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:

  1. Make a list of your priorities and the other things you commit to. It actually helps to have it written in front of you, so your eyes can then see where the time gaps are and your brain can be free to consider the possibilities.
  2. It might help to put your written list into a calendar or graph.
  3. Factor in the time it takes to get to each of your commitments as well (if you travel to and from these).
  4. Now look at your schedule for the week or month and notice where there are openings when you could volunteer.
  5. Are you available in the mornings or afternoons or evenings? What about weekends or weekdays?
  6. Now that you have a pretty good idea when you are available you can begin to see when you could volunteer.

Some non-profits only offer volunteer opportunities during regular weekday business hours — but not all — many have evening meals or activities, weekend events, or 24-hour business like a shelter, care centre or hospital.

 Some next steps you can take:

  1. Consider the time commitment you can make.

Could you volunteer for 2 hours per week, or once a day, or once per month, or twice per year…? Volunteer opportunities can be one-day, short-term (3 months or less) or long-term (3+ months). Some opportunities are for 1 hour per week or 3 hours…

Some opportunities have a flexible schedule built right in — virtual volunteering* is often entirely flexible — there are choices with flexible schedules.

  1. Consider what kind of commitment you can realistically make, or want to make, so that you can find the right fit for you and your busy schedule.

Communication with the organization you volunteer with is key.

Some reassuring facts:

  1. It’s okay to take a shift off, for whatever reason, just let your contact at the organization know because they’ll miss you, and they can cover for you if needed.
  2. It is okay to take a longer time take time off, a leave of absence, if you have other commitments in your life or you travel or work or for personal reasons. Just let the organization know as soon as you know, so they can get someone to cover for you, if needed.
  3. If your life circumstances change and the commitment you’ve promised is not longer doable, but you wish to keep volunteering in some capacity, speak with your organization contact. Chances are good they will be able to accommodate the change and you can keep volunteering with a different schedule.
  4. If you require flexibility built into your role, for whatever reason, speak with your contact at the organization. You can try to work it out together.
  5. In some cases, you can choose your own shifts — again talk about this with your organization contact.
  6. Yes, even if you look after your grandchildren (regularly or on and off), which may interfere at times with your volunteering, you can speak with your organization contact person about it.
  7. If you have to withdraw from volunteering all together, be sure to let the organization know as soon as possible. They will want to celebrate your contributions and thank you for your commitment.
  8. If the weather is bad and you don’t feel comfortable going out in it — just let your contact know — there is a possibility the place is closed because of the weather as well.

Volunteer involving organizations know their volunteers have lives outside of their volunteer commitments. It won’t surprise them to know you have competing priorities. They respect your time and contributions. Happy volunteering!

*Check out our articles: