s goals.

What if I can’t lift things, or I’m not physically able to do what they ask of me?
By all means speak with the volunteer manager at the organization about your physical restrictions and requirements. Also, check out our article “Ageless Access: Older Adult Friendly Spaces” found HERE.

Who will train me to do the position?
There may be a few different people who will provide the training you need. Sometimes it will be the direct supervisor to the role as they know best what the role entails. For more general training, say on health & safety protocols, that might be a different person who is tasked with providing general training for the organization.

Is formal recognition provided and what is it?
Each organization is different, so it would be best to ask them so you know. Some organizations have their own in-house recognition program from thank you cards, or coffee/tea parties, to your start-date anniversary treats and formalized awards. And some organizations do a combination of that coupled with governmental recognition programs like the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards — find out about those and others HERE.

Who will be my supervisor?
That depends. In smaller organizations your supervisor may be the volunteer coordinator who supports all the volunteers. In larger organizations your supervisor may be someone directly related to the role you take on (e.g., the housing manager in a residential program where you do friendly visiting, or the drop-in coordinator at a social community drop-in where you help prepare and serve meals and eat with the participants).

Will I be alone or with other volunteers and or staff?
This depends on the size of the organization and how many volunteers are working in your area. If you’re helping to prepare fundraising mailings there may be a team or just you. If you’re helping in a kitchen to prepare meals, you’ll probably be with a few others. In most instances there will be staff present as well. However, some organizations are entirely volunteer-led and run, so you’ll all be volunteers working in harmony for the cause.

Can I see the volunteer position description before I agree to accept the position?
Please ask the organization or the volunteer manager, they will supply you with it.

Is my volunteer contact information kept private from staff or shared in any way?
Please ask the organization this good question. All organizations should have a privacy policy. Many Ontario organizations are required by law to protect your personal information. Ask them about their privacy policy. In some cases, your contact information may be shared with your direct supervisor, so they can contact you in case of things like closures due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance.

Can I have more than one volunteer position? Can I be offered special projects that I have the skills to do the position with?
If you’re just starting out as a volunteer the wisdom is to not overdo it at first and to try volunteering out for a few weeks first to see how you feel and how it all fits with you and your schedule. Then you can speak with the volunteer manager about other opportunities and possibilities.

Do I need to know how to use a computer?
It depends. In many cases you do not need to know how to use a computer, in some cases you may. When an organization puts out a call for volunteers, they should give a summary of the role and state if computer knowledge is required for the role. And if you don’t feel comfortable to use a computer to fill in an application form, call the organization and tell them you’d like to speak to someone live.

Do you have staff who speak my language?
It’s best to contact the organization and ask. Some organizations have the capacity to provide translators if needed. Or, in some cases, there may be a volunteer or community member who may be able to provide some help.

What is an average time period between registration and placement?
Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple answer to this as there are many factors involved. In some cases you can start almost immediately, in other cases you’ll need to get your formal orientation and training first, so that might take a week or two, and in other cases they require your police records check to be clear before you can begin — this could take a few weeks.

Will I need to have all the skills required for the role?
No, you most likely won’t. Like with job postings, volunteer postings list “all” the requirements the organization hopes to get in a volunteer, but realistically they know they won’t be likely to find a person with all the skills listed. They are happy to have someone with some of the skills sought.

Do I always have to be on-site to volunteer?
Some roles are on-site some are not and some roles are a mixture of this. We suggest you read our article “Virtual Volunteering” found HERE to understand that some roles never require you be on-site.

How do I determine my accountability to the organization as a volunteer with them?
This involves understanding and fulfilling your responsibilities to the organization you are volunteering with. It’s best to speak with the volunteer manager about this. You will be required to review all materials provided to you by the organization, to take note of the specific expectations they have of you, and to attend all orientation and training sessions they require. By actively engaging with the organization, understanding expectations, and maintaining open communication, you contribute to a positive and mutually beneficial volunteer experience. This accountability ensures that you play a valuable role in supporting the organization’s mission and goals. If anything is unclear be sure to ask questions.

Can I offer suggestions for how to do things differently inn the formal process?
If, after going through with the application and screening process, you feel like offering suggestions on the formal process we can’t stop you.

We sincerely hope you enjoy the entire process and that you enjoy making a positive difference as a valuable volunteer. Thank you for stepping up! You’re going to love it!

The below are our companion articles to the above information: